Cost of Living in Lake City, SC
Population 6,032 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lake City's median household income of $35,000 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 65 miles east of Columbia, Lake City is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake City
The median home value in Lake City is $133,700 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $696/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,000/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 75.5°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Lake City has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
Lake City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 77 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 3.00 | 3.19 | 3.00 | 3.71 | 4.61 | 5.80 | 4.86 | 4.53 | 3.42 | 2.63 | 3.47 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake City, SC?
Lake City has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lake City, SC?
The median gross rent in Lake City is $696 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City is $133,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake City?
The median household income in Lake City is $35,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake City, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake City is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Lake City, SC affordable?
Yes, Lake City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lake City?
Lake City has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lake City at a Glance
- Population
- 6,032
- Median Income
- $35,000
- Home Value
- $133,700
- Median Rent
- $696/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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