countyscore
61.7
County Score
Cost of Living 96.8Disaster Risk 92.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Lee County, Kentucky

Lee County Outpaces National Averages

Lee County earns a composite score of 61.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a strong balance of livability factors that outperform many peer counties across the United States.

Leading the Pack in Kentucky

With a 61.7 composite score, Lee County exceeds the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a high-performing option within the Bluegrass State for those prioritizing overall quality of life.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Risk

The county boasts a near-perfect Cost Score of 96.8, driven by a modest median home value of $82,100. Residents also benefit from a high Risk Score of 92.5, indicating very low exposure to environmental hazards.

Economic and Health Hurdles

The local economy faces significant pressure with an Income Score of 0.8 and a median household income of $34,182. Additionally, a Health Score of 27.0 suggests a need for improved wellness resources and medical access.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize rock-bottom living costs and environmental safety. While incomes are low, the $593 median rent makes it one of the most accessible markets in the country.

Score breakdown

Tax49.1Cost96.8Safety84.9Health27Schools37.4Income0.8Risk92.5Water86Weather66.7
🏛49.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠96.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74
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

Owsley County
Kentucky
68.8
Wolfe County
Kentucky
71
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1
Jackson County
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Breathitt County
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Menifee County
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Clay 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 far below US average

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.848% sits well below the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the lower half of counties nationwide. The median property tax bill here is just $696 annually—roughly one-quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Above Kentucky average despite low bills

Lee County ranks above Kentucky's state average effective rate of 0.719%, making it a higher-taxed county within the commonwealth. Still, the median tax bill of $696 remains below the state median of $1,093.

Competitive with regional peers

Lee County's 0.848% rate exceeds Leslie County's 0.718% and Lewis County's 0.648%, but falls below Letcher County's 0.932%. Among eastern Kentucky counties, Lee ranks solidly in the middle on tax burden.

Median home: $82,100, annual tax $696

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $82,100 pays approximately $696 per year in property taxes. That amounts to about $58 monthly—or $923 annually if you include mortgage-related assessments.

Your home may be overassessed

Many Kentucky homeowners discover their properties are valued higher than market reality, leading to inflated tax bills. If your assessment seems high, appealing with recent comparable sales data can often result in meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County's rent burden tops national norm

Renters in Lee County spend 20.8% of their household income on rent, compared to the nation's typical burden of around 28–30% of income. While this sounds manageable, Lee County's median household income of $34,182 is less than half the national median of $74,755, making even "affordable" rent a squeeze.

Above Kentucky's affordability average

Lee County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it among less affordable counties in the Commonwealth. At $593 per month, median rent is notably lower than the state average of $771, but local incomes are proportionally lower too.

Cheaper rent, similar income struggles

Lee County's $593 median rent is the lowest among its regional neighbors—Leslie County renters pay $520, Letcher $651, and Lewis $757. However, Lee County's median income of $34,182 remains among the lowest in this group, making affordability a relative strength.

Renting vs. owning in Lee County

Monthly rent averages $593 while homeowners pay $471, making purchase more affordable than rent—though the median home value of $82,100 still requires substantial savings. With a median household income of $34,182 annually ($2,848/month), housing consumes over 20% of the typical family's budget.

Consider Lee if you value affordability

Lee County offers some of the region's lowest housing costs, particularly for homebuyers, making it attractive for those prioritizing affordable homeownership. Compare this county's tight labor market and income levels carefully against your own employment prospects before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County lags far behind national income

The median household income in Lee County is $34,182, less than half the national median of $74,755. This 54% gap reflects the economic challenges many rural Appalachian counties face compared to the broader U.S. economy.

Among Kentucky's lowest-income counties

Lee County ranks near the bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties with a median household income 39% below the state average of $55,909. Only a handful of Kentucky counties report lower median incomes than Lee's $34,182.

Struggling alongside eastern Kentucky peers

Lee County's $34,182 median income trails nearby Leslie County ($40,176) and Letcher County ($40,501), though it outperforms very few neighbors. The regional pattern of lower incomes reflects the broader economic structure of eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent communities.

Housing costs consume a fifth of income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.8%, Lee County households spend a manageable share on housing, though the median home value of $82,100 remains a stretch on $34,182 annual income. The affordability challenge intensifies when accounting for utilities, food, and healthcare on tight household budgets.

Building financial stability takes planning

Even modest savings habits—starting with $25-50 monthly—can compound into emergency funds and long-term wealth. Lee County residents should explore employer retirement plans, tax credits for low-income workers, and free financial counseling available through community development organizations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Remains Significantly Safer Than Average

Lee County's total crime rate of 354.4 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents results in an impressive safety score of 99.4 out of 100.

Outperforming Kentucky Safety Benchmarks

The county's crime rate is less than half of the Kentucky statewide average of 786.2 per 100K. Its safety score of 99.4 also sits higher than the state average of 98.8.

A Quiet Presence Among Its Neighbors

Lee County's rate of 354.4 per 100K is lower than Lyon County's but higher than Leslie County's. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this peaceful environment across the county.

Low Risk Across Crime Categories

Property crimes make up the majority of reports at 327.1 per 100K, while violent crime is very rare at 27.3. These figures are vastly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Measures Preserve Local Peace

While crime is low, motion-sensor lighting can further deter property-related incidents. Staying proactive helps maintain Lee County’s reputation as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee County's health lag spans a decade

Lee County residents live to an average of 68.3 years—nearly 10 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Over one in three residents (32.5%) report poor or fair health, nearly triple the national average of 11%, signaling a population facing serious chronic conditions.

Lowest life expectancy in Kentucky

At 68.3 years, Lee County ranks among Kentucky's poorest health outcomes, trailing the state average of 72.2 years by 3.9 years. The county's 32.5% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Kentucky's average, marking it as a statewide health crisis zone.

Eastern Kentucky's steepest health decline

Lee County's 68.3-year life expectancy ranks it below neighboring Leslie County (68.7 years) and Letcher County (67.7 years), though it edges ahead of Letcher County's 24.9% poor health rate. Limited primary care data makes detailed provider comparison difficult, though the county does maintain 123 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.

Better uninsured rate masks access gaps

Lee County's 6.7% uninsured rate actually beats the state average of 7.0%, yet data on primary care providers remains unavailable—a critical gap that obscures residents' true ability to access routine medical care. The high mental health provider density (123 per 100K) suggests targeted mental health resources, but complete provider mapping is needed.

Explore your coverage options today

Even with a relatively low uninsured rate, nearly 1 in 15 Lee County residents still lack health coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local Department for Medicaid Services to review your options and ensure you're getting the preventive care your community desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural Education Network

Lee County operates four public schools within a single district, serving a total of 907 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary school and three high schools, though no dedicated middle schools are registered in the current system.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which significantly exceeds the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,674 is lower than both the state and national benchmarks, the composite school score of 51.7 remains competitive with the national median.

The Lee County District Focus

The Lee County school district manages the entire local student population across its primary and secondary facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all 907 enrolled students.

A Small-Town Rural School Experience

All four schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent environment with an average school size of 454 students. The largest facility is Lee County Middle High School with 458 students, followed closely by Lee County Elementary with 449 students.

Plant Roots Near Lee County Schools

Families looking for a close-knit, rural educational setting will find Lee County an attractive option for home buying. Explore local real estate to find a home within walking distance of these high-performing rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County faces very low disaster risk

Lee County's composite risk score of 7.51 places it well below the national average, making it one of Kentucky's safest counties for natural disasters. This very low rating means residents face minimal exposure to the major hazards that threaten other parts of the country.

Among Kentucky's safest counties

Lee County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Kentucky, with a composite score of 7.51 compared to the state average of 44.21. This 83% lower risk profile reflects the county's geographic position and relatively stable hazard exposure.

Safer than surrounding counties

Lee County's risk score of 7.51 is significantly lower than neighboring Leslie County (31.71) and Letcher County (66.60), making it the safest in its region. This advantage stems largely from lower wildfire, flood, and earthquake exposure compared to nearby counties.

Wildfire and earthquake deserve attention

Wildfire risk (57.79) and earthquake risk (25.29) are Lee County's most elevated hazards, though both remain moderate compared to other counties. Tornado risk at 23.44 and flood risk at 21.15 round out the county's hazard profile, each posing limited but measurable threats.

Standard homeowners coverage suffices

Lee County's low composite risk score means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage matches your home's replacement value, and consider flood insurance if you live near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical humid subtropical weather

Lee County’s 55.5°F average is slightly warmer than the national median. The environment brings a substantial 50.3 inches of rain per year, which is 12 inches above the US average.

Aligned with Kentucky state averages

The county stays within 0.7 degrees of the Kentucky state average temperature. It also aligns almost perfectly with the state's 50.6-inch annual precipitation average.

Snowier than neighboring Laurel

Lee is significantly snowier than nearby Laurel, recording 17.1 inches compared to Laurel's 5.7. It shares a similar extreme heat profile with Letcher, seeing about 20 days over 90°F.

Crisp winters with high snowfall

Winters are crisp with an average of 36.2°F and significant snowfall totaling 17.1 inches. Summers peak in July with an average of 75.1°F and 20 days of extreme heat.

Stock up on winter gear

Residents need robust winter equipment like snow shovels and salt to handle the high snowfall. Ensure HVAC systems are serviced for both the winter chill and the 20 days of summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Detailed Soil Mapping

While specific pH data is currently unavailable for Lee County, its location suggests soils often trend toward the state average of 5.80. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, making lime a common necessity for many local growers.

Navigating Rugged Terrain

Detailed local sand and silt measurements remain unmapped for this specific area. Gardeners here typically work with the rocky, variable terrain characteristic of the Cumberland Plateau which demands site-specific attention.

Benchmarks for Growth

Local organic matter data is limited, though state-level averages of 3.55% serve as a benchmark for local soil improvement goals. The available water capacity likely varies significantly depending on whether you are planting in a valley floor or on a ridge.

Managing Water on the Slopes

Formal drainage classification data is currently restricted for Lee County. Proper site assessment is critical for building projects and gardens to navigate the region's steep slopes and varied runoff patterns.

Resilient Planting in Zone 6b

The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a solid foundation for diverse planting. Root vegetables and resilient perennials thrive here when given proper attention to the local microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions in Lee County

Lee County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 74.0, indicating maintenance is significantly easier here than the national median of 50.0. This score also outperforms the Kentucky state average of 66.3, making it a standout region for 6b hardiness zone growers.

Moderate Heat and High Rainfall

The county receives 50.3 inches of annual precipitation, which perfectly hits the upper limit of the ideal 30-50 inch range for turfgrass. With only 20 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 30, cool-season grasses face less summer stress and require fewer 3,818 growing degree days to flourish.

Navigating Sparse Soil Data

While specific soil pH and texture data are unavailable for Lee County, local growers should assume the regional trend toward heavy clay and acidic levels. A professional soil test is the best first step to determine if your lawn needs lime or organic amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Exceptional Moisture Stability

Drought is rarely a concern here, as the county experienced only one week of drought conditions over the past year. Since 0.0% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions, you can focus your efforts on aeration rather than emergency watering.

Start Seeding After Spring Frost

Wait until the last spring frost passes around April 17 before beginning your major seeding projects. Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this climate, especially given the first fall frost arrives reliably by October 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 61.7 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 Kentucky?
Lee County ranks #48 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $696, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Kentucky is $34,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lee County scores 61.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Kentucky. 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.