countyscore
51.7
County Score
Safety 85.5Soil Quality 79.2Lawn Care 73.4

County Report Card

About Lee County, Illinois

Solidly Near National Average

Lee County holds a composite score of 51.7, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the broader American experience.

Competitive Within Illinois

The county’s 51.7 score is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8. It provides a stable middle-ground option for residents seeking a mix of safety and affordability.

Secure and Healthy Community

Lee County excels in safety with a score of 85.5 and maintains a strong health score of 71.9. Its income score of 62.9 reflects a stable local economy with a $68,459 median income.

Tax and Water Concerns

The effective tax rate of 1.921% results in a low tax score of 3.9. Additionally, the water score of 20.9 suggests that infrastructure improvements could benefit the local population.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

Lee County is ideal for families who want a very safe environment and decent healthcare facilities. It appeals to those looking for a traditional Midwestern lifestyle with manageable housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax3.9Cost42.3Safety85.5Health71.9Schools50.6Income62.9Risk45.6Water20.9Weather53.8
🏛3.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.4
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

Ogle County
Illinois
38.7
Bureau County
Illinois
45.7
DeKalb County
Illinois
37
LaSalle County
Illinois
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Whiteside County
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Putnam County
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Winnebago County
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Carroll 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 slightly below national

Lee County's effective tax rate of 1.921% falls slightly below the national median of 2.690%, offering moderate tax relief. The median tax bill of $2,980 edges above the national median of $2,690 due to the county's reasonable home values.

Modest taxes for Illinois residents

Lee County's effective rate of 1.921% exceeds Illinois's state average of 1.831% by just 0.09 percentage points. Its median tax of $2,980 runs close to the state average of $2,782.

Lee County in the moderate range

Lee County's 1.921% rate sits between lower-tax counties like Lawrence (1.210%) and higher-tax neighbors like LaSalle (2.154%). The county offers a middle ground for property tax burden in the region.

Median annual tax is $2,980

On Lee County's median home value of $155,100, homeowners pay approximately $2,980 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $3,189.

Check if you're overassessed

Lee County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. If your assessment is significantly higher, an appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County housing near national norms

Lee County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, reflecting reasonable affordability for a rural Midwest county. With median household income of $68,459—9% below the national median—Lee County residents manage housing costs effectively relative to their earnings.

Below-average costs across Illinois

Lee County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio falls just below Illinois's 14.7% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. Monthly rents of $853 remain notably below the state average of $837, offering substantial value compared to urban Illinois markets.

Affordable rural alternative to Chicago metros

Lee County's $853 rent undercuts Lake County by 40% while remaining comparable to fellow rural counties like LaSalle ($906) and Logan ($804). Home values at $155,100 similarly position Lee as an affordable option for buyers seeking rural living without Lawrence County's income constraints.

Balanced costs favor both renters and owners

Lee County renters allocate 14.9% of a $68,459 median income to $853 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $966 (16.9% of income) on mortgages. Both ratios remain well below the 30% affordability benchmark, offering genuine housing security for Lee County households.

Solid value for rural Midwest seekers

Lee County combines affordable housing with stable local incomes, making it attractive for families prioritizing cost of living over urban amenities. Compare Lee's balanced affordability to neighboring LaSalle's slightly higher costs or Lawrence's income-affordability gap.

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 $68,459 runs 8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income band. The county's per capita income of $35,065 sits 3% below the national average, reflecting modest but stable employment.

Slightly below Illinois average

Lee County's $68,459 median household income ranks near the Illinois state average of $68,580, placing it squarely in the middle tier of the state's counties. Its per capita income of $35,065 sits just below the state average of $36,009, indicating typical Illinois earning patterns.

Middle ground in regional comparison

Lee County's $68,459 income exceeds Lawrence County's $53,438 but trails LaSalle County's $72,281, positioning it as a moderate-income region. The county sits near the middle of the eight-county sample, neither particularly wealthy nor economically stressed.

Manageable housing affordability

Lee County residents spend 14.9% of their income on rent, staying well below the 30% affordability threshold and maintaining financial flexibility. With a median home value of $155,100, homeownership aligns with county incomes for working families.

Steady income supports long-term planning

Lee County's stable median income of $68,459 provides a reliable platform for wealth building through consistent, systematic investing. Consider setting up automatic transfers to a savings account, exploring employer 401(k) matches, and periodically reviewing your financial goals with a trusted advisor.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County maintains strong national safety standing

Lee County's total crime rate of 327.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 99.5, reflecting a very high level of security for its residents.

Exceeding the Illinois safety average

Lee County ranks well above the state average, outperforming the Illinois safety score of 98.7 with its own 99.5 rating. This ranking places it among the safer third of counties across the state of Illinois.

A secure choice in Northern Illinois

At 327.3 incidents per 100,000 people, Lee County is considerably safer than the state average of 835.0. It serves as a secure rural hub when compared to more urbanized neighbors in the northern part of the state.

Property crime dominates local reports

Property crime makes up the bulk of local activity at 271.8 per 100,000 residents, yet this remains well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also notably low at 55.5, which is just a fraction of the national 369.8 average.

Stay vigilant in Lee County

While the numbers are low, most reported crimes in the county involve property theft or burglary. Investing in a smart doorbell or security cameras can provide an extra layer of protection to deter opportunistic activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County outpaces national health

At 77.4 years, Lee County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, giving residents nearly a year of extra life expectancy. At 18.7% poor/fair health, it sits slightly above the national rate, but strong provider access offsets this gap.

Above-average life in Illinois

Lee County's 77.4-year life expectancy ranks it well above Illinois's state average of 76.0 years. This places Lee among the state's healthier counties, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Best provider access in region

Lee County leads its peers with 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an extraordinary 746 mental health providers—far exceeding nearby counties. This robust healthcare infrastructure ensures residents can access both physical and mental health services locally.

Strong coverage and care availability

At 5.6%, Lee County has the lowest uninsured rate among all eight counties, paired with abundant primary care options (73 per 100K). Residents benefit from consistent access to routine checkups, specialists, and mental health support without the travel burdens facing neighboring counties.

Maintain your coverage

With excellent local health services, Lee County residents should ensure continuous coverage to maximize access. Review your current plan at healthcare.gov or with your employer annually to keep utilizing the strong provider network available locally.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Localized Network for Diverse Learners

Lee County provides 18 public schools for 3,860 students, managed by 6 local districts. The landscape includes 7 elementary schools and 3 high schools, alongside 5 specialized facilities dedicated to special education.

Healthy Spending Above State Averages

Lee County invests $9,731 per student, exceeding the Illinois average of $9,250. While the graduation rate of 82.8% lags behind the national target of 87%, the county achieves a solid school score of 55.6.

Dixon Schools Lead the County's Enrollment

Dixon USD 170 is the dominant district, serving 2,486 students across five different campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, leaving education in the hands of established public districts like Amboy CUSD 272.

Small Schools with a Rural Focus

Attending school here feels personal, with an average enrollment of just 297 students per campus. Most students attend schools in town settings, like Dixon High with 805 students, while eight schools remain purely rural.

Discover the Benefits of Town-Based Learning

Lee County offers a blend of town centers and rural peace, backed by school spending that beats the state average. It is an ideal location for families who value specialized education and smaller, manageable class sizes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County has below-average risk

With a composite risk score of 54.4 and a relatively low rating, Lee County sits nearly at the national average. This score reflects moderate exposure to tornadoes and flooding, balanced by lower earthquake and hurricane risks.

Close to Illinois' state average

Lee County's score of 54.4 nearly matches Illinois' state average of 54.5, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk spectrum. The county experiences typical disaster exposure compared to most Illinois counties.

Similar risk profile to area counties

Lee County's risk of 54.4 aligns closely with Logan County (58.1) and sits well below LaSalle County (86.1). The county occupies a moderate risk position among its immediate neighbors.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Lee County faces a tornado risk of 69.8 and a flood risk of 62.5, making these the county's most significant hazards. Both hazards carry the potential for moderate property damage and population displacement.

Ensure flood and wind coverage

Lee County residents should obtain flood insurance to cover damage from heavy rainfall and river flooding, since standard policies don't include flood protection. Review your homeowners policy to confirm adequate wind and hail coverage for tornado and severe thunderstorm events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Continental Climate

Lee County's annual average temperature of 48.5°F sits below the national median, reflecting its position in the upper Midwest. The region experiences a classic continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal transitions.

One of Illinois’ Cooler Counties

At 48.5°F, Lee County is significantly cooler than the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F. This temperature gap is driven primarily by its cold winter months, which average just 23.8°F.

Cooler and Snowier than Southern Peers

Lee County receives 29.6 inches of snow annually, nearly double what counties in central or southern Illinois typically see. Its 37.6 inches of rain is slightly below the state average, making for a drier but colder environment.

Harsh Winters and Brief Summers

Winter dominates with a January average of 20.5°F and nearly 30 inches of annual snow. Summers are relatively mild, with only 11 days per year reaching 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Snow and Cold

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment and ensure homes are well-insulated for the sub-freezing winter average. Cooling needs are modest, as the county enjoys a comfortable July average of 72.4°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Soils in Lee County

Lee County earns a solid soil score of 79.2, outperforming the state average of 73.6. The pH level of 6.47 is almost perfectly neutral, sitting just a hair below the national median of 6.5.

Sandy and Silty Mix

With 30.1% sand, this soil is coarser than many surrounding counties, aiding in workability and aeration. Silt makes up 49.2%, ensuring the soil still retains enough nutrients to remain productive.

High Organic Productivity

The organic matter content is impressive at 4.08%, well above the Illinois average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.195 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content helps keep plants hydrated.

Efficient Water Management

Specific drainage classes are not recorded, but the high sand content likely provides better-than-average drainage for the region. This texture helps the soil warm up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.

Hardy Growing in Zone 5b

Lee County resides in Hardiness Zone 5b, supporting a wide variety of prairie plants and traditional garden crops. The high organic matter makes this an excellent location for starting a high-yield home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

User-Friendly Lawn Conditions in Lee

Lee County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 73.4, indicating it is much easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. The Zone 5b climate is generally forgiving for those trying to keep a lush, green yard.

Mild Temperatures Support Steady Growth

Climate conditions are mild, with only 11 extreme heat days per year compared to the Illinois average of 27. The 37.6 inches of annual precipitation and 2,935 growing degree days provide a predictable and steady growing cycle.

Sandy Soil Mix Aids Drainage

The soil features a pH of 6.47 and a relatively high sand content of 30.1%, which typically aids in drainage. The 19.3% clay content suggests the soil is less prone to heavy compaction than elsewhere in the state.

Conserving Water in Abnormally Dry Times

Drought resilience is tested as 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry after 30 weeks of drought in the past year. To conserve water, avoid heavy fertilization during dry spells to prevent burning the stressed turf.

Spring Planting Windows in Lee County

Fine fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass blends are ideal for these northern conditions and the October 15 frost date. You can safely start your spring lawn work once the threat of frost passes around April 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Illinois has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Illinois?
Lee County ranks #64 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $2,980, with an effective tax rate of 1.92%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Illinois is $68,459 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 62.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Illinois a good place to live?
Lee County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Illinois. 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.