Lancaster County, South Carolina

County Distress Index: Normal · 49.3 | 108,215 people · 43rd most distressed in South Carolina
American Default Research

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Lancaster County, SC falls within the normal range for household financial distress at 49.3 — 1620th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where a large share of households spend more than 30% of income on housing. Within South Carolina, it ranks 43rd of 46 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 6 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Lancaster County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 71.8 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 71.8
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 89
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 95
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 29
Homeownership Rate 6
Consumer Credit Distress 54.4
Debt in Collections 54
Medical Debt 50
Auto Loan Delinquency 64
Credit Card Delinquency 50
Uninsured Rate 52
Subprime Credit Population 54
Structural Poverty 32.6
Unemployment Rate 82
Poverty Rate 27
Income vs. State Median 11
Child Poverty Rate 28
Disability Rate 35
Transfer Income Dependency 31
Legal Distress 21.2
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 21
Economic Vitality 15.7
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 5
Rent-to-Income Ratio 8
Business Formation Rate 26
House Price Change (YoY) 76

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Lancaster County
Lancaster County, SC 49.3 Normal —
Fairfield County, SC 74.7 Serious +25.4
Chesterfield County, SC 70.6 Serious +21.3
Chester County, SC 70.5 Serious +21.3
Kershaw County, SC 64.7 Elevated +15.4
Mecklenburg County, NC 57.6 Elevated +8.3
York County, SC 56.5 Elevated +7.2
Union County, NC 39.1 Normal -10.1

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Lancaster County
Herkimer County, NY 49.3 Normal 0.0
Rock County, WI 49.2 Normal -0.0
Cumberland County, TN 49.2 Normal -0.1
Catawba County, NC 49.2 Normal -0.1
Blount County, TN 49.4 Normal +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Lancaster County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Lancaster County

Find an Attorney

South Carolina Bar — Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

South Carolina Bar — Lawyer Referral Service 803-799-7100

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Lancaster County residents at no cost.

SC Legal Services (Palmetto Legal Services / Greater Columbia Community Relations Council) 1-888-346-5592
Upstate Legal Services 864-679-3232
Pro Bono Legal Services — SC Bar 803-799-6653
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services 843-853-3304
South Carolina Legal Services, Inc. (888) 346-5592

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Lancaster County, South Carolina?

    Lancaster County has a County Distress Index score of 49.3 out of 100, placing it in the Normal zone. It ranks 1,620th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 43rd in South Carolina out of 46 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Lancaster County?

    The primary driver of distress in Lancaster County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 71.8 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Lancaster County compare to neighboring counties?

    Lancaster County (49.3) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Fairfield County, SC (74.7); Chesterfield County, SC (70.6); Chester County, SC (70.5).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Normal zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Lancaster County's score of 49.3 sits in the Normal zone (46–55).

  • What data sources power Lancaster County's CDI score?

    Lancaster County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Lancaster County?

    Lancaster County, South Carolina has a population of approximately 108,215 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.