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
Lee County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 16,330. It ranks #42 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income in Lee County is $44,145, below the US median of $74,580. 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $101,900, with monthly rent averaging $806. The homeownership rate of 73.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lee County reflects 12.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 1.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.1 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.
More from South Carolina
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Full rankings of South Carolina counties
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.