Lake City, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,988
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,600/yr
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,122
3.1% year-over-year change

Lake City population

How many people live in Lake City

Lake City is home to 5,988 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.9% of Lake City locals are male, and 55.1% are female.

Total population
5,988
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.9%
2,689
Female
55.1%
3,299
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,689 44.9% 9.3%
Female 3,299 55.1% -7.6%
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 City is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 18.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
18.1%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 746 12.5% -4.8%
15 to 24 1,082 18.1% 22.4%
25 to 44 1,380 23% -7.4%
45 to 64 1,574 26.3% -9.9%
Over 65 1,206 20.1% 7.0%
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 City, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,896 98.5% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 85 1.4% -2.3%
Non-citizens 7 0.1% -65.0%
Racial breakdown
White
22.6%
Black or African American
69.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,354 22.6%
Black or African American 4,155 69.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25 0.4%
Two or more races 454 7.6%

Households in Lake City

A peek inside Lake City households

Lake City has 2,612 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43.4% are families, while the remaining 56.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,612
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,479
Family households
1,133
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,479 56.6% 5.0%
Family households 1,133 43.4% -0.9%
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 City

The housing landscape of Lake City

Lake City's housing consists of 3,122 units, with 67.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,122
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,095 67.1%
1 unit, attached 30 1%
2 units 312 10%
3 or 4 units 238 7.6%
5 to 9 units 212 6.8%
10 to 19 units 106 3.4%
20 to 49 units 24 0.8%
Mobile home 105 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake City

In Lake City, the median construction year is 1973. About 5.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 175 5.6% -13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 388 12.4% 12.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 341 10.9% -9.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 432 13.8% -11.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 781 25% 30.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 314 10.1% 2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 234 7.5% -4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 159 5.1% 62.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 284 9.1% -23.2%
Built in 2020 or later 14 0.4% N/A
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 City occupancy rates

Out of the 2,612 occupied housing units in Lake City, 43.5% are owner-occupied, while 56.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,612
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,475
Owner occupied
1,137
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,475 56.5% -0.2%
Owner occupied 1,137 43.5% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
16.3%
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 City housing costs

Housing costs in Lake City come to a median of $669 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $702.

Median housing costs per month
$669/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 City
$702/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 City

Lake City education at a glance

About 56.8% of the population in Lake City went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 10.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 239 4.8% 29.2%
High school diploma 2,801 56.8% 0.9%
College diploma 902 18.3% -11.1%
Associate degree 172 3.5% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 516 10.5% -18.7%
Graduate degree 299 6.1% 26.2%
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 City

How much people earn in Lake City

The average annual household income in Lake City was $51,913 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,600, reflecting a -4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake City
$51,913/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake City
$33,600/year
-4.0% year-over-year change

Lake City income by age

In Lake City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,329. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $37,500 overall. Overall, 74.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,329 5.9%
45 - 64 $37,500 -4.3%
Over 65 $27,353 -3.1%
Above poverty level
4,417
Below poverty level
1,491
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,417 74.8% -2.5%
Below poverty level 1,491 25.2% 4.3%

Employment in Lake City

Workforce and job types in Lake City

The job market in Lake City is powered by 2,478 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,478
-7.0% year-over-year change
White collar
2,112
Blue collar
366
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,112 85.2% -5.1%
Blue collar 366 14.8% -16.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 157 6.3% 9.0%
Private companies 1,579 63.7% -7.4%
Governmental workers 454 18.3% -11.2%
Not for profit companies 288 11.6% -5.0%
Unemployment rate
9.7%
34.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake City stands at 9.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lake City

How people get around in Lake City

Commuting methods vary: 91.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,231 91.1% -12.1%
Bus or trolleybus 16 0.6% 60.0%
Walk 37 1.5% 27.6%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Lake City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29560 12,277 5,164 $46,601 $71,659

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FAQs about Lake City demographics 

What is the total population of Lake City?

Lake City has a total population of 5,988 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake City?

The gender ratio in Lake City is as follows:
  • 44.9% males (2,689 residents)
  • 55.1% females (3,299 residents)

What is the median age in Lake City?

The median age in Lake City is 43.7.

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

The age distribution in Lake City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (746 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.1% (1,082 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (1,380 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (1,574 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (1,206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City is as follows:
  • White: 22.6% (1,354 residents)
  • Black or African American: 69.4% (4,155 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (25 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (454 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Lake City.

How many housing units are there in Lake City?

There are 3,122 housing units in Lake City, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake City has a total of 2,612 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake City?

Lake City has a median household income of $33,600, representing a -4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lake City?

The employment rate is 90.3% in Lake City, with a workforce of 2,478 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.2% (2,112 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.8% (366 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (157 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (1,579 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (454 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.6% (288 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