Cost of Living in Lee County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,195 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, South Carolina
Lee County stretches modest incomes thinly
Lee County renters spend 21.9% of their $44,145 median income on housing—the lowest income in this dataset, yet a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average. At just $806 monthly, Lee's rents are affordable in absolute terms, but incomes here are too low for residents to keep pace with regional peers.
Affordable rents can't offset wage gaps
Lee's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio sits above South Carolina's 20.1% state average despite the lowest rents in this entire county group at $806 monthly. The challenge: local incomes are roughly $30,000 below the state median, making even cheap housing difficult to afford on local wages alone.
Competitive rents, but lowest wages regionally
Lee's $806 rent rivals Hampton ($815) as the region's most affordable, undercutting Laurens ($847) and Kershaw ($872) by small margins. However, Lee's $44,145 median income is the lowest here by far, making the county a rental market for those with outside income sources.
Ownership unaffordable despite low home prices
Lee homeowners pay $479 monthly—the lowest ownership cost in this dataset—yet the median home value of $101,900 remains difficult to finance on a $44,145 local income. The low ownership cost reflects modest property values, not affordability, given the severe income constraints.
Lee works only for remote-income relocators
If you're bringing substantial remote work income to Lee County, you'll find unbeatable housing bargains and genuine savings potential. However, if you'll depend on local employment, proceed carefully—Lee's median income is among South Carolina's lowest, signaling limited economic opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Lee County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $806/month — about 21.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lee County pay $806/month on average, compared to $479/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 41%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,529/year. With a median household income of $44,145, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Lee County is less affordable than Kershaw County by roughly 8% ($806/mo vs $872/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
21.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,030
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lee County
Median home value is $101,900. Estimated monthly cost: $814 vs. your max of $1,030.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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