countyscore
42.1
County Score
Cost of Living 93.4Property Tax 83.5Disaster Risk 59.6

County Report Card

About Lee County, Arkansas

Lee County significantly trails nation

Lee County's composite score of 42.1 falls 7.9 points below the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The county faces notable challenges that offset its housing affordability advantages.

Below Arkansas's state performance

At 42.1, Lee County scores 5.8 points below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it among the state's weaker performers. The gap signals systemic challenges affecting multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Housing affordability stands out

Lee County achieves a cost score of 93.4 with median home values of just $77,900 and rent at $638 per month, among the lowest in the nation. The tax score of 83.5 and effective rate of 0.525% further enhance affordability for budget-conscious residents.

Water quality and income severely lack

Lee County's water score of 2.5 is among the worst recorded, indicating serious environmental or infrastructure concerns requiring immediate attention. Income (1.5), school performance (10.8), health (16.7), and safety (12.7) all rank near the bottom, compounding livability challenges.

Only for those with limited options

Lee County is suitable primarily for individuals with exceptional affordability needs and tolerance for significant environmental and institutional challenges. Prospective residents must thoroughly investigate water quality issues and school/health service availability before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax83.5Cost93.4Safety12.7Health16.7Schools10.8Income1.5Risk59.6Water2.5Weather55.3
🏛83.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.5
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

St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Tunica County
Mississippi
36.4
Monroe County
Arkansas
49.1
Phillips County
Arkansas
37.8
Coahoma County
Mississippi
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Crittenden County
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32.3
DeSoto County
Mississippi
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Cross County
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41.4

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 keeps property taxes low

Lee County's 0.525% effective property tax rate falls comfortably in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.72%. Property owners here benefit from significantly lower tax rates than the typical American household.

Lee slightly below state average

At 0.525%, Lee's rate sits just below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, placing it squarely in the lower-middle tier of the state's 75 counties. Lee residents enjoy marginally favorable tax treatment compared to the broader state.

Lee's rate aligns with regional peers

Lee's 0.525% falls between Lawrence County's 0.488% and Lincoln County's 0.539%, reflecting consistent property tax patterns across eastern Arkansas. Regional rates vary by just 0.05 percentage points, indicating stable local tax policies.

Median home tax bill: $409 annually

With a median home value of $77,900, Lee County homeowners pay $409 per year in property taxes, below the state median. The mortgage-adjusted figure rises to approximately $449 annually.

Verify your assessment before next year

Property overassessments occur regularly in Arkansas, and homeowners can challenge them free of charge with their county assessor. Taking 30 minutes to review your assessment could mean hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County's income pressure peaks here

Lee County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% ranks above national standards, representing one of the steepest burdens in this group despite modest rent of $638. Median household income of just $36,860—the lowest among these eight counties—creates acute affordability strain despite rental costs remaining among the region's cheapest.

Well above Arkansas affordability average

At 20.8%, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Arkansas's 18.1% state average, signaling heightened affordability pressure. The county's median income of $36,860 ranks as the lowest statewide in this analysis, driving affordability challenges despite sub-$640 median rent.

Cheapest rents, toughest income squeeze

Lee County's $638 median rent ranks among the region's lowest, but the county's $36,860 median income is lowest as well, creating a squeeze despite cheap housing. Home values of $77,900 offer the second-cheapest entry point for buyers, yet affordability remains constrained by income constraints.

Housing strains the tightest budgets

Lee residents with $36,860 median income dedicate 20.8% to rent ($638/month) and 16.6% to mortgage costs, consuming 37.4% toward housing. Combined with the lowest income base, households face the region's toughest squeeze on discretionary spending and emergency savings.

Lee County requires strategic planning

Relocating to Lee County demands incoming income substantially above the county median, as the combination of low area wages and housing burden leaves minimal room for adjustment. The county suits only those with secure, above-average earnings seeking the region's lowest home and rental prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee faces steepest national gap

Lee County's median household income of $36,860 ranks among the lowest in this cohort and trails the US median of $74,755 by 51%. This profound shortfall reflects Lee's position as one of Arkansas's most economically challenged counties.

Bottom tier in Arkansas earnings

Lee ranks among Arkansas's lowest-income counties, earning $14,296 less than the state average of $51,156. With a per capita income of just $21,687—the lowest among these eight counties—Lee faces severe economic constraints.

Tied for lowest with Lafayette

Lee's $36,860 income matches Lafayette County ($37,237) at the bottom of this group, trailing Jackson ($41,215) and all others significantly. This shared low-income status suggests both counties face similar structural economic challenges—limited employment, lower wages, and reduced economic opportunity.

Housing costs dominate Lee budgets

At 20.8%, Lee's rent-to-income ratio sits above the 20% caution threshold, straining household budgets significantly. With a median home value of just $77,900, homeownership may seem affordable, but the low income base makes even this modest price difficult for many residents.

Lee: micro-steps toward financial stability

In Lee County, wealth-building means starting with the smallest possible steps: automatic transfers of $10–20 monthly, exploring free financial coaching through nonprofits, or seeking employer matches. Consistency matters more than amount; decades of modest, regular savings compound into meaningful security despite current income challenges.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Mirrors National Safety Trends

Lee County records a safety score of 96.0, which is slightly below the national average. Its total crime rate of 2,550.2 per 100,000 sits just above the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Aligned with Arkansas State Averages

The county's safety score of 96.0 is almost identical to the Arkansas state average of 96.3. However, its total crime rate of 2,550.2 is slightly higher than the state average of 2,326.8.

Local Comparison to Lincoln County

Lee County experiences more crime than Lincoln County, which reports a much lower rate of 1,544.2. Data from three agencies suggests that Lee faces more property-related challenges than its southern neighbors.

Property Crime is the Primary Issue

Property crime is the main concern here, with a rate of 2,134.8 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively moderate at 415.4, only slightly higher than the national average.

Targeted Home Protection Strategies

Since property crime drives the local stats, residents should focus on securing high-value items and vehicles. Simple deterrents like alarm system stickers and visible cameras can make a big difference.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County faces acute health crisis

At 68.9 years, Lee County has the lowest life expectancy among the eight counties examined and falls nearly 7.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 32.1% reporting poor or fair health—the second-highest rate in the group—Lee shows severe chronic disease and health system strain.

Arkansas's lowest life expectancy

Lee County's 68.9-year life expectancy ranks among the state's worst, trailing the Arkansas average of 72.3 years by over 3 years. The 32.1% poor/fair health rate signals that Lee residents face compounded health disadvantages requiring urgent intervention and resource allocation.

Regional health catastrophe

Lee County's 68.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in the entire region by nearly 4 years, and its 32.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighbors. With only 12 primary care and 37 mental health providers per 100K—by far the sparsest network examined—Lee County residents face critical access barriers alongside existing health challenges.

Severe provider shortage meets high need

Lee County's 10.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 9.9%, yet the real crisis is the county's catastrophic provider shortage: just 12 primary care and 37 mental health providers per 100K. This means residents must travel significant distances for routine care while facing the region's highest disease burden, creating a perfect storm of need and unavailable services.

Health coverage is your first step

Lee County's provider shortage means every resident must be insured and connected to whatever care exists—insurance is non-negotiable. If you're among the 10.2% uninsured, enroll immediately in Medicaid or marketplace plans to access the limited but critical services available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Lee County

Lee County operates a focused school system with 2 public schools serving 631 total students. A single school district manages these facilities, ensuring a consistent educational journey from elementary through high school.

Foundational Education Metrics

The county maintains an 84.0% graduation rate while operating with a per-pupil expenditure of $4,917. Educators here work within a school score of 45.9, focusing resources on core academic improvements for their 631 students.

Lee County District Leadership

The Lee County School District is the sole provider of public education in the county, overseeing both of its active campuses. This centralized structure allows for unified curriculum planning and resource management across the elementary and high school levels.

Personalized Learning Environments

With only two schools and an average size of 316 students, Lee County offers a very personalized educational experience. Anna Strong Learning Academy serves 376 primary students, while Lee High School supports 255 students in a rural and town-mixed setting.

Community-Centered Living in Lee County

Those seeking a community where the school is the heart of the town should explore residential options in Lee County. The unified district provides a straightforward path for families looking to settle in a quiet, rural Arkansas setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee ranks among Arkansas's safest

Lee County's composite risk score of 40.43 rates as Very Low and sits well below the state average of 55.51. The county benefits from exceptionally low flood risk (21.18) and wildfire risk (7.32)—among the state's lowest.

Third-safest county in Arkansas

Lee County ranks among the state's three safest counties for natural disasters, with particularly strong protection from floods and wildfires. Only earthquake and tornado risks reach moderate levels, while most other hazards remain minimal.

Much safer than Jackson, near Lafayette

Lee's 40.43 score sits between Lafayette County's very low 33.24 and the state average, far below Jackson County's dangerous 67.84. The county's wildfire risk of 7.32 is the state's lowest, offering distinct geographic protection.

Earthquake the primary concern

Lee County's earthquake risk of 90.46 stands as its only acute hazard—surprising given the county's otherwise exceptional safety record. Tornado risk at 63.65 ranks as a distant second concern.

Earthquake insurance your main priority

Lee County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance given the 90.46 risk score, though the county's low flood and wildfire risks mean less urgency for those coverages. Standard homeowners policies provide adequate protection for most other hazards here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth in the Delta Region

Lee County averages 62.1°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. The climate is defined by high humidity and long periods of summer warmth.

Above Average Temperatures for Arkansas

The county is warmer than the state average of 61.0°F, typical for its eastern delta location. Its winter average of 42.9°F is notably milder than the northern counties of the state.

Typical Precipitation for Eastern Arkansas

Lee County receives 52.1 inches of annual precipitation, which nearly matches the state average of 52.4 inches. This consistent rain supports the local agricultural economy but brings heavy humidity.

Extended Summer Heat and Minimal Snow

Residents experience 64 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, mainly during the long summer. Snow is a rarity, with the county averaging only 1.3 inches of snowfall per year.

Focus on Moisture and Heat Control

Dehumidifiers and strong HVAC systems are vital for the 64 days of extreme heat and delta moisture. With only 1.3 inches of snow, winter gear needs are minimal compared to summer cooling needs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Optimal pH Levels in Lee County

Lee County features an average pH of 6.14, making it one of the less acidic counties in the state. This level is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the Arkansas state average of 5.56. This favorable chemistry makes it easier to grow a wide variety of plants without heavy lime applications.

High Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition is very high in silt at 56.6%, with 21.9% clay and 21.5% sand. This mixture results in a heavy, nutrient-dense soil that can hold significant moisture but may be prone to compaction. The low sand percentage means the soil will stay cool and moist longer than sandier neighboring regions.

Excellent Water Retention

Available water capacity is impressive at 0.185 in/in, well above the Arkansas average of 0.148 in/in. However, organic matter is relatively low at 1.62%, which is below the state's 4.15% benchmark. Focusing on building up organic material will turn this high water-capacity soil into a powerhouse for growth.

Managing Dense Soil Structure

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that drains slowly. This can be beneficial during dry Arkansas summers but requires careful management during the wet winter months. Planning for proper runoff is essential for maintaining healthy roots in this dense soil.

Extended Growth in Zone 8a

The 8a Hardiness Zone provides a long, warm season that pair perfectly with Lee County's moisture-retaining soil. It is an ideal spot for thirsty crops like corn or lush ornamental gardens. Your garden will thrive here if you focus on adding compost to boost that organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Average State Difficulty in Lee County

Lee County's score of 38.5 puts it right in line with the Arkansas state average. This zone 8a region requires steady effort to overcome regional heat and maintain a lush lawn compared to the national average of 50.0.

Standard Arkansas Heat and Rain

With 64 extreme heat days, Lee County matches the state average exactly. The 52.1 inches of annual rainfall is sufficient, but 5,410 growing degree days mean you will be spending plenty of time behind a lawnmower.

Near-Ideal Soil pH for Turf

At 6.14, Lee County boasts a soil pH that is very close to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil contains roughly 21.9% clay and 21.5% sand, a balanced mixture that generally supports good nutrient retention and root growth.

Managing Moderate Severe Drought Risks

Only 15.1% of the county currently faces severe drought, though 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Despite 30 weeks of drought in the past year, current conditions are more manageable than those in western neighbors.

Take Advantage of Early Spring

The early last frost on March 18 creates a long window for warm-season grass establishment. Zoysia or Bermuda grass will thrive here, benefiting from the balanced soil pH and the long, sunny growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
Lee County ranks #56 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $409, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Arkansas is $36,860 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 1.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lee County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Arkansas. 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.