Lake City, SC
Population 6,032 · South Carolina
About Lake City, SC
Lake City is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 6,032 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake City features a median home value of $133,700, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lake City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $696, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,029 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (1,074 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (1,478 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake City shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lake City have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Lake City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake City, SC
Compared to national averages, Lake City has a median household income of $35,000 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,700, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $696 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Lake City's income is 40% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 34% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Lake City, SC?
Lake City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $696/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,000) that falls below the national average. However, Lake City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake City has a population of 6,032 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Lake City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lake City
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington | 6,128 | $31,240 | $163,000 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 5,786 | $51,896 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Lyman | 6,317 | $69,688 | $239,800 | Compare |
| Marion | 6,338 | $27,767 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Dillon | 6,406 | $34,964 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Clemson University | 6,434 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Laurel Bay | 5,627 | $52,094 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Walterboro | 5,490 | $48,366 | $170,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lake City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake City
What is the population of Lake City, SC?
The population of Lake City, SC is 6,032 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Lake City?
The median household income in Lake City, SC is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City, SC is $133,700, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lake City?
The median monthly rent in Lake City, SC is $696, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake City?
The unemployment rate in Lake City, SC is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake City, SC a good place to live?
Lake City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,032 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake City, SC?
20.0% of residents in Lake City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lake City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake City, SC: median home value is $133,700 (45% below national), median rent is $696/month, and median household income is $35,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake City?
The poverty rate in Lake City, SC is 24.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lake City, SC?
Lake City's population is 0.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 68.7% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.