Lee County, South Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,065 km² (411 mi²). 1,063 km² (410 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.24% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 20,119 people, 6,886 households, and 4,916 families residing in the county. The population density is 19/km² (49/mi²). There are 7,670 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 35.03% White, 63.56% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,886 households out of which 32.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.00% are married couples living together, 23.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% are non-families. 25.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.68 and the average family size is 3.23.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 101.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $26,907, and the median income for a family is $34,209. Males have a median income of $26,512 versus $18,993 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,896. 21.80% of the population and 17.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.60% are under the age of 18 and 27.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Bishopville
• Lynchburg