Lexington County compares favorably as a market to other SC communities.

The county’s median income is $61,173 a year and the cost of living $38,867.

That leaves $22,306 a year in discretionary income for savings, education, health and other expenses, a boon to local businesses.

This is a finding of the tech company SmartAsset.

The study using US Census Bureau data found that:

• Richland County has a $37,573 cost of living and a $54,767 median income.

• Beaufort County has SC’s highest median income of $68,377 and the state’s highest cost of living at $42,537.

• York County has a median income of $65,361 and a cost of living of $40,805.

• Charleston County has a median income of $64,022 and a cost of living at $39,915.

• Berkeley County has a median income of $63,309 and a $39,974 cost of living.

• Dorchester County has a $63,080 median income and $40,435 cost of living.

• Greenville County has a cost of living of $37,765 and median income of $60,351.

• Lancaster County has a $36,146 cost of living and a $58,849 median income.

• Spartanburg County has a median income of $52,332 and a cost of living of $35,729.

The study also compared costs of living in the US.

For instance, the cost of living in New YorkCity is 28% higher than Columbia.

People here enjoy a standard of living for $50,899 that would cost $65,261 in New York.

To comment, please email JerryBellune@yahoo.com