Median Income
$22,275
70% lower than US avg
Home Value
$42,800
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.9%
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.1%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.3%
169% higher than US avg
How Lydia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population237
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density90/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans22.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$22,275
Per Capita$13,482
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$507M
Housing
A+
Home Value$42,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$176,023
Housing Units147
Rent Burden32.3%
Health
Obesity48.1%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Elevation206 ft (63 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.50
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 56%
Broadband63.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Lydia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lydia receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lydia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lydia is $22,275, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lydia is $42,800, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Lydia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches.
Lydia has a population of 237 with a density of 90 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.2% female and 65.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.7%), with 38.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 40.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
237
Total Population
2023 Census
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Lydia is $22,275, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,482 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. 33.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,275 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,482 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| |
| Poverty Rate | 33.3% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $507M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,457 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lydia is $42,800, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,023, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $257,500 with homes selling in an average of 136 days. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 147 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $2,457 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $42,800 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,023 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $257,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $257,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 136 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 147 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,457 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.74% |
In Lydia, 48.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 42.3% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 14.1% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,140. The dentist ratio is 1:8,077. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lydia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.1% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,140 |
| Dentists | 1:8,077 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.1% |
| Premature Death | 17,808/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Lydia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 206 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.6°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 206 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 90/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.2865°N, 80.1185°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hartsville Regional (HVS)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.88"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 26, 2025.
| Aug 21, 1992 |
1 km SSE of Centerville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| Apr 17, 1995 |
0 km NNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
49 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
58 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
58 km |
| Nov 13, 1990 |
4 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Aug 29, 2009 |
2 km NE of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jul 20, 2004 |
7 km WSW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 19, 2014 |
0 km WNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Mar 29, 1999 |
3 km NNW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
48 km |
| Jul 7, 2002 |
1 km NW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
66 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Jul 31, 2012 |
5 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 16, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
139 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
155 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
207 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
161 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
135 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
227 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 1 |
278 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
136 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
203 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
286 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
89 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
170 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
399 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 949 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
53 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
57 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,322 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,481 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
28 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
67 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
MATTASSEE LAKE 1 |
2,268 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
32 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,920 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
981406 |
1,892 |
30 km |
| 1994 |
CM 15 16 17 |
1,871 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
SLATES CHURCH FIRE |
1,824 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
COMP 1112 |
1,798 |
32 km |
| 1998 |
980803 |
1,780 |
36 km |
| 2000 |
2000 1003 |
1,768 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Lydia has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.9") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Lydia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141-$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187-$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94-$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750-$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70-$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141-$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47-$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141-$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375-$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94-$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47-$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141-$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748-$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375-$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154-$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469-$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685-$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874-$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750-$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187-$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937-$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70-$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81-$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34-$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34-$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81-$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75-$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56-$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75-$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37-$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70-$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124-$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562-$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469-$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187-$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375-$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685-$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141-$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94-$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $508 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $551 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $580 |
| Preschool | $594 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lydia
What is the population of Lydia?
Lydia has a population of 237 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 90 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.2% female and 65.8% male.
Is Lydia expensive to live in?
Lydia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $22,275, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $42,800 (85% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lydia?
Lydia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches.
How is the job market in Lydia?
The average weekly wage is $954. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Lydia?
The median home value in Lydia is $42,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,023. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $257,500, with homes typically selling within 136 days. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,457.
How are the schools in Lydia?
Schools in Lydia have an average test score of 2.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 28.9% of adults in Lydia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lydia?
The obesity rate in Lydia is 48.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,140.
What are the demographics of Lydia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lydia is 38.8% White, 55.7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 22.0% of the population are military veterans. 40.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.