Violent Crime
1,343/100K
254% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.8%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Zion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population77
Median Age64.4 yrs
Density214/mi²
Male / Female20% / 81%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans77.0%
Economy
Per Capita$33,048
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,039M
Housing
Ownership52.5%
Zillow$135,592
Housing Units117
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,343/100K
Property10,097/100K
Health
Obesity46.8%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking16.7%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain53.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation104 ft (32 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+88.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Zion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Zion receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Zion faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
With 1,343 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,097 per 100,000, 415% above the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Zion enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Zion has a population of 77 with a density of 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 64.4 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 80.5% female and 19.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (75.3%), with 24.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 77.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.4yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $33,048 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $807, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 531 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $33,048 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $807 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,950 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 531 |
| County GDP | $1,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 110 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,592. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.5% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
In Zion, 46.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 44.1% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 11.0% report binge drinking. 33.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553. The dentist ratio is 1:3,467. 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Zion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.8% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.1% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.4% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,553 |
| Dentists | 1:3,467 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 84.5% |
| Premature Death | 19,641/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Zion has a violent crime rate of 1,343 per 100,000 residents, 254% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 10,097 per 100,000, 415% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Zion receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Zion vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,343.4/100K |
| 254% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 10,097.4/100K |
| 415% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Zion enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 104 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 104 ft (32 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 214/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.2588°N, 79.3117°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dillon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Florence Regional (FLO)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.2"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 26, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Jan 5, 2022 |
5 km SW of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Apr 26, 2025 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 3, 2022 |
5 km S of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Sep 15, 2024 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
130 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
159 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
170 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
223 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
143 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
131 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
227 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
148 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
109 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
134 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
124 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
250 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
384 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 58 fatalities, 1,390 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
59 km |
7 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
75 km |
12 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY 31 (17,004 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
71 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,111 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
93 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
73 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
39 km |
| 1998 |
981406 |
1,892 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
CM 15 16 17 |
1,871 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,870 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
COMP 1112 |
1,798 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
980803 |
1,780 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
2000 1003 |
1,768 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
19990505 |
1,756 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,754 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Zion has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and November the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Zion. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $575 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zion
What is the population of Zion?
Zion has a population of 77 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 80.5% female and 19.5% male.
Is Zion expensive to live in?
Zion is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Zion safe?
Public safety is a concern in Zion, with a violent crime rate of 1,343 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,097 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Zion receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Zion?
Zion enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Zion?
The job market in Zion is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $807. There are 531 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Zion?
Schools in Zion have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.8% of adults in Zion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Zion?
The obesity rate in Zion is 46.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 33.4% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553.
What are the demographics of Zion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Zion is 24.7% White, 75.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 77.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.5% of residents have a disability. 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
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