Lee County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in South Carolina
The population of Lee County, South Carolina is 16,330 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $44,145, the median home value is $101,900, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Lee County has declined 17.0% since 2010 (19,221 → 15,958), a -1.32% annualized rate.
16,330
Population
-1.32%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$44,145
Median Income
$101,900
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 410 sq mi of land at 39.8 people per square mile.
About Lee County, SC
What sets Lee County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 1.7% versus 14.0% nationally. Lee County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 16,330. It ranks #42 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $44,145, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $101,900, with typical rent around $806.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 1.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 19,221 in 2010 and 15,958 in 2024, a -17.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,221 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.32%.
15,958
Population (2024)
19,221
Population (2010)
19,221
Peak (2010)
-1.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,221 |
| 2011 | 18,887 |
| 2012 | 18,634 |
| 2013 | 18,381 |
| 2014 | 18,339 |
| 2015 | 17,813 |
| 2016 | 17,508 |
| 2017 | 17,385 |
| 2018 | 17,269 |
| 2019 | 16,856 |
| 2020 | 16,546 |
| 2021 | 16,278 |
| 2022 | 16,119 |
| 2023 | 15,927 |
| 2024 | 15,958 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 34.0% |
| Black or African American | 62.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
20.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 20.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,145$-22,673 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,286 |
| Per-capita income | $24,133 |
| Poverty rate | 16.8%+6.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
80.6%
Public transit
1.7%
Work from home
28.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$101,900$-134,800 vs state
Median home value
$806
Median rent
73.5%
Homeownership rate
7,587
Total housing units
83.0%
Occupied
17.0%
Vacant
26.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.7%
With health insurance
83.5%
With broadband internet
19.2%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.0%
High School+
12.8%
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
Lee County, South Carolina has a population of 16,330 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has declined 17.0% since 2010 (19,221 → 15,958), a -1.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, South Carolina is $44,145, with mean (average) household income of $58,286 and per-capita income of $24,133. 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (62.3%), White (34.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lee County, South Carolina is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $101,900 and median monthly rent is $806. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,587 total housing units, 17.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, South Carolina is manufacturing, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Lee County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Lee County, SC Climate
Lee County, SC has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F) and receives about 1179 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17°C
Avg Temp
1179
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 44° | 110 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 90 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 109 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 73 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 90 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 121 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 132 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 125 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 94 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 78 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 73 mm |
| December | 8° / 47° | 84 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 Lee County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Lee County, SC are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lee County
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Statewide data for South Carolina
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.