According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 411.23 square miles (1,065.1 km), of which 410.18 square miles (1,062.4 km) is land and 1.05 square miles (2.7 km) (0.26%) is water.

State and local protected areas

• Lee State Natural Area
• Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area
• Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area
• Mary McLeod Bethune Birthplace

Major water bodies

• Black River
• Lynches River

Adjacent counties

• Darlington County - northeast
• Florence County - east
• Sumter County - south
• Kershaw County - northwest

Major highways

• I-20
• US 15
• US 76
• US 401
• SC 34
• SC 154
• SC 341
• SC 441

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,531 people, 6,423 households, and 3,971 families residing in the county.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 19,220 people, 6,797 households, and 4,567 families living in the county. The population density was 46.9 inhabitants per square mile (18.1/km). There were 7,775 housing units at an average density of 19.0 per square mile (7.3/km). The racial makeup of the county was 64.3% black or African American, 33.4% white, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.7% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 24.9% were American, and 5.1% were English.

Of the 6,797 households, 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 24.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.8% were non-families, and 29.3% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15. The median age was 38.9 years.

The median household income was $23,378 and the median family income was $35,279. Males had a median income of $32,721 versus $26,769 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,924. About 25.8% of families and 29.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.9% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 20,119 people, 6,886 households, and 4,916 families living in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile (19 people/km). There were 7,670 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7.3/km). The racial makeup of the county was 63.56% Black or African American, 35.03% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.59% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 6,886 households 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.00% were married couples living together, 23.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 25.90% of households were one person and 10.60% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.23.

The age distribution was 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% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 101.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.10 males.

The median household income was $26,907 and the median family income was $34,209. Males had a median income of $26,512 versus $18,993 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,896. About 17.70% of families and 21.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.60% of those under age 18 and 27.90% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Law enforcement

In 2010, Lee County Sheriff Edgar Jerome “E.J.” Melvin and six others were arrested on federal drug conspiracy charges. Court documents stated that he dealt cocaine from his police SUV, and other dealers gave him the nickname "Big Dog." Melvin was found guilty and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Politics

Economy

In 2022, the GDP was $425.5 million (about $26,648 per capita), and the real GDP was $345 million (about $21,607 per capita) in chained 2017 dollars.

As of April 2024, some of the largest employers in the county include Ardagh Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Food Lion and Lee Academy.

Communities

Towns

• Bishopville (county seat and largest community)
• Lynchburg

Census-designated places

• Ashwood
• Browntown
• Elliott
• Manville
• St. Charles
• Wisacky

Other unincorporated communities

• Alcot
• Lucknow
• Spring Hill
• Una

See also

• List of counties in South Carolina
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Lee County, South Carolina
• List of memorials to Robert E. Lee
• Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp