Lake Murray, Columbia, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,677
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,142/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,731
1.1% year-over-year change

Lake Murray population

How many people live in Lake Murray

Lake Murray is home to 9,677 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Lake Murray locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
9,677
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
4,458
Female
53.9%
5,219
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,458 46.1% -3.4%
Female 5,219 53.9% 2.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lake Murray is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
23.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,443 14.9% -3.6%
15 to 24 1,148 11.9% -4.7%
25 to 44 2,267 23.4% -9.3%
45 to 64 2,540 26.2% 7.3%
Over 65 2,279 23.6% 7.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lake Murray, 92.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 63.2% of locals are Caucasian, 25.6% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,917 92.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 578 6% 4.1%
Non-citizens 181 1.9% -7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
63.2%
Black or African American
25.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 6,112 63.2%
Black or African American 2,482 25.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 48 0.5%
Asian 273 2.8%
Two or more races 485 5%
Other 277 2.9%

Households in Lake Murray

A peek inside Lake Murray households

Lake Murray has 4,424 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,424
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,835
Family households
2,589
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,835 41.5% 1.3%
Family households 2,589 58.5% 1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lake Murray

The housing landscape of Lake Murray

Lake Murray's housing consists of 4,731 units, with 62.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,731
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,946 62.3%
1 unit, attached 466 9.8%
2 units 44 0.9%
3 or 4 units 129 2.7%
5 to 9 units 234 5%
10 to 19 units 372 7.9%
20 to 49 units 249 5.3%
50 or more units 139 2.9%
Mobile home 151 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
77
16.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Murray

In Lake Murray, the median construction year is 1986. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 58 1.2% -13.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8 0.2% -52.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 27 0.6% -41.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 3.4% -14.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,371 29% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,294 27.4% 2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 750 15.9% -10.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 585 12.4% 20.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 397 8.4% 13.4%
Built in 2020 or later 77 1.6% 16.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lake Murray occupancy rates

Out of the 4,424 occupied housing units in Lake Murray, 67.9% are owner-occupied, while 32.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,424
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,421
Owner occupied
3,002
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,421 32.1% 8.8%
Owner occupied 3,002 67.9% -1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lake Murray housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Murray come to a median of $1,207 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,452.

Median housing costs per month
$1,207/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lake Murray
$1,452/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lake Murray

Lake Murray education at a glance

About 24.9% of the population in Lake Murray went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 26.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 99 1.3% -2.0%
High school diploma 1,960 24.9% 0.1%
College diploma 1,680 21.4% 1.3%
Associate degree 714 9.1% -1.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,054 26.1% 5.5%
Graduate degree 1,352 17.2% -1.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lake Murray

How much people earn in Lake Murray

The average annual household income in Lake Murray was $99,386 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,142, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Murray
$99,386/year
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Murray
$77,142/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Lake Murray income by age

In Lake Murray, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,555. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,668 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,388, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,584 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,388 -0.2%
25 - 44 $90,555 -4.9%
45 - 64 $90,668 -2.3%
Over 65 $72,584 14.0%
Above poverty level
8,761
Below poverty level
887
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,761 90.8% -0.9%
Below poverty level 887 9.2% 11.3%

Employment in Lake Murray

Workforce and job types in Lake Murray

85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 59.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,002
Blue collar
707
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,002 85% -6.4%
Blue collar 707 15% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
59.8%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 499 10.6% 2.9%
Private companies 2,814 59.8% -4.3%
Governmental workers 936 19.9% -4.5%
Not for profit companies 460 9.8% -12.9%

Transportation in Lake Murray

How people get around in Lake Murray

In Lake Murray, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,954 98.2% -5.5%
Taxicab 15 0.4% 200.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 100.0%
Bicycle 1 0% -50.0%
Walk 56 1.4% -22.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Lake Murray demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Murray?

Lake Murray has a total population of 9,677 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Murray?

The gender ratio in Lake Murray is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (4,458 residents)
  • 53.9% females (5,219 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Murray?

The median age in Lake Murray is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lake Murray?

The age distribution in Lake Murray is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (1,443 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (1,148 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (2,267 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (2,540 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.6% (2,279 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Murray?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Murray is as follows:
  • White: 63.2% (6,112 residents)
  • Black or African American: 25.6% (2,482 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (48 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (273 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (485 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (277 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lake Murray are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.2% of the population in Lake Murray.

How many housing units are there in Lake Murray?

There are 4,731 housing units in Lake Murray, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lake Murray and what is the average household size?

Lake Murray has a total of 4,424 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Murray?

Lake Murray has a median household income of $77,142, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lake Murray?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (4,002 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (707 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (499 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.8% (2,814 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (936 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (460 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025