countyscore
36.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 74.2Water Quality 64.2Health 60.4

County Report Card

About Lee County, Florida

Lee County trails the national average

Lee County's composite score of 36.4 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0, indicating livability challenges compared to most U.S. counties. The 13.6-point gap reflects structural affordability and safety concerns that outweigh strong income potential.

Below Florida's average in overall livability

Lee County ranks below Florida's state average with a composite score of 36.4 versus 45.1, placing it in the lower half of Florida's 67 counties. This below-average standing reflects persistent affordability and public safety issues.

High incomes and health services shine

Lee County boasts a median household income of $73,099 (income score: 74.2), reflecting strong earning potential, while health score of 60.4 provides solid healthcare access. Water quality (64.2) also rates above the state average, ensuring safe drinking water.

Housing is expensive, safety is fragile

Lee County's median home value of $326,300 and rent of $1,597/month create severe affordability barriers (cost score: 11.1), among Florida's worst. Safety score of 40.2 and a catastrophic risk score of just 1.0 signal both crime and extreme vulnerability to environmental disasters.

Only for high earners willing to accept risks

Lee County suits affluent professionals and established retirees who can absorb premium housing costs and tolerate safety and environmental concerns. Its strong incomes make it viable for wealthy families, but lack of affordability and public safety make it unsuitable for budget-conscious or risk-averse households.

Score breakdown

Tax50.7Cost11.1Safety40.2Health60.4Schools23.9Income74.2Risk1Water64.2Weather7.3
🏛50.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤7.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.8
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

Charlotte County
Florida
44.5
Collier County
Florida
45.8
Hendry County
Florida
34.9
DeSoto County
Florida
31.5
Sarasota County
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Glades County
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Hardee County
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Highlands County
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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 above national median

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.827% surpasses the national median of 0.71%, though its median tax bill of $2,699 matches the national median almost exactly. This positions Lee as a higher-tax county, reflecting robust property values in Southwest Florida's booming real estate market.

Among Florida's highest-tax counties

Lee County's effective rate of 0.827% ranks above Florida's 0.731% average, placing it in the upper tier statewide. Its median tax of $2,699 tops the state median of $1,885 by 43%, driven by strong coastal property appreciation in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Competing with Manatee for highest regional taxes

Lee's 0.827% rate matches Manatee County (0.793% for comparison), and both exceed inland counties like Lake (0.793%) and Lafayette (0.646%). The median tax of $2,699 is the highest among the eight-county survey, reflecting Lee's status as a dynamic growth market.

What median homes cost in annual taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $326,300 pays roughly $2,699 annually in property taxes—about $225 per month. With mortgage-related fees, annual property tax obligations can reach $2,773, making Lee one of Florida's costlier markets for tax burden.

Challenge inflated assessments on high-value homes

High-value properties are especially prone to assessment errors; Lee County homeowners with homes valued above market can appeal to lower their tax liability. With median homes at $326,300, even a 5% valuation correction could save over $1,300 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Southwest Florida's affordability challenge

Lee County renters spend 26.2% of their income on rent, noticeably higher than the nation's typical ratio and straining household budgets. At $1,597 monthly rent against median income of $73,099, Lee's cost of living rivals many major metropolitan areas outside Florida.

Among Florida's pricier counties

Lee County's 26.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Florida's average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's costlier housing markets. This reflects Lee's popularity as a residential and tourism destination, driving up demand and prices across the region.

Premium pricing in Southwest Florida

Lee County's $1,597 median rent significantly outpaces nearby inland counties but runs nearly even with neighboring Manatee County ($1,549). Both coastal and near-coastal Southwest Florida counties command a premium over rural interior regions, reflecting proximity to amenities and employment centers.

Renters and owners both invest heavily

Lee County renters dedicate $1,597 monthly (26.2% of income) to housing, while owners spend $1,229 on mortgages for homes valued at $326,300. Even homeowners with established equity face substantial monthly costs, and renters must carefully budget to manage housing expenses while covering other necessities.

Lee County: premium for coastal lifestyle

Lee County's higher housing costs—26.2% rent burden and $326,300 median home values—reflect its popularity and access to Gulf Coast amenities. If you're relocating for retirement or lifestyle, compare Lee's expenses to more affordable rural or inland alternatives; the premium buys you waterfront proximity and year-round recreation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County slightly below national median

Lee County's median household income of $73,099 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $1,656—placing it nearly at parity with national earnings. The county's per capita income of $43,365 significantly exceeds the national average, reflecting wealth concentration among higher earners.

Ranks high within Florida counties

Lee County's $73,099 median household income outpaces Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $7,600. The county ranks in Florida's upper tier for household earnings, driven by tourism, healthcare, and real estate sectors.

Strong income compared to the region

Lee County's $73,099 median income outearns most neighboring counties, surpassing Lake ($69,956) and Leon ($65,074). The Southwest Florida economy benefits from seasonal tourism, retiree migration, and growing healthcare employment.

Housing affordability becoming tight

Lee County's rent-to-income ratio of 26.2% means housing consumes more than one-quarter of median household income, pushing toward the affordability ceiling. The median home value of $326,300 has climbed substantially, requiring significant down payments and mortgage capacity.

Leverage rising home equity wisely

Lee County residents benefit from appreciating property values and can use home equity strategically in long-term wealth plans. Diversifying beyond real estate through retirement accounts and investment portfolios protects against market concentration risk.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County stays safer than national average

Lee County earns a safety score of 97.9, reflecting its status as a secure coastal community. Its total crime rate of 1,361.5 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Lee County aligns with Florida safety standards

Lee County’s safety score of 97.9 sits slightly below the Florida state average of 98.4. Fifteen reporting agencies work to manage a crime rate that is just above the state average of 1,027.9.

Lee compared to nearby Florida counties

Lee County maintains a much lower crime rate than Leon County, which sits at 2,613.5 per 100,000. However, it experiences higher crime rates than its northern neighbor, Manatee County.

Property crimes represent the majority of reports

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,054.5 per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at 307.0. Both metrics remain below national benchmarks, particularly violent crime which is 17% lower than the U.S. average.

Secure your home against property crime

With property crime being the most common concern, residents benefit from installing outdoor lighting and cameras. These proactive measures help deter opportunistic theft in residential neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County leads on life expectancy

At 80.6 years, Lee County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than the national average of 17%, reflecting excellent population health outcomes.

Florida's longest-living county

Lee County's 80.6-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in Florida, exceeding the state average of 75.8 years by nearly 5 years. Despite this achievement, the county's 17.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Florida's 14.4%, indicating some access gaps remain.

Exceptional health outcomes regionally

Lee County's 80.6-year life expectancy surpasses nearby Manatee County (79.8) and significantly outperforms most Florida counties. With 67 primary care providers and 147 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Lee offers robust healthcare infrastructure supporting these strong outcomes.

Comprehensive healthcare resources

Lee County's 67 primary care providers and 147 mental health providers per 100,000 residents create excellent access to both preventive and behavioral health care. Though 17.1% of residents lack insurance, those with coverage benefit from an extensive provider network supporting the county's exceptional life expectancy.

Complete your health coverage

Nearly 1 in 6 Lee County residents remain uninsured—missing opportunities to maximize preventive care and access to the county's strong provider network. Check your insurance status and explore marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored options to ensure full access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Scale in Southwest Florida

Lee County operates a massive educational network of 120 public schools serving 99,354 students. The landscape features 61 elementary schools and 35 high schools to accommodate its large population.

Efficient Performance in Large Schools

The graduation rate of 88.0% slightly exceeds the national average of 87%. However, per-pupil spending of $5,726 is notably lower than both state and national averages, indicating a very efficient use of resources.

A Hub for Charter School Choice

The Lee County School District manages 121 schools, including 24 charter schools that serve 20% of the county. Lehigh Senior High School is the largest traditional campus, enrolling 2,476 students.

Urban and Suburban Learning Environments

Schools are split between urban and suburban settings, with an average school size of 872 students. Huge campuses like Lehigh Senior High define the high school experience for the county's youth.

Finding Your Place in Lee County

With a wide variety of urban and suburban schools, families have many options for their children's education. Look for homes near top-rated campuses in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres to secure a quality education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County faces highest disaster risks nationally

Lee County's composite risk score of 99.05 with a 'Relatively High' rating places it among the nation's most hazard-exposed counties. The county experiences near-maximal risk across hurricane, flood, and wildfire categories, representing an exceptional disaster vulnerability.

Highest-risk county in Florida

Lee County's score of 99.05 significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks as the state's most dangerous county for natural disasters. This top-of-the-list status demands extraordinary preparedness from residents and emergency management agencies.

Southwest Florida faces severe collective risk

Lee County's 99.05 score exceeds fellow high-risk neighbors like Manatee County (97.55) and Levy County (66.09), making it the epicenter of Florida's disaster vulnerability. The concentration of extreme risk in southwest Florida reflects the region's exposure to Atlantic hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding.

Hurricane and flood risks are critical

Lee County's hurricane risk of 99.92 and flood risk of 97.40 are nearly maximal, reflecting the county's coastal exposure and low elevation. Storm surge, wind damage, and precipitation flooding represent immediate, severe threats during Atlantic hurricane season.

Flood and hurricane insurance are mandatory

Lee County homeowners face a regulatory and practical mandate: flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and comprehensive hurricane/wind coverage are essential investments. Elevation, impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, and regular maintenance are the difference between recovery and disaster for properties in this highest-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Lee County Surpasses National Temperature Medians

The county's average annual temperature of 75.2°F sits more than 20 degrees above the national median of 54°F. This subtropical climate reflects some of the warmest year-round conditions in the United States.

A Warm Leader in the Sunshine State

Lee County stays significantly warmer than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. Its 75.2°F average places it among the highest-ranking counties for heat in the southern peninsula.

Warmer Shores than Northern Neighbors

At 75.2°F, Lee County is warmer than Manatee County to the north, which averages 73.2°F. Both regions share a Gulf Coast influence that keeps humidity high and temperatures stable.

Lengthy Summers and Non-Existent Winters

Residents endure 120 days of extreme heat above 90°F, while winter averages remain a balmy 66.3°F. Although snowfall records are unavailable for this area, frozen precipitation is historically rare.

Managing Extreme Heat and Seasonal Rain

Homeowners should maintain robust HVAC systems to handle 120 days of 90-degree heat. Planning outdoor events requires attention to the 55.4 inches of annual rain, most of which falls during summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Lee

Lee County features a soil pH of 5.45, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 4.88. This more balanced profile contributes to a strong soil score of 41.7, well above the state average of 31.1.

Predominantly Sandy Texture

The profile is 87.4% sand, containing very little silt (1.4%) or clay (1.9%). This makes for a very loose, easy-to-dig soil that resists compaction but allows water to pass through almost instantly.

High Organic Content Potential

Organic matter is a strong suit here at 9.17%, well above the state average of 8.03%. While the available water capacity of 0.106 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark, the high organic content helps hold onto essential nutrients.

Efficient Water Movement

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are missing from the data. Given that sand makes up nearly 90% of the soil, you can expect exceptionally fast drainage and low water retention during the rainy season.

Tropical Paradise in Zone 10b

As a tropical Zone 10b, Lee County is a paradise for growing mangoes, papayas, and other frost-sensitive species. Your high organic matter provides a great natural boost for any tropical fruit trees you choose to plant.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Tropical Resilience in Zone 10b

Lee County earns a lawn difficulty score of 19.8, placing it right in line with the Florida state average of 19.2. In this tropical 10b environment, the challenge isn't the cold, but managing a lawn that never truly goes dormant.

Sizzling Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Lee County endures 120 days of heat above 90°F, which is significantly higher than the state average of 92 days. An incredible 9,210 growing degree days and 55.4 inches of rain mean your mowing schedule will be relentless throughout the year.

Sandy Foundations and Low pH

The soil is 87.4% sand with a low pH of 5.45, which can lock out essential nutrients from your grass. With only 1.9% clay, the soil lacks the structure to hold moisture, making organic top-dressing a vital step for any serious gardener.

Severe Drought Affecting All of Lee

Drought has persisted for 35 weeks this year, and currently, 100% of the county is in Severe Drought. Implementing xeriscaping or choosing drought-tolerant cultivars is essential to maintaining curb appeal under strict water restrictions.

Perpetual Growth for Tropical Turf

Warm-season champions like St. Augustine or Seashore Paspalum thrive here. With a last frost date of January 17, you can begin lawn improvements almost as soon as the calendar turns, provided you have a plan for the 120 days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Florida has a composite county score of 36.4 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 Florida?
Lee County ranks #53 among all counties in Florida 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, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $2,699, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Florida is $73,099 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Florida a good place to live?
Lee County scores 36.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Florida. 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.