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

Total population
16,006
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$112,097/yr
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,455
4.9% year-over-year change

Lake Wylie population

How many people live in Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie is home to 16,006 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Lake Wylie locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
16,006
5.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
8,049
Female
49.7%
7,957
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,049 50.3% 4.4%
Female 7,957 49.7% 6.5%
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 Wylie is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.6% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.6%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,774 23.6% 2.4%
15 to 24 1,865 11.6% 1.4%
25 to 44 3,844 24% 12.6%
45 to 64 4,418 27.6% 3.1%
Over 65 2,105 13.2% 7.8%
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 Wylie, 90.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.9% of locals are Caucasian, 10.2% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.5%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,506 90.6% 4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 874 5.5% 8.6%
Non-citizens 626 3.9% 22.8%
Racial breakdown
White
76.9%
Black or African American
10.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 12,315 76.9%
Black or African American 1,633 10.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 88 0.6%
Asian 360 2.2%
Two or more races 1,316 8.2%
Other 294 1.8%

Households in Lake Wylie

A peek inside Lake Wylie households

Lake Wylie has 5,841 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.4% are families, while the remaining 20.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,841
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,205
Family households
4,636
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,205 20.6% 1.1%
Family households 4,636 79.4% 5.3%
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 Wylie

The housing landscape of Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie's housing consists of 6,455 units, with 71.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.3% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,455
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,627 71.7%
1 unit, attached 603 9.3%
3 or 4 units 114 1.8%
5 to 9 units 260 4%
10 to 19 units 218 3.4%
20 to 49 units 450 7%
50 or more units 26 0.4%
Mobile home 157 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
670
26.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Wylie

In Lake Wylie, the median construction year is 2007. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 29.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 31% between 2010 and 2019, and 10.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 49 0.8% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 0.4% -54.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 148 2.3% 13.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 664 10.3% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 600 9.3% 0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 378 5.9% -11.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,924 29.8% 9.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,998 31% 3.9%
Built in 2020 or later 670 10.4% 26.4%
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 Wylie occupancy rates

Out of the 5,841 occupied housing units in Lake Wylie, 80.9% are owner-occupied, while 19.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,841
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,118
Owner occupied
4,723
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,118 19.1% -11.0%
Owner occupied 4,723 80.9% 8.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
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 Wylie housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Wylie come to a median of $1,783 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,710.

Median housing costs per month
$1,783/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 Wylie
$1,710/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 Wylie

Lake Wylie education at a glance

About 22.6% of the population in Lake Wylie went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 28.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 163 1.4% 61.4%
High school diploma 2,605 22.6% 6.2%
College diploma 2,324 20.1% 3.6%
Associate degree 1,305 11.3% -10.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,316 28.7% 6.9%
Graduate degree 1,825 15.8% 16.8%
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 Wylie

How much people earn in Lake Wylie

The average annual household income in Lake Wylie was $144,091 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $112,097, reflecting a -0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Wylie
$144,091/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Wylie
$112,097/year
-0.0% year-over-year change

Lake Wylie income by age

In Lake Wylie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $126,493. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,329 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,370, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,603 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,370 1.4%
25 - 44 $126,493 7.7%
45 - 64 $130,329 3.7%
Over 65 $71,603 -8.0%
Above poverty level
14,297
Below poverty level
1,390
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,297 91.1% 6.7%
Below poverty level 1,390 8.9% -14.6%

Average renter income in Lake Wylie

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake Wylie, their median household income was $55,401 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,401
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lake Wylie

Workforce and job types in Lake Wylie

The job market in Lake Wylie is powered by 8,054 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,054
7.1% year-over-year change
White collar
6,721
Blue collar
1,333
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,721 83.4% 8.8%
Blue collar 1,333 16.6% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,017 12.6% 1.8%
Private companies 5,766 71.6% 8.5%
Governmental workers 724 9% 3.4%
Not for profit companies 547 6.8% 8.1%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake Wylie stands at 6%, 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 Wylie

How people get around in Lake Wylie

In Lake Wylie, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
4.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,036 76.1% 4.7%
Motorcycle 19 0.2% N/A
Walk 157 2% 55.5%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lake Wylie demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Wylie?

Lake Wylie has a total population of 16,006 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 +5.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Wylie?

The gender ratio in Lake Wylie is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (8,049 residents)
  • 49.7% females (7,957 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Wylie?

The median age in Lake Wylie is 38.2.

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

The age distribution in Lake Wylie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.6% (3,774 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (1,865 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (3,844 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (4,418 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (2,105 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Wylie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Wylie is as follows:
  • White: 76.9% (12,315 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.2% (1,633 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (88 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (360 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (1,316 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (294 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.6% of the population in Lake Wylie.

How many housing units are there in Lake Wylie?

There are 6,455 housing units in Lake Wylie, reflecting a +4.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake Wylie has a total of 5,841 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Wylie?

Lake Wylie has a median household income of $112,097, representing a -0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Lake Wylie, with a workforce of 8,054 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.4% (6,721 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.6% (1,333 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (1,017 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (5,766 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (724 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (547 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