CountyScore

Lee County

Alabama · AL

#61 in Alabama
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lee County, Alabama

Lee County outpaces national median

Lee County's composite score of 67.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. This means Lee County offers better overall livability than roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties, driven primarily by favorable tax and housing costs.

Slightly below Alabama's middle tier

Lee County ranks in the middle of Alabama's county profile with a score of 67.7, just 3.1 points below the state average of 70.8. The county performs competitively on tax and housing affordability but lags in income and economic opportunity compared to top-performing Alabama counties.

Tax efficiency and housing values

Lee County excels with a tax score of 88.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.496%, combined with a median home value of $238,700 that balances affordability with appreciation potential. Health outcomes also stand out at 68.8, reflecting solid healthcare infrastructure typical of counties with mid-sized urban centers.

Income growth and economic resilience

The county's income score of 23.3 reveals a significant challenge, with median household income of $61,123 trailing state and national benchmarks. Risk indicators score just 20.3, suggesting economic vulnerability and limited job growth prospects in key sectors.

Best for budget-conscious retirees

Lee County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and stable housing costs over rapid income growth. This county works well for those seeking a mid-sized Alabama community with healthcare access and modest cost of living, though prospective workers should weigh limited income mobility before relocating.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.3Cost74.4SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk20.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $70,625
Jersey County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $79,104

Deep Dives

Lee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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