Lakewood, SC
Population 3,154 · South Carolina
About Lakewood, SC
Lakewood is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,154 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,255 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Lakewood features a median home value of $260,900, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lakewood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $928, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,745 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (926 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (527 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lakewood shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lakewood have an average one-way commute time of 29.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Lakewood 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 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lakewood, SC
Compared to national averages, Lakewood has a median household income of $49,255 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $260,900, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $928 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Lakewood's income is 16% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 29% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Lakewood, SC?
Lakewood offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $928/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,255) that falls below the national average. However, Lakewood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lakewood has a population of 3,154 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Lakewood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lakewood
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingstree | 3,161 | $28,776 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Denmark | 3,141 | $33,100 | $73,000 | Compare |
| East Gaffney | 3,169 | $26,314 | $78,900 | Compare |
| Cherryvale | 3,136 | $41,563 | $91,000 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 3,124 | $50,669 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Lesslie | 3,202 | $86,500 | $240,300 | Compare |
| Saluda | 3,095 | $40,567 | $81,500 | Compare |
| North Hartsville | 3,217 | $59,990 | $99,700 | 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 Lakewood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakewood
What is the population of Lakewood, SC?
The population of Lakewood, SC is 3,154 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 Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood, SC is $49,255 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood, SC is $260,900, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lakewood?
The median monthly rent in Lakewood, SC is $928, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lakewood?
The unemployment rate in Lakewood, SC is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lakewood, SC a good place to live?
Lakewood offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,154 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lakewood, SC?
14.6% of residents in Lakewood 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 Lakewood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lakewood, SC: median home value is $260,900 (7% above national), median rent is $928/month, and median household income is $49,255. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lakewood?
The poverty rate in Lakewood, SC is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lakewood, SC?
Lakewood's population is 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 44.4% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.