IncomeBy County

Lee County, South Carolina

Income Data

-23% vs. South Carolina average
$44,145
Median Household Income
$24,133
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,145
-23% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$24,133
-39% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Carolina
#36 / 46
by median household income

How Lee County Compares

Lee County$44,145
South Carolina Average$57,006
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,145
Median Household Income
$24,133
Per Capita Income
$101,900
Median Home Value
43.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lee County, South Carolina

Lee County faces steepest income challenges

Lee County's median household income of $44,145 falls 41% below the national median of $74,755, making it among America's lowest-income counties. The county's per capita income of $24,133 ranks substantially below national averages, reflecting deep structural economic challenges.

Lee ranks lowest in South Carolina earnings

Lee County's median household income of $44,145 trails South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 23%, ranking it among the state's poorest counties. The county's per capita income of $24,133 falls 25% below the state average of $32,382, indicating severe income concentration and limited employment opportunities.

Lee ties Hampton as region's lowest earner

Lee's $44,145 median income virtually ties Hampton County ($43,059) as the region's lowest earner, dramatically trailing peers like Laurens ($55,517), Horry ($64,623), and top performers Lancaster ($74,751). Lee and Hampton represent outlier low-income communities surrounded by comparatively stronger county economies.

Lee households balance tight budget pressures

A rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% means Lee renters dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, approaching the stress threshold for budget-constrained families. With median home values at $101,900, homeownership offers escape from rental pressures, but families must build substantial down payments on modest incomes.

Lee residents deserve financial opportunity

Despite economic headwinds, Lee residents can access federal and state programs supporting down payments, small business development, and job training that build long-term earning potential. Community development financial institutions, workforce boards, and nonprofit credit counselors provide pathways to financial stability and modest wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lee County, South Carolina?
The median household income in Lee County, South Carolina is $44,145, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Lee County?
The per capita income in Lee County is $24,133, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $44,145.
How does Lee County compare to the South Carolina average?
Lee County's median household income of $44,145 is lower than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $24,133, compared to the state average of $32,382.
What is the per capita income in Lee County, South Carolina?
The per capita income in Lee County, South Carolina is $24,133, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Lee County a low-income area in South Carolina?
Lee County's median household income of $44,145 is below the South Carolina average of $57,006. The per capita income of $24,133 is also lower than the state average of $32,382. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Lee County rank for income in South Carolina?
Lee County ranks #36 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,145 and per capita income of $24,133, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Lee County

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Your income is above the Lee County median

County median: $44,145 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-23%

vs. National Median

-41%

vs. Lee County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Carolina Average▼ 23% below
vs. National Median▼ 41% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,679) vs. median rent ($806/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Lawrence County
Arkansas
$44,164
+0%
Franklin Parish
Louisiana
$44,103
+0%
Marengo County
Alabama
$44,205
+0%
Anson County
North Carolina
$44,245
+0%
Dillon County
South Carolina
$44,038
+0%
Oregon County
Missouri
$44,259
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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