CountyScore

Lee County

Iowa · IA

#84 in Iowa
65.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Lee County, Iowa

Lee County outperforms national averages

Lee County's composite score of 65.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 31%, placing it well above typical American counties. This advantage reflects strong housing affordability and solid tax management that support broad-based livability.

Below Iowa's competitive midline

Lee County scores 65.3, trailing Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 4.0 points, ranking it among the lower-tier performers statewide. While still solid, it lags several peer counties in overall composite livability.

Affordability and risk resilience standout

Lee County excels with a cost score of 80.9 and exceptional housing affordability—median homes at just $123,600 and rent at $814 monthly. The risk score of 37.1 suggests reasonable economic stability, and the effective tax rate of 1.501% remains manageable.

Income and health need attention

The income score of 22.4 is among the lowest, with a median household income of $59,803 limiting wealth-building potential. Health outcomes at 73.6 also lag some peer counties, warranting attention to local healthcare access and quality.

Suits cost-conscious, risk-aware families

Lee County attracts budget-stretched families, retirees, and economic-security-focused individuals who value low housing costs above all else. Its exceptional affordability and moderate risk profile make it suitable for those seeking financial stability on modest incomes, though limited income opportunities may constrain long-term growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.1Cost80.9SafetyComing SoonHealth73.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk37.1WaterComing Soon
🏛60.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37.1
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

Ware County
Georgia
65.3
Median income: $44,833
LaGrange County
Indiana
65.3
Median income: $83,741
Vigo County
Indiana
65.3
Median income: $52,525
Des Moines County
Iowa
65.3
Median income: $60,662
Union County
Iowa
65.3
Median income: $56,813

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: high rate, low value

Lee County's effective tax rate of 1.501% exceeds the national median, yet the median property tax of $1,855 remains 31% below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Lee County's notably lower home values, which average just 44% of the national median.

Second-highest rate in Iowa

Lee County ranks near the top of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.501%, exceeded only by Johnson County (1.565%) and well above the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $1,855 exceeds Iowa's state median of $2,160 by $2,160—wait, that's below by $305.

High rate, but low overall burden

Lee County's effective rate of 1.501% ranks second-highest among the region's eight counties, behind only Johnson County (1.565%). However, Lee's median tax bill of $1,855 remains low due to homes valued 58% below Johnson County's median.

What $123,600 home costs annually

On Lee County's median home value of $123,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,855 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the annual bill climbs to about $1,988, making Lee County moderately affordable despite its high effective tax rate.

You might be overpaying on taxes

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal their assessments. If you believe your home's valuation is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly—it's free to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County renters face affordability pressure

Lee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits well above the national affordability comfort zone, driven by a median household income of $59,803—the lowest in this comparison and well below the national average of $74,755. Renters here allocate a notably larger share of income to housing than U.S. averages allow.

Lee struggles above Iowa's affordability average

At 16.3%, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average by 2.2 percentage points, ranking among the state's less affordable counties. The $814 monthly rent is nearly identical to Iowa's median, but Lee's depressed household incomes create the affordability squeeze.

Lee's affordability ranks below most peers

Lee's 16.3% ratio falls between Keokuk (16.2%) and Kossuth (15.7%), but lags well behind affordable Jones (12.5%), Jackson (13.4%), and Jasper (14.1%). The $814 rent is modest, yet Lee's lowest median household income in the eight-county cohort makes this county's housing burden distinctly tighter.

Lee's budget crunch is real for renters

Renters dedicate $814 monthly (16.3% of $59,803 income), leaving constrained resources for healthcare, transportation, and savings. Homeowners spend slightly more at $846 monthly, but the ultra-low median home value of $123,600 means purchasing could ease the burden for qualified buyers.

Lee County works best for homebuyers

If you're relocating to rent, Lee's affordability challenges (lowest incomes, highest rent ratio) argue for comparing Jones, Jackson, or Kossuth counties. But if you're buying, Lee's low home values ($123,600) and ownership costs ($846/month) offer genuine opportunity—especially if your incoming job income exceeds local wage levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee faces steep national gap

Lee County's median household income of $59,803 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $14,952, representing 80% of typical American household earnings. This 20% deficit underscores significant economic pressures relative to the nation.

Among Iowa's lowest-income counties

Lee's $59,803 income falls $10,027 below Iowa's statewide median of $69,830, placing it in the lower tier of Iowa's 99 counties. The county faces steeper income challenges than most state peers.

Struggles against regional competition

Lee ($59,803) lags all neighbors: Johnson by 25%, Jones by 22%, Jackson by 19%, Jasper by 17%, and Keokuk by just 2%. Only Keokuk approaches Lee's lower-income status, highlighting a broader regional economic divide.

Housing strains tight budgets

Lee's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% means housing consumes over one-sixth of median income, creating budget pressures for families. A median home value of $123,600 is affordable, but lower overall income leaves little cushion for emergencies.

Seek income growth first

Lee County households should prioritize skills training or career advancement to raise earnings above the $59,803 median. Once income increases, redirect gains into tax-deferred savings vehicles and simple index funds to begin building household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County faces the steepest health challenges

At 74.8 years, Lee County's life expectancy is the lowest in this profile and trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.6 years. The county's 17.7% poor or fair health rate approaches the national average of 18%, reflecting serious population health concerns.

Iowa's most challenged county

Lee County's 74.8-year life expectancy falls 2.9 years below Iowa's state average of 77.7 years—the largest gap among all profiled counties. Its 17.7% poor or fair health rate ranks among the highest in Iowa, signaling urgent health disparities.

Significantly trails all neighbors

Lee County's 74.8-year life expectancy markedly lags every neighboring county profiled here, with Jones County's 79.8 years representing a 5.0-year advantage. While Lee County offers 63 primary care and 98 mental health providers per 100K—reasonable for a rural county—the lower health outcomes suggest barriers beyond provider supply.

Insurance alone won't bridge health gap

At 4.8%, Lee County's uninsured rate is the lowest in this profile and below Iowa's 5.7% average, yet life expectancy remains critically low—suggesting insurance access alone doesn't explain health disparities. The county's 63 primary care providers and 98 mental health professionals per 100K provide a foundation, but outcomes suggest systemic health challenges requiring broader intervention.

Ensure complete health protection

Lee County residents should verify comprehensive coverage at healthcare.gov, including mental health and preventive services. Contact your county health department about community health programs, chronic disease management resources, and support services designed to improve long-term outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County faces substantially elevated risk

Lee County's composite risk score of 62.95 exceeds the national average of 39.68 by 59%, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences above-average natural disaster exposure, particularly for flooding and tornadoes.

Second-highest risk county in Iowa

Lee County scores 62.95, far above Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it second only to Johnson County (87.44) in state risk rankings. Flood risk at 70.39 and tornado risk at 70.32 represent Iowa's second-highest exposure to these threats.

Substantially higher risk than surrounding areas

Lee County's score of 62.95 greatly exceeds neighboring Jefferson County (27.07) and Keokuk County (21.85). The county faces nearly triple the composite risk of adjacent areas, reflecting exceptional hazard concentration.

Flooding and tornadoes pose major threats

Lee County residents face flood risk of 70.39 and tornado risk of 70.32, both among the state's highest exposures. These dual threats require serious preparedness planning, particularly during spring severe weather and seasonal high-water periods.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Lee County

With flood risk at 70.39 and tornado risk at 70.32, homeowners must secure both comprehensive storm coverage and separate flood insurance. Ensure your policies include full wind, hail, and water damage protection, and invest in home hardening for maximum safety.

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.