Lamar, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Lamar, SC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$666/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index85 (-15% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$117,600
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🌤️ Live Weather — Lamar
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lamar
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Lamar Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Darlington County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$666/mo
2 Bedrooms$740/mo
3 Bedrooms$925/mo
Median Home Price$117,600
Property Tax Rate0.6%
Avg Childcare/mo$600

Lamar’s housing market is affordable with modest home prices. Demand is steady but inventory is limited, making it a buyer’s market for those seeking rural living.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

85

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-15% below national average

Groceries

90

Transportation

88

Healthcare

95

Childcare/mo

$600

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate0.6%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

6/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$600/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-2% (declining)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low with key industries in agriculture and light manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Job opportunities, infrastructure maintenance, youth retention
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; car-dependent but sidewalks exist in downtown areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lamar Community Park
  • 🎯
    Darlington Raceway
  • 🎯
    Black Creek Bike Trail

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Quiet family-friendly areas are found near Lamar Elementary School and along Main Street, offering walkable access to parks and schools.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Lamar based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

No strict zoning laws, but permits required for new construction. Water restrictions may apply in summer.

Financial Tools

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📊 Lamar — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$40,489
🏠 Homeownership Rate
81.0%
🔑 Renter Rate
19.0%
📉 Poverty Rate
26.8%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.8%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use can spike electric bills by 30%. Winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

ZIP 29069: Property tax millage rate of 0.6%. No local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Decent sidewalks in town center but limited park access. No elevators in transit as it's car-dependent.

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