Lee County

Georgia · GA

#76 in Georgia
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lee County, Georgia

Lee County ranks above national average despite high costs

Lee County scores 67.3, ranking 17 points above the national median of 50.0 despite being the lowest in this group. The score reflects strong incomes that offset higher housing and living costs.

Below Georgia's state average performance

At 67.3, Lee County falls 3.6 points below Georgia's state average of 70.9, marking it as the lowest performer in this county group. The score reflects its higher cost structure relative to income gains.

Strongest income levels in the entire group

Lee County boasts the highest income score (40.8) with a median household income of $88,024—the highest among all eight counties analyzed. This strong earning potential reflects robust job markets and economic opportunity.

High housing costs significantly limit affordability

Lee County's cost score of 68.8 is the lowest in this group, with median home values of $226,900 and rent averaging $1,147 monthly. These elevated costs offset income advantages and reduce overall livability scores. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable.

For affluent professionals in dynamic job markets

Lee County suits high-earning professionals, executives, and dual-income families who can afford premium housing in a strong economic area. The exceptional median income suggests vibrant employment opportunities, making it ideal for career-focused individuals willing to invest in housing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.1Cost68.8SafetyComing SoonHealth67.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.8Risk70.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
70.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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'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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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