Lakewood, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,544
12.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,500/yr
14.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,709
-2.1% year-over-year change

Lakewood population

How many people live in Lakewood

Lakewood is home to 3,544 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.3% of Lakewood locals are male, and 56.7% are female.

Total population
3,544
12.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.3%
1,533
Female
56.7%
2,011
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,533 43.3% 19.2%
Female 2,011 56.7% 7.7%
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 Lakewood is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 6.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
6.8%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
21.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 635 17.9% 42.7%
15 to 24 240 6.8% 20.0%
25 to 44 943 26.6% -8.4%
45 to 64 954 26.9% 18.2%
Over 65 772 21.8% 14.9%
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 Lakewood, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 48.6% of locals are Caucasian, 35.2% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,412 96.3% 11.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 53 1.5% 96.3%
Non-citizens 79 2.2% 14.5%
Racial breakdown
White
48.6%
Black or African American
35.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,723 48.6%
Black or African American 1,248 35.2%
Asian 11 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 71 2%
Two or more races 491 13.8%

Households in Lakewood

A peek inside Lakewood households

Lakewood has 1,514 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.8% are families, while the remaining 31.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,514
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
473
Family households
1,041
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 473 31.2% -14.8%
Family households 1,041 68.8% 15.9%
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 Lakewood

The housing landscape of Lakewood

Lakewood's housing consists of 1,709 units, with 79.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 19.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,709
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,363 79.8%
1 unit, attached 12 0.7%
Mobile home 334 19.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lakewood

In Lakewood, the median construction year is 1986. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 92 5.4% 1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 231 13.5% 9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 110 6.4% 25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 154 9% -44.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 459 26.9% 27.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 176 10.3% -24.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 346 20.2% -18.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 141 8.2% 131.2%
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.

Lakewood occupancy rates

Out of the 1,514 occupied housing units in Lakewood, 70.8% are owner-occupied, while 29.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,514
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
442
Owner occupied
1,072
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 442 29.2% -16.1%
Owner occupied 1,072 70.8% 15.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

Lakewood housing costs

Housing costs in Lakewood come to a median of $928 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $939.

Median housing costs per month
$928/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 Lakewood
$939/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 Lakewood

Lakewood education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Lakewood went to high school, while 34.4% pursued college studies. Another 13.7% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 136 4.7% 14.3%
High school diploma 899 31% 4.5%
College diploma 997 34.4% 4.6%
Associate degree 398 13.7% 2.6%
Bachelor's degree 301 10.4% 11.1%
Graduate degree 166 5.7% 40.7%
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 Lakewood

How much people earn in Lakewood

The average annual household income in Lakewood was $74,962 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,500, reflecting a +14.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lakewood
$74,962/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lakewood
$56,500/year
14.7% year-over-year change

Lakewood income by age

In Lakewood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,457 overall. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $42,333 -15.0%
45 - 64 $74,457 5.0%
Above poverty level
3,254
Below poverty level
290
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,254 91.8% 15.0%
Below poverty level 290 8.2% -10.5%

Average renter income in Lakewood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lakewood, their median household income was $47,319 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,319
Rent-to-income ratio
23.8%
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 Lakewood

Workforce and job types in Lakewood

The job market in Lakewood is powered by 1,714 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 9.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,714
9.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,356
Blue collar
358
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,356 79.1% 11.6%
Blue collar 358 20.9% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
9.5%
Not for profit companies
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 183 10.7% 20.4%
Private companies 1,133 66.1% 8.2%
Governmental workers 163 9.5% 69.8%
Not for profit companies 235 13.7% -12.0%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lakewood stands at 7.8%, 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 Lakewood

How people get around in Lakewood

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,657 96.7% 15.1%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lakewood demographics 

What is the total population of Lakewood?

Lakewood has a total population of 3,544 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 +12.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lakewood?

The gender ratio in Lakewood is as follows:
  • 43.3% males (1,533 residents)
  • 56.7% females (2,011 residents)

What is the median age in Lakewood?

The median age in Lakewood is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lakewood?

The age distribution in Lakewood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (635 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.8% (240 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (943 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (954 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.8% (772 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lakewood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakewood is as follows:
  • White: 48.6% (1,723 residents)
  • Black or African American: 35.2% (1,248 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2% (71 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (491 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Lakewood.

How many housing units are there in Lakewood?

There are 1,709 housing units in Lakewood, reflecting a -2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lakewood has a total of 1,514 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lakewood?

Lakewood has a median household income of $56,500, representing a +14.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lakewood?

The employment rate is 92.2% in Lakewood, with a workforce of 1,714 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.1% (1,356 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.9% (358 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (183 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (1,133 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.5% (163 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.7% (235 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