Lake City, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Lake City, 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$800/mo
Sales Tax8%
COL Index85 (-15% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$322,400
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🌤️ Live Weather — Lake City
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lake City
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Santee Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Lake City Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Lake City Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$800/mo
2 Bedrooms$1000/mo
3 Bedrooms$1300/mo
Median Home Price$322,400
Property Tax Rate0.6%
Avg Childcare/mo$600

Lake City’s housing market is affordable with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Prices are below national averages, making it attractive for first-time buyers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

85

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-15% below national average

Groceries

90

Transportation

80

Healthcare

88

Childcare/mo

$600

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8%
Property Tax Rate0.6%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 1%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$600/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Job opportunities, infrastructure improvements, education quality
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    ArtFields
  • 🎯
    Jones-Carter Gallery
  • 🎯
    Lynches River County Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area offers walkable amenities, while newer subdivisions provide family-friendly environments with parks and schools nearby.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

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📊 Lake City — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$100,625
🏠 Homeownership Rate
92.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
7.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
3.1%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage increases electric bills, while mild winters keep heating costs low. Water usage peaks in summer for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate of 0.6% with no local surtaxes specific to Lake City county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are improving downtown, but park access is limited. Transit lacks elevators, but family infrastructure is growing.

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