countyscore
51.6
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.

20406080100342.385.571.950.662.545.620.953.8Tax3Cost42.3Safety85.5Health71.9Schools50.6Income62.5Risk45.6Water20.9Weather53.851.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Lee County DNA

Foverall

How Lee County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3-49
Cost
42.3
Safety
85.5+30.5
Health
71.9+21.900000000000006
Schools
50.6
Income
62.5+11.5
Risk
45.6
Water
20.9-37.1
Weather
53.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lee County?

Many homeowners in Lee County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$894/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,292/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

67.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Warren County
Illinois
Median income: $67,385
51.6
Montgomery County
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Median income: $71,479
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Gray County
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Median income: $79,122
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Hamilton County
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Hopkins County
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Median income: $56,815
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Clinton County
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Median income: $71,224
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Livingston County
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Yates County
New York
Median income: $69,701
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Nearby counties

Ogle County
Illinois
38.5
Bureau County
Illinois
46.8
DeKalb County
Illinois
37.2
LaSalle County
Illinois
40.5
Whiteside County
Illinois
45.8
Putnam County
Illinois
58.4
Winnebago County
Illinois
42.5
Carroll County
Illinois
60.2

Deep Dives

Lee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 51.6 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 #63 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 $3,048, with an effective tax rate of 1.97%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Illinois is $70,292 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Illinois a good place to live?
Lee County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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