Discover the Rainiest Place in South Carolina (Over 6 Ft of Rain!)

Many people in the United States live in areas with mild to moderate rainfall throughout the year. After all, precipitation is needed to sustain life. But some areas get more rain than others, even leading to regular flooding and damage. 

South Carolina, as a whole, receives more rain than the United States average. As a state in the southeast, it is known for its humidity and lush vegetation. But even with its higher-than-normal rainfall, some cities and towns are known for accumulating much more than the average monthly precipitation. Discover the rainiest place in South Carolina, including the area’s climate averages and how it compares on a national level.

What Is the Rainiest Place in South Carolina?

The rainiest place in South Carolina is Six Mile, which receives an average annual precipitation of 72.96 inches. The town receives over six feet of rain each year. This number may seem alarming, but the town has a minor risk of flooding. Much of their precipitation is spaced evenly throughout the year.

Six Mile received its name from the six-mile distance between it and Fort Prince George, which was constructed in 1753. In fact, many of the towns in the area are named for their distance from the fort, such as 12 Mile and 18 Mile. The town of Six Mile is only 1.8 square miles but features many amenities its residents need, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other professional services.

Where Is Six Mile Located on a Map?

The small town of Six Mile is situated in Pickens County in northwest South Carolina. It sits near Lake Keowee and the Nantahala National Forest. It’s approximately 45 minutes west of Greenville, South Carolina. Six Mile is part of the Greenville–Mauldin–Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The History and Population of Six Mile

The area known as Six Mile was the land of the Cherokee Nation until 1777 when it was signed over to the state of South Carolina. However, due to the region’s rugged and harsh landscape, settlers didn’t clear the land until the early 1800s. 

While a few dozen families eventually moved in, there was no real progress in the town for several decades. The first post office was erected in 1878. But Six Mile wasn’t incorporated until 1910, which was around the time businesses began opening. 

The town gained some traction until the Second World War, but people shortly began moving to bigger cities. And a devastating 1929 tornado further struck the area. 

While the town rebuilt and had several plans for major expansion, nothing ever really took hold. Most of the people that live in the area are descendants of the original settlers. As of the 2020 census, 759 people live in Six Mile, South Carolina.

Six Mile, SC Climate and Weather Averages

Overall, Six Mile has a mild, temperate climate, with higher-than-average rainfall dispersed evenly across the year. It has moderate winters with lower than the national average snow accumulation. However, it receives more snow than most cities in the state. And is slightly windier than both the state and national averages. Spring is the wet season in Six Mile, with March receiving the heaviest rains. After long, hot summer days, the town goes through a dry and pleasant dry period during autumn.

How Does the Rainiest Place in South Carolina Compare to the Rest of the State?

Wildlife in Six Mile

Because AZ Animals is all about, well, animals, here is the most common wildlife near Six Mile:

Apart from birds and fish, you can catch sight of many native mammals. Look out for deer, gray foxes, black bears, beavers, bats, coyotes, long-tailed weasels, raccoons, minks, red foxes, river otters, southern fox squirrels, skunks, and wild hogs. 

You can also see many amphibians and reptiles, like frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, and turtles. American alligators are also native to South Carolina, where they can make their way to counties and towns throughout the state.