Lancaster County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Lancaster County, South Carolina is 100,905 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $74,751, the median home value is $298,100, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Lancaster County has grown 45.0% since 2010 (76,976 → 111,652), a +2.69% annualized rate.
100,905
Population
+2.69%
Annual growth
184
People / sq mi
$74,751
Median Income
$298,100
Median Home Value
Lancaster County covers 549 sq mi of land at 183.7 people per square mile.
About Lancaster County, SC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Lancaster County: 83.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 100,905 residents, Lancaster County is a county in South Carolina. It ranks #16 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $74,751 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.0%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $298,100, with typical rent around $892.
About 31.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is widespread — 16.8% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Lancaster County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Lancaster County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lancaster County had a population of 76,976 in 2010 and 111,652 in 2024, a 45.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 111,652 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.70%.
111,652
Population (2024)
76,976
Population (2010)
111,652
Peak (2024)
2.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 76,976 |
| 2011 | 77,872 |
| 2012 | 79,350 |
| 2013 | 80,698 |
| 2014 | 83,499 |
| 2015 | 86,346 |
| 2016 | 89,953 |
| 2017 | 92,517 |
| 2018 | 95,213 |
| 2019 | 98,280 |
| 2020 | 96,592 |
| 2021 | 100,540 |
| 2022 | 104,795 |
| 2023 | 108,796 |
| 2024 | 111,652 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.4% |
| Black or African American | 19.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
21.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,751+$7,933 vs state |
| Mean household income | $102,695 |
| Per-capita income | $41,492 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lancaster County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
73.6%
Public transit
16.8%
Work from home
29.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$298,100+$61,400 vs state
Median home value
$892
Median rent
83.3%
Homeownership rate
42,696
Total housing units
91.8%
Occupied
8.2%
Vacant
16.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.7%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
48.1%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.2%
With a disability
90.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
31.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lancaster County, South Carolina has a population of 100,905 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 184 people per square mile.
The population of Lancaster County has grown 45.0% since 2010 (76,976 → 111,652), a +2.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lancaster County, South Carolina is $74,751, with mean (average) household income of $102,695 and per-capita income of $41,492. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lancaster County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.4%), Black or African American (19.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lancaster County, South Carolina is 42.2 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Lancaster County is $298,100 and median monthly rent is $892. 83.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 42,696 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lancaster County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Lancaster County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Lancaster County, SC Climate
Lancaster County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.9°C (61°F) and receives about 1208 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.9°C
Avg Temp
1208
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 113 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 95 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 120 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 78 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 90 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 106 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 123 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 115 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 103 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 95 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 83 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 87 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lancaster County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Lancaster County, SC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lancaster County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.