countyscore
42.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 77.4Soil Quality 69.9

County Report Card

About Lee County, Iowa

Trailing Behind National Median Benchmarks

Lee County scores a 42.8 composite, placing it below the national median of 50.0. While it offers affordability, it struggles with community safety and economic indicators.

Below the Average Iowa Score

At 42.8, Lee County sits well below the Iowa state average of 55.6. It faces significant challenges in matching the livability levels of its neighboring northern counties.

Pristine Water and Low Housing Costs

The county’s greatest asset is its water quality, which scores a high 86.0. Housing is also accessible, with a cost score of 53.5 and a median rent of only $814 per month.

Safety and Risk Management Concerns

Safety is a major concern with a low score of 22.6, and the risk score of 37.1 suggests vulnerability to external factors. Taxes are also a burden, with a score of 12.8 and a 1.501% effective rate.

A Value Play for Environmentalists

Lee County is best suited for residents who prioritize low-cost housing and clean water. It offers an affordable entry point into Iowa life for those who are less concerned with local safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax12.8Cost53.5Safety22.6Health66.9Schools54Income38.4Risk37.1Water86Weather52.3
🏛12.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.4
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

Hancock County
Illinois
58.6
Clark County
Missouri
55.1
Des Moines County
Iowa
34.7
Henderson County
Illinois
61.7
Van Buren County
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Henry County
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52.5
Lewis County
Missouri
62.1
McDonough County
Illinois
56.3

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: 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

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Safety Scores Below National Benchmarks

Lee County has a safety score of 96.9, which is the lowest in this regional group. However, its total crime rate of 1979.6 still remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Lee County Crime Rates Exceed State Averages

With a total crime rate of 1979.6, Lee County is nearly double the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 96.9 also trails the state average of 98.3.

Lee County Shows Higher Rates Than Northern Neighbors

Lee County's crime rate of 1979.6 is significantly higher than Jefferson County's 1153.0. Residents here experience a much more active crime environment than those in nearby Keokuk.

Violent Crime in Lee Exceeds National Average

The violent crime rate of 412.7 per 100K is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated locally, reaching a rate of 1566.9.

Home Security is a Priority for Lee Residents

Given the higher rates of both violent and property crime, residents should prioritize home security systems. Use high-quality locks and security cameras to provide extra peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Paths in Lee County

Lee County provides for 4,828 students through 12 public schools across three main districts. The facilities include five elementary, three middle, and three high schools, along with one alternative learning center.

Competitive Results Near the River

The county maintains a 91.1% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,384, just below the state average of $7,591.

Strong Districts in Fort Madison and Keokuk

The Fort Madison Community School District is the largest with 1,797 students, closely followed by Keokuk with 1,781 students. The Central Lee district also plays a vital role, serving 1,250 students across three schools.

Balanced Town and Country Schools

With eight schools in town and four in rural settings, the average school size is 402 students. Fort Madison Middle School is the county's largest individual campus, serving 695 students.

Find a Home in these Riverfront Districts

Lee County offers a variety of educational settings from town centers to rural landscapes. Research homes in Fort Madison or Keokuk to join a community that values high graduation standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Lee County's Warmest Iowa Climate

Lee County averages 52.0°F annually, the closest in this region to the national median temperature. Located in the far southeast, it features longer summers and shorter winters.

Leading the State in Heat

Lee is significantly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It is also one of the wettest counties, receiving 39.4 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 36.1-inch state norm.

A Regional Hot Spot

Lee experiences 25 extreme heat days per year, the highest in this group. It is both warmer and wetter than Jefferson County, its neighbor to the northwest.

Long Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with a 76.1°F average and 25 days over 90°F. Winters are the mildest in Iowa, seeing only 22.4 inches of snow and a 27.8°F winter-long average.

Cooling and Rain Management

Strong air conditioning is vital for the 25 days of extreme heat each year. With nearly 40 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper landscape grading to prevent home flooding.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Lee County’s Silt Loam Alfisols

Lee County is characterized by a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the Alfisol order. Its average pH of 6.11 is notably more acidic than the Iowa state average of 6.43 and the national median of 6.5.

Silty and Moisture-Retentive

The soil consists of 53.5% silt and 21.7% clay, with 22.7% sand providing some balance. This high silt-to-clay ratio gives the soil a velvety feel and an excellent capacity to hold onto vital agricultural nutrients.

Superior Water Storage

Lee County exceeds the state average for available water capacity at 0.199 in/in, ensuring crops have access to moisture. With 3.19% organic matter, the soil is healthy and well-stocked for a variety of growing applications.

Managing Poorly Drained Ground

The county's soils are predominantly poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group D. This indicates a high potential for water to sit on the surface, requiring careful drainage management for farming or construction.

Warmest Growing Zone in Iowa

As one of the few Iowa counties in Zone 6a, Lee County offers a longer, warmer growing season. This is the perfect place to try your hand at growing slightly more tender crops or enjoying an extended harvest of peppers and beans.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Lee County: Iowa’s Warmest Lawn Environment

Lee County’s lawn difficulty score of 77.4 is nearly identical to the state average. As Iowa's southernmost county, it sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a longer and warmer growing season than the rest of the state. This provides a unique opportunity for slightly different grass management strategies.

High Heat and Ample Rainfall

Residents face 25 extreme heat days annually, which is the highest in this group and well above the state average of 16. These hot days are fueled by 3,572 growing degree days and supported by 39.4 inches of rain. Lawns grow aggressively here, requiring consistent maintenance from early spring through late autumn.

Poorly Drained Silt Loam Soils

The soil is a poorly drained silt loam with a pH of 6.11, which is within the acceptable range but could benefit from occasional liming. Because the soil drains poorly, it is susceptible to standing water after heavy rains and root rot if over-watered. Surface grading and aeration are critical for preventing soggy turf conditions.

Heat Stress and Drought Management

With 18 weeks of drought last year and a small pocket (0.2%) currently in severe D2 drought, Lee County lawns face significant stress. The combination of high heat and poor drainage means the timing of water application is vital. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties is a smart long-term strategy for this southern Iowa climate.

A Long Growing Season in Zone 6a

Lee County enjoys a long frost-free period from April 12 to October 25. Tall Fescue is highly recommended here for its ability to handle the 25 extreme heat days better than Bluegrass. The early spring start allows for successful early seeding before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Iowa has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Iowa?
Lee County ranks #84 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $1,855, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Iowa is $59,803 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Iowa a good place to live?
Lee County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Iowa. 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.