42.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.9Disaster Risk 70.6Water Quality 54.1

County Report Card

About Lee County, Georgia

Lee County Trails National Averages

Lee County earns a composite score of 42.3, placing it below the national median of 50.0. Despite high incomes, the overall score is weighed down by high living costs and taxes.

Below the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 42.3 falls short of the Georgia state average of 46.7. High local costs relative to the state mean that residents pay a premium for living in this area.

A Powerhouse for Local Incomes

Lee County boasts a massive Income Score of 90.9, driven by a median household income of $88,024. It also maintains a strong Risk Score of 70.6, indicating good environmental resilience.

High Costs and Tax Burdens

Affordability is a major hurdle here, with a Cost Score of 17.5 and a median rent of $1,147. The Tax Score of 37.9 reflects a higher-than-average tax burden for Georgia residents.

The Verdict: Best for High-Earning Families

Lee County is a premier choice for high-income professionals who value a prosperous community and are willing to pay for it. The trade-off for higher taxes and housing costs is a much stronger economic profile than the rest of the region.

Score breakdown

Tax37.9Cost17.5Safety43.5Health48.9Schools46.7Income90.9Risk70.6Water54.1Weather36
🏛37.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠17.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼90.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡43.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
48.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓46.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
70.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧54.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤36
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱17.6
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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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's rate ranks below national average

At 1.002%, Lee County's effective tax rate generates a $2,273 median bill—still 15% below the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 45% nationally despite having higher property values than most neighbors.

Above state average, second-highest here

Lee County's 1.002% effective rate exceeds Georgia's 0.898% state average and ranks second-highest in this eight-county analysis. At $2,273 median property tax, Lee residents pay 49% above the state median of $1,529, reflecting Lee's more developed economy.

Second-highest rate, highest property values

Lee County's $226,900 median home value stands highest among the eight counties, yet its 1.002% rate trails only Lanier's 1.017%. This reflects Lee's position as the most economically developed county in this regional cluster.

Median home costs $2,273 annually

The typical $226,900 home in Lee County generates approximately $2,273 in annual property taxes before exemptions. With homestead exemptions and mortgage deductions, homeowners typically pay between $2,079 and $2,338 per year.

Appeal if assessed value is outdated

Lee County's higher property values mean assessment errors carry steeper costs; a $10,000 overvaluation costs nearly $100 annually. Request a reassessment if your home was valued more than three years ago or before recent market changes.

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County: affluent income enables premium affordability

Lee County residents earn $88,024—$13,269 above the national median of $74,755—and spend just 15.6% of income on $1,147 monthly rent, ranking among America's most affordable housing markets for upper-middle-class households. This county's wealth translates directly into housing comfort.

Lee County's income and affordability lead Georgia

Lee County's $88,024 median household income is the highest in this eight-county group and $13,269 above the Georgia state median, enabling a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state's 18.6% average. Its $1,147 rent reflects premium properties and neighborhoods.

Lee's premium properties remain manageable for wealthy households

Lee County's $1,147 monthly rent is the highest in this eight-county cluster, yet its 15.6% ratio stays competitive because household incomes are also the highest at $88,024. The $226,900 median home value tops the region, catering to affluent relocators.

Affluence makes housing stress nearly disappear here

Renters spend just 15.6% of their $88,024 income on $1,147 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 16.8% to $1,229 in mortgage payments—both remarkably sustainable ratios. Lee County residents enjoy genuine luxury: expensive housing on an even more expensive income.

Lee County for affluent buyers seeking Georgia living

If you're relocating with an $88,000+ household income or selling equity from a major market, Lee County's $226,900 median homes and 15.6% rent ratio deliver the Southeast's finest housing value for affluent relocators. This county is Georgia's most prestigious address.

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee exceeds national income standards

Lee County's median household income of $88,024 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 17.7%, making it one of Georgia's most prosperous counties and well above national norms. This strong performance reflects robust local economic conditions and high earning potential.

Georgia's top-tier earners

At $88,024, Lee County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 45.5%, ranking among the state's highest-income counties. Per capita income of $37,641 similarly outperforms the state average of $31,115 by 21.0%.

Clear regional income leader

Lee's $88,024 income substantially outpaces all surveyed neighbors, exceeding Lamar ($68,457) by $19,567 and nearly double Jenkins County ($36,906). Lee stands as the unambiguous economic leader in its regional peer group.

Housing costs minimal, wealth abundant

Lee County households spend only 15.6% of income on rent—the lowest burden in the region—while median home values of $226,900 reflect substantial property wealth and financial security. The optimal income-to-housing ratio enables aggressive wealth accumulation.

Maximize wealth through sophisticated planning

Lee County households earning $88,024 can comfortably allocate 20%+ toward retirement, investment real estate, and taxable brokerage accounts, while exploring tax-advantaged strategies like 529 plans and donor-advised funds. High earners should engage financial advisors for estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Maintains a Solid Safety Score

Lee County reports a total crime rate of 1273.9 per 100,000, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.0 out of 100 signals a high level of protection for residents. Only two agencies are responsible for reporting this data.

Exceeding Average Georgia Safety Levels

Lee County’s safety score of 98.0 is higher than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1273.9 also remains lower than the statewide average of 1412.9. This puts the county in the top tier of safe communities in Georgia.

Lee County Compared to Local Peers

Lee County's crime rate of 1273.9 is higher than nearby Jones County at 961.9. However, it remains more secure than many other counties in the southern Georgia region. Its crime levels reflect a stable and well-monitored suburban-rural environment.

Violent Crime Trends in Lee County

The violent crime rate in Lee County is 194.1 per 100,000, well below the Georgia average of 248.1. Property crime accounts for 1079.8 incidents per 100,000, making it the primary concern for law enforcement. Residents enjoy a low risk of encountering violent incidents.

Securing Your Property in Lee County

Since property crime is the most frequent offense, residents are encouraged to use visible security deterrents. Smart doorbells and garage alarms provide excellent protection against typical local theft. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity helps keep Lee County safe.

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County exceeds national health

Lee County's life expectancy of 75.1 years edges above the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 0.6 years. Only 17.3% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 15%, signaling strong overall health.

Top health performer in Georgia

Lee County's life expectancy of 75.1 years ranks second highest in the state, exceeding Georgia's average of 73.3 years by 1.8 years. Its 17.3% poor/fair health rate is among Georgia's lowest.

Second-best regional health outcomes

Lee County's 75.1-year life expectancy trails only Jones County (75.6 years) by 0.5 years and beats Lanier County (74.6 years). With 11.5% uninsured, it has the lowest insurance gap in the region.

Strong access across health services

Lee County provides 51 primary care providers per 100K residents and 44 mental health providers per 100K—balanced capacity supporting comprehensive care. These numbers, combined with strong health outcomes, suggest effective health system engagement.

Stay covered, stay healthy

Lee County leads on health outcomes, but 11.5% remain uninsured. Maintain continuity of care by verifying coverage at HealthCare.gov—preventive and ongoing access drives Lee County's success.

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lee County's Growing Eight-School System

Lee County provides a robust public education through four elementary, two middle, and two high schools. A total of 6,333 students are enrolled across these eight facilities.

Top-Tier Graduation and Efficient Operations

The county achieves a stellar 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both state and national averages. Despite spending just $6,522 per pupil—well below the national average—the county maintains a strong 53.5 school score.

One Strong Unified District

The Lee County school district manages all 6,333 students with no charter schools in operation. This unified system allows for a consistent academic experience for all local families.

Substantial Schools in Town and Country

Schools are evenly split between four town and four rural locations, with a relatively large average school size of 792 students. Lee County High is the largest with 1,429 students, while Lee County Middle East remains the smallest with 676.

High Success Rates Drive Home Value

Lee County is a premier destination for families who prioritize high graduation rates and educational efficiency. Investing in a home here means securing access to some of the region's most successful public schools.

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County: Low Risk, Stronger Than State Average

Lee County scores 29.39 on the composite risk scale, earning Very Low status while sitting 26% below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This positions the county as safer than most Georgia counties, though with higher exposure than the state's safest communities.

Mid-Range Safety Among Georgia Counties

Lee County ranks in the safer tier statewide, with a composite score substantially below the state average but higher than Georgia's safest counties. The county demonstrates solid but not exceptional disaster resilience compared to its peers.

Safer Than Laurens, Similar to Others

Lee County's score of 29.39 significantly outperforms Laurens County (50.51) but trails the region's safest counties like Johnson County (9.26) and Jenkins County (10.75). The county occupies the middle-safety ground within central Georgia.

Tornado and Wildfire Warrant Attention

Tornado risk reaches 66.44 in Lee County—its highest hazard score and substantially above regional averages—while wildfire risk scores 60.21. These two hazards significantly outpace flood and earthquake risks, defining the county's primary preparation needs.

Storm Shelter and Wildfire Defense Priorities

Lee County residents should obtain homeowners insurance with robust tornado and wind coverage, given the county's elevated tornado risk of 66.44. Establish a safe room or storm shelter, maintain defensible space around your property for wildfire protection, and keep emergency supplies accessible during severe weather season.

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Persistent Warmth Above Median

Lee County averages 65.8°F annually, which is much warmer than the national median. This consistent heat defines the local lifestyle and environment.

A Warm Georgia Staple

The county's 65.8°F average temperature is over two degrees higher than the state average of 63.7°F. It is one of the more heat-prone areas in Georgia.

Hotter Than Central Neighbors

Lee County's 84 extreme heat days surpass both Laurens and Jeff Davis. While rainfall data is limited, its temperature profile suggests a very hot, southern regional climate.

Nearly Three Months of 90s

Lee County endures 84 days of extreme heat per year, with summer averages reaching 80.7°F. Winters are among the state's warmest, averaging 50.1°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Shade

Prepare for 84 days of temperatures above 90°F by investing in high-quality home insulation. Heavy winter clothing is rarely needed, as the winter average stays a comfortable 50.1°F.

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Ag-Rich Soils of Lee County

Taxonomic and pH data for Lee County are currently unrecorded. Most soils in this agricultural region are acidic, likely closer to the state average of 5.26 than the 6.5 national median.

Productive Farming Textures

Detailed sand and clay percentages are missing from recent surveys in Lee County. This area is famous for its productive land, which typically consists of well-drained soils that support diverse row crops.

Supporting Strong Yields

Lee County lacks a specific soil score, so growers should target the state average of 1.83% organic matter. Maintaining healthy organic levels is the key to sustaining the county's famous agricultural output.

Natural Water Movement

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unmapped for the majority of the county. Most local soils provide sufficient natural drainage for the region's wide variety of commercial crops.

Hardy Growth in Zone 8b

Lee County sits in Zone 8b, offering a robust climate for both hobbyists and professional farmers. Dig into your soil today and join the rich agricultural tradition of this South Georgia gem.

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

The Steepest Lawn Challenges in Georgia

Lee County has a lawn difficulty score of only 17.6, the lowest in this group and far below the state average of 35.8. Maintaining a standard lawn here in Hardiness Zone 8b requires expert attention and constant monitoring.

Aggressive Growth in Intense Heat

The county records 84 extreme heat days and a very high 6,185 growing degree days, fueling rapid grass and weed growth. These conditions put immense pressure on turf, which must survive an average July temperature of 81.7°F.

Seeking Soil Solutions locally

Soil composition and pH data are currently unavailable for Lee County. Given the high difficulty score, homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to improve water retention and soil health.

Battling Total County Drought

Lee County is currently 100% under severe drought conditions, with 29 weeks of drought recorded in the last year. During these periods, water conservation is vital; use mulch in flower beds and keep grass longer to protect the root systems.

Timing Your Lee County Lawn

The best time to start your lawn is shortly after the last spring frost on March 12. Use heat-resilient varieties like Bermuda grass to survive the long summer before the first fall frost on November 19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Georgia has a composite county score of 42.3 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 Georgia?
Lee County ranks #115 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $2,273, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Georgia is $88,024 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lee County scores 42.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #115 in Georgia. 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.