countyscore
42.1
County Score
Property Tax 86.6Water Quality 70.8Weather & Climate 56.5

County Report Card

About Lee County, Alabama

Lee County lags the nation slightly

Lee County's composite score of 42.1 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. This gap suggests livability challenges that require attention across multiple dimensions of community life.

Below Alabama's county average

Lee County ranks below the state average composite score of 52.9, positioning it in the lower tier of Alabama's 67 counties. The 10.8-point deficit indicates persistent gaps in affordability, safety, and health outcomes compared to better-performing state peers.

Tax relief and clean water stand out

Lee County excels with a tax score of 86.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.496%, providing meaningful relief for residents and businesses. Water quality also scores well at 70.8, offering environmental reliability and safety.

Safety and affordability pose real concerns

Safety is the most urgent challenge, with a score of just 9.9—well below acceptable thresholds. Housing affordability is also problematic, with a cost score of 28.0 and a median home value of $238,700 that strains local income levels averaging $61,123.

For tax-conscious retirees with caution

Lee County's strong tax position appeals to retirees and low-tax-seekers, but the safety and affordability challenges make it risky for young families or those prioritizing walkable, secure neighborhoods. This county works best for individuals with stable, higher incomes who can navigate its affordability gap and accept safety trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax86.6Cost28Safety9.9Health53.6Schools45.1Income42.5Risk20.3Water70.8Weather56.5
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Chambers County
Alabama
44.7
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Russell County
Alabama
55
Muscogee County
Georgia
29.4
Macon County
Alabama
55.9
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
50.7
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6
Troup County
Georgia
26.4

Deep Dives

Lee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lee County

via TaxByCounty

Lee County taxes rank high nationally

At 0.496%, Lee County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.339%, placing it in the top 20% of counties nationwide. Homeowners here pay a median tax of $1,183 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—but that's because Alabama home values are lower overall.

Second-highest tax rate in Alabama

Lee County ranks among the highest-taxing counties in Alabama, with an effective rate of 0.496% versus the state average of 0.339%. Only a handful of Alabama counties charge more, making Lee County a notable outlier in the state's property tax landscape.

Lee outpaces nearby counties significantly

Lee County's 0.496% rate is considerably higher than neighboring Madison County (0.404%) and Marshall County (0.381%). This 0.09–0.12 percentage point premium adds up: the typical Lee homeowner pays roughly $100 more annually than those in adjacent counties.

Your median annual tax bill

On Lee County's median home value of $238,700, the effective tax rate of 0.496% translates to approximately $1,183 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage may also owe an additional $52 in escrow payments, depending on insurance and other factors.

Many Lee homeowners can appeal

Studies show that significant percentages of homeowners across Alabama are overassessed relative to market value. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, Alabama law allows you to file a formal appeal—potentially lowering your tax burden by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County rents stretch paychecks

Renters in Lee County spend 19.6% of their income on housing, above the national average of 18.0%. With a median household income of $61,123—about 18% below the U.S. average—housing costs take a slightly larger bite here than they do nationally.

Middle-of-pack affordability in Alabama

Lee County ranks mid-tier among Alabama counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio matching the state average of 18.0%. At $999 monthly rent versus the state median of $799, Lee residents pay a premium for regional housing.

Costlier than surrounding areas

Lee County's $999 median rent significantly exceeds nearby Marshall County ($765) and Macon County ($709), though it trails Madison County ($1,116). Among immediate neighbors, Lee ranks as one of the pricier options for renters seeking regional housing.

Housing eats 19.6% of income

Renters pay $999 monthly while homeowners pay $1,048—nearly identical burdens—on a median income of $61,123. Together, these housing costs consume roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving less room for other expenses than the state average suggests.

Considering Lee County? Compare wisely

If you're relocating to the region, Lee County offers moderate housing costs paired with reasonable income levels—but check neighboring Marshall or Macon counties for potentially lower rents. With homeownership and renting costs nearly equal here, buyers and renters face similar affordability pressures.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County Earns Above National Average

Lee County's median household income of $61,123 sits 18% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle tier nationally. While not matching the wealthiest counties nationwide, Lee's income profile suggests households here earn substantially more than the typical Alabama county.

Well Above Alabama's Average

At $61,123, Lee County's median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by $6,927—a 13% premium. This ranking places Lee County among the stronger performers statewide, reflecting the economic diversity and employment opportunities concentrated here.

Lee Leads Its Regional Peers

Lee County's $61,123 median household income outpaces nearby Marshall County ($60,946) by a slim margin and significantly exceeds Tallapoosa County's economic profile. This competitive positioning reflects Lee's more robust job market and industrial base relative to surrounding rural counties.

Rent Stays Affordable Here

At 19.6% of median income, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio sits above the recommended 15% threshold, suggesting some households stretch their budgets for housing. However, the county's median home value of $238,700 remains accessible compared to national averages, making ownership realistic for middle-income families.

Build on Lee's Income Gains

Lee County households earning above $61,123 should prioritize tax-advantaged retirement savings and homeownership equity. Consider working with a local financial advisor to develop a wealth-building plan that leverages the region's stable employment and reasonable housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Stays Safer Than National Average

Lee County reports a total crime rate of 2,784.8 per 100,000 residents, which sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this activity, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.6 out of 100.

Local Safety Score Trails State Average

Lee's safety score of 95.6 is just below the Alabama state average of 97.3. The county's total crime rate exceeds the state typical average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 people.

Higher Reported Activity Than Neighboring Macon

Lee County experiences a higher crime rate than nearby Macon County, which reports 1,468.9 incidents per 100,000. Five local agencies collaborate to manage the safety needs of the growing community.

Property Crime Drives Local Incident Rates

Property crime accounts for 2,275.5 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 509.3. Both figures exceed the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Prioritize Security Against Property Theft

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should consider installing motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells. Keeping all entry points locked and monitoring deliveries can further deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County lives longer than average

At 77.2 years, Lee County residents live nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a significant advantage in longevity. Only 19.7% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%. This county is outperforming the nation on both measures.

A health leader within Alabama

Lee County ranks among Alabama's healthiest, with a life expectancy of 77.2 years compared to the state average of 72.1 years—a gap of 5.1 years. Its uninsured rate of 10.1% is better than Alabama's 11.1%, giving more residents access to regular care.

Outpacing nearby counties clearly

Lee County's 77.2-year life expectancy exceeds neighboring Tallapoosa and Russell counties. Its primary care provider density of 50 per 100,000 is solid, and mental health access at 135 per 100,000 ensures residents can find behavioral care when needed.

Healthcare access is strong here

With 10.1% uninsured, most Lee County residents have a pathway to care, whether through employer plans or public programs. The county's 50 primary care providers per 100,000 people mean residents typically have shorter waits and closer doctor access than rural Alabama peers.

Check your coverage this year

Even in a well-insured county like Lee, 10.1% of residents lack coverage—that's roughly 10,000 people who could benefit from exploring options. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to see if you qualify for affordable plans, subsidies, or Medicaid expansion benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Academic Hub in East Alabama

Lee County supports a robust network of 39 public schools serving 24,880 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 6 high schools. This provides a diverse range of educational environments from bustling city campuses to quiet rural settings.

Strong Graduation Rates and Competitive Performance

The county boasts a 91.9% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Alabama state average of 90.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is lean at $6,537, the composite school score of 53.5 stays above the state average. This indicates high efficiency and strong student outcomes relative to local investment.

Leading Districts Drive Regional Growth

Auburn City and Lee County are the two primary districts, each managing 14 schools and serving approximately 9,400 students respectively. Opelika City also plays a vital role, supporting over 5,000 students in its 9 schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within these traditional public districts.

A Mix of Urban and Rural Classrooms

Students attend a variety of settings including 18 city schools and 13 rural locations, with an average school size of 672 students. Large campuses like Auburn High School host over 2,100 students, while specialized local elementary schools offer a more intimate feel. This diversity ensures families can find a school environment that fits their child's personality.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and stable academic environments should explore the vibrant neighborhoods in Auburn and Opelika. Proximity to top-rated campuses remains a primary driver for home values in Lee County. Take the next step in your home search by prioritizing these high-performing school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County faces above-average disaster risk

Lee County's composite risk score of 79.71 sits well above the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category overall. However, this score reflects genuine vulnerability across multiple hazard types, from flooding to earthquakes, that residents should take seriously.

Third-highest risk in Alabama

Lee County ranks among Alabama's most at-risk counties, with a composite score of 79.71 compared to the state average of 61.54. This 18-point gap means Lee County residents face significantly greater exposure to natural disasters than most of their neighbors statewide.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Lee County's 79.71 score exceeds nearby Macon County (23.86) by more than 55 points, and outpaces Lowndes County (29.07) by an even wider margin. Only neighboring Marshall County (87.31) carries noticeably higher composite risk in this region.

Flood and hurricane risks top the list

Flooding presents the most acute threat to Lee County, with a risk score of 84.73, followed closely by hurricane risk (82.19) and earthquake risk (81.74). Tornado risk rounds out major concerns at 75.67, making severe weather across multiple categories a year-round consideration for residents.

Comprehensive insurance protects against multiple threats

Given Lee County's elevated flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks, homeowners should verify they carry adequate flood insurance through NFIP or private carriers, plus windstorm coverage for hurricanes. Review your homeowners policy annually and consider earthquake coverage, as standard policies often exclude seismic damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and typical southern climate

Lee County’s 63.0°F average temperature aligns almost exactly with the Alabama state average. This makes it significantly warmer than the national median, typical for the Deep South.

Average temperatures, drier skies

The county sits right at the state average of 63.2°F but is slightly drier than its peers. It receives 55.8 inches of rain, about 1.6 inches less than the state average.

Moderated heat compared to neighbors

Lee experiences 50 days of extreme heat, which is much lower than Henry County’s 90 days despite their similar latitudes. It is one of the drier counties in the eastern part of the state.

Mild winters and humid summers

Summer averages 78.4°F, while winter stays mild at 47.0°F. The county sees very little snow, averaging only 0.3 inches per year, making for easy winter travel.

Focus on irrigation and sun

Focus on efficient irrigation for landscaping, as the county is drier than much of the state. High-quality sun protection is vital for the 50 days of extreme heat each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Loam and Acidic Ultisols Define Lee

Lee County features sandy loam soils from the weathered Ultisols order. Its average pH of 5.41 sits above the state average of 5.21 but remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

High Sand Content Ensures Quick Drainage

The soil contains 66.8% sand, which creates a gritty texture that is easy to work and plow. However, the low 9.8% clay content means the soil struggles to hold onto essential plant nutrients compared to heavier mixes.

Modest Organic Matter Below State Norms

The county's 1.35% organic matter is lower than the Alabama average of 1.74%. With an available water capacity of 0.116 in/in, these soils require consistent irrigation and regular compost additions to boost productivity.

Well-Drained Ground for Easy Building

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water efficiently through the profile. This makes Lee County favorable for home construction and basement stability, though it dries out quickly for farmers.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Blueberries and peanuts thrive in this warm climate and sandy ground. If you add lime to balance the acidity, your garden will flourish throughout the long Alabama growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lee County's Moderate Lawn Hurdles

Lee County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.5, which is notably tougher than the national median of 50.0 but slightly easier than the Alabama average of 29.5. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b must navigate a climate that is more demanding than much of the country.

Heat and Rain Define Growing Schedules

The county receives 55.8 inches of annual rain, exceeding the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. Lawns also face 50 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, though this is lower than the state average of 64 days.

Sandy Loam Requires Acid Management

With a soil pH of 5.41, local earth is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. This well-drained sandy loam consists of 66.8% sand, meaning nutrients wash away quickly without proper amendments.

High Drought Pressure in East Alabama

Severe drought currently impacts 100% of the county area, following 26 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. Deep watering early in the morning helps grass survive these recurring dry spells.

Planting for the Long Alabama Summer

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best fit for this 8b climate. Your primary growing window opens after the last frost on March 29th and closes when the first frost arrives around November 17th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Alabama has a composite county score of 42.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lee County rank among counties in Alabama?
Lee County ranks #63 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lee County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $1,183, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Alabama is $61,123 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Alabama a good place to live?
Lee County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Lee County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lee County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.