countyscore

Lee County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#79 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
35.9
County Score
Weather & Climate 62.7Property Tax 53.5Water Quality 52.8

County Report Card

About Lee County, North Carolina

Struggling Against National Averages

Lee County receives a composite score of 35.9, significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates substantial room for improvement across most categories of the CountyScore index.

Falling Short of State Benchmarks

The county's score of 35.9 sits well below the North Carolina average of 44.7. Lee County currently ranks toward the bottom tier of the state for overall livability and public services.

Moderate Tax Burden and Clean Water

Taxation is a relative bright spot with a score of 53.5 and an effective rate of 0.798%. The county also maintains a decent water score of 52.8, ensuring reliable utility quality for its residents.

Safety and Education Concerns

Low scores in safety (27.5) and schools (28.5) present challenges for community development. The cost score of 30.9 also reflects a growing disconnect between local wages and housing prices.

A County in Transition

Lee County is best for those looking for a lower-tax environment who may not rely on the local public school system. It currently serves as a pragmatic home for workers who prioritize utility reliability and tax savings over other amenities.

2040608010053.530.927.531.528.548.332.552.862.7Tax53.5Cost30.9Safety27.5Health31.5Schools28.5Income48.3Risk32.5Water52.8Weather62.735.9/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Lee County DNA

Foverall

How Lee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (27.5/100), though Weather & Climate (62.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.5
Cost
30.9-17.1
Safety
27.5-27.5
Health
31.5-18.5
Schools
28.5-25.5
Income
48.3
Risk
32.5-14.5
Water
52.8
Weather
62.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$213,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$962/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$213,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,060/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.8

per 100K

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

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Deep Dives

Lee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lee County

via TaxByCounty

Lee County taxes exceed national standard

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.798% surpasses the national median and ranks in the upper tier for tax burden. Homeowners pay a median $1,707 annually, falling short of the national median of $2,690 only because median home values are significantly lower at $213,800.

Lee ranks among North Carolina's highest

At 0.798%, Lee County's effective rate exceeds the state average of 0.701% by about 0.1 percentage points, placing it in the upper fifth of North Carolina counties. Annual median taxes of $1,707 exceed the state median of $1,433 by roughly 19%.

Lee outpaces neighboring counties on taxes

Lee's 0.798% rate substantially exceeds regional peers including Jackson (0.369%) and Macon County (0.427%), making it the region's highest-taxing county. Lee homeowners pay $1,707 annually compared to Jackson's $938—an $769 difference on homes of similar value.

Lee homeowners carry significant tax burden

The median Lee County home valued at $213,800 generates an annual property tax of $1,707. With mortgage-related assessments, bills climb to $1,863, placing Lee County households among the state's highest tax payers on a rate basis.

Lee homeowners should prioritize appeals

Given Lee's elevated tax rate, careful assessment review is essential for homeowners seeking relief. If your home's assessed value appears high relative to recent sales or appraisals in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the tax assessor could deliver substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee residents spend close to the national average

Lee County renters spend 18.3% of income on housing, nearly matching the national median of 18.6% despite a median household income of $63,060—below the national average of $74,755. This reflects a typical balance between modest local incomes and moderate regional rents.

Lee mirrors North Carolina's average affordability

Lee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with the state average of 18.6%, making it a representative North Carolina county in terms of housing affordability. The $962 median rent sits slightly above state average, offset partially by slightly below-average incomes.

Lee falls in the middle of the regional pack

Lee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio sits between more affordable neighbors like Johnston County (15.1%) and less affordable peers like Jackson County (19.2%). Its $962 median rent positions it as a moderate-cost option in the region.

Housing takes a typical share of Lee's budgets

Lee renters dedicate $962 monthly to housing while homeowners pay $1,027 on a median income of $63,060, with median home values of $213,800. Together, these figures show housing claims roughly 18% of the typical household budget—a fairly standard burden.

Lee offers middle-ground affordability and stability

If you're seeking a county with moderate housing costs and balanced affordability—neither the most expensive nor cheapest in North Carolina—Lee delivers steady, predictable economics. It's an ideal choice for families valuing stability over extreme affordability savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County earns slightly below national average

Lee County's median household income of $63,060 falls $11,695 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle quartile nationally. This 16% gap reflects moderate economic challenges within a mixed employment landscape.

Lee County hovers near state median income

Lee County's $63,060 median income sits 3% above North Carolina's state average of $61,072, indicating moderate earning power within the state. Per capita income of $31,394 slightly trails the state average of $33,920, suggesting some reliance on household-level earnings concentration.

Lee County ranks mid-pack regionally

Lee County's $63,060 median income sits between Jackson County ($53,479) and Iredell County ($78,678), reflecting middle-ground status in the state's income hierarchy. It outearn lower-tier counties but trails the state's top earners by over $15,000.

Moderate housing affordability in Lee County

Lee County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the ideal threshold, indicating moderate housing stress relative to median earnings. Median home values of $213,800 remain accessible but require careful financial planning relative to local incomes.

Build stability through consistent saving

Lee County residents with moderate incomes benefit from disciplined saving regimens and employer-sponsored retirement plans to build wealth over time. Even small monthly contributions to diversified portfolios compound meaningfully across decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lee County Stronger Than National Average

Lee County earns a strong safety score of 97.2, indicating a secure community relative to national trends. The total crime rate of 1,755.8 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Performing Above the State Average

Lee County outperforms the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 2,050.0, showing effective local law enforcement.

Competitive Safety in the Region

Lee County maintains a violent crime rate of 180.9, which is nearly 45% lower than the state average of 330.7. This gives it a significant safety advantage over many of its regional neighbors.

Property Crimes Predominate Locally

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,574.9 per 100,000, yet it remains lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is relatively infrequent, making the area safer than many similarly sized counties.

Proactive Security for Lee Residents

To help keep property crime rates trending downward, residents should focus on securing vehicles and homes. Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights are effective tools for maintaining Lee County's safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A diverse hub for public education

Lee County provides 19 public schools serving a total of 10,436 students across four districts. The system includes nine elementary, four middle, and five high schools, plus specialized centers. This distribution ensures educational access for both town residents and rural communities.

Meeting national standards for student success

The county maintains an 87% graduation rate, matching the national average. While the school score of 50.7 is slightly below the state average of 52.4, it remains above the national median score of 50.0. Spending stays efficient at $6,400 per pupil, which is approximately $500 below the North Carolina average.

Public and charter options in Lee

Lee County Schools is the primary district, educating 9,143 students across 16 campuses. The county also features a significant charter presence, with three schools including Ascend Leadership Academy and MINA Charter School. Charters represent nearly 16% of all schools, offering families multiple pedagogical choices.

Town-centered schools with moderate enrollment

With 11 schools located in town settings and eight in rural areas, the county offers a balanced geographic mix. Lee County High is the largest school with 1,508 students, while the average school size across the county is 549. This scale allows for diverse extracurriculars without losing the sense of a local community.

Versatile school choices for every family

Lee County’s mix of traditional public and charter schools provides families with the flexibility to find the right fit. Academic performance remains steady, making the area a reliable choice for long-term residential investment. Consider areas near Sanford to stay close to both town amenities and the county's largest schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County's risk is slightly above the U.S. average

Lee County scores 67.49 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and marginally above the national average. The score reflects balanced exposure across tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, without extreme concentration in any single hazard.

Lee ranks just above the North Carolina average

At 67.49, Lee County's composite score barely exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it as a fairly typical North Carolina county for natural disaster risk. This central positioning reflects mid-range exposure to multiple hazard types.

Lee sits between safer Jones and riskier Johnston

Lee County (67.49) falls between the lower-risk Jones County (64.50) and much higher-risk Johnston County (85.56), serving as a moderate benchmark for the region. Lee's tornado score of 81.49 and hurricane score of 84.77 are substantial but lower than Johnston's extremes.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are Lee's chief concerns

Hurricane risk reaches 84.77 and tornado risk climbs to 81.49, making wind-driven hazards the primary threat to Lee County residents. Flood risk also ranks notably at 71.69, while wildfire risk remains moderate at 54.33.

Wind and flood coverage should be your focus

Lee County residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind damage and includes separate flood protection, given the county's elevated hurricane and tornado exposure. Review your policy before severe weather season and ensure your deductibles are manageable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lee County

via WaterByCounty

Lee County Outperforms State Water Compliance Averages

Lee County maintains a C grade for drinking water, reporting 7 health violations in a five-year lookback. Its violation rate of 12.6 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the North Carolina average of 31.7. This suggests that while some issues exist, the county's systems are generally performing better than many state peers.

Local Watershed Health Data Pending Assessment

Official federal assessments for Lee County's rivers and streams are not currently present in the ATTAINS database. Without §303(d) designations, it is difficult to benchmark local watershed health against state-wide impairment averages. Local data collection remains the best source for understanding the health of the county's water bodies.

Baseline Monitoring Tracks Nutrients and Microbes

Lee County has a smaller monitoring footprint with 4 active sites and 796 measurements recorded over the last five years. Data collection primarily focuses on physical parameters, nutrients, and microbiological indicators. This level of monitoring provides a basic overview but leaves room for more comprehensive data expansion.

Deep River Flow Drops to Just 7% of Normal

The USGS gauge on the Deep River at Moncure shows a current discharge of 102 cubic feet per second. This is a dramatic drop to just 7% of the river's long-term mean flow. For a large 1,434 square mile drainage area, these levels represent severe drought conditions that can stress local water intakes.

Be Vigilant During Periods of Extreme Low Flow

With the Deep River at only 7% of its typical flow, source water may be more susceptible to concentrated nutrient runoff. While Lee County's compliance rate is better than the state average, low flow conditions can lead to sudden shifts in water chemistry. Residents may want to monitor their water's clarity and support local watershed monitoring efforts.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and sunny in the heart of NC

Lee County averages 60.8°F annually, which is roughly five degrees warmer than the national median. This area enjoys a long summer and a very short winter season.

Warmer and drier than the state average

At 60.8°F, Lee is warmer than the state average of 59.3°F. It is also notably drier, receiving only 46.9 inches of rain compared to the 51.5-inch North Carolina norm.

Less rain than its coastal neighbors

With 46.9 inches of annual precipitation, Lee is one of the drier counties in its region. It averages 2.4 inches of snow, which is typical for the central Piedmont.

Long stretches of extreme summer heat

The county experiences 54 days above 90°F, tied for the highest heat frequency in this group. July is particularly intense with an average temperature of 79.5°F.

Prepare for heat and dry spells

Robust cooling systems are essential to handle nearly two months of 90-degree days. Residents should also plan for drier conditions by using mulch and water-saving techniques in their gardens.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

A North Carolina Benchmark pH

Lee County's soil pH of 5.13 almost perfectly matches the state average of 5.14. It remains much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the state's weathered geological formations.

Balanced Texture for Easy Tilling

The soil contains 57.0% sand and 27.5% silt, leaving clay at a modest 12.7%. This balance provides a manageable texture that isn't as heavy or difficult to work as the high-clay soils found elsewhere in the Piedmont.

Low Organic Matter and Retention

Organic matter is low at 1.25%, which is less than a quarter of the state average of 5.12%. With an available water capacity of 0.118 in/in, the soil dries out faster than the state norm of 0.134 in/in.

Managing Lean Moisture Levels

No specific data exists for dominant drainage classes in this county. Gardeners should focus on building up soil structure with organic amendments to improve the currently low water and nutrient retention.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a generous window for growing everything from summer squash to fall brassicas. Success here depends on mulching to protect the soil from drying out in the intense summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Matching the North Carolina Average

Lee County’s difficulty score of 41.1 is almost identical to the state average, offering a typical North Carolina lawn experience. Its 8a hardiness zone is standard for the region, balancing mild winters with hot summers.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

Lee County endures 54 days over 90°F annually, which is significantly more heat stress than the state average of 38 days. To sustain growth through 4,889 growing degree days, you must manage your 46.9 inches of annual rain carefully.

Correcting Acidity in Sandy Soil

With a pH of 5.13 and 57.0% sand content, the soil here is naturally acidic and fast-draining. Adding organic compost can help slow down drainage and provide a buffer for the essential lime treatments your lawn will need.

Managing Water in Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought after 21 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Prioritize water conservation by installing rain barrels to supplement irrigation during those 54 extreme heat days.

Warm-Season Success in Lee

Bermuda grass is the gold standard for this 8a zone because it thrives in the extreme summer heat. Plan to plant or aerate after the April 10 frost date when the soil begins to warm consistently.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 35.9 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 North Carolina?
Lee County ranks #79 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $1,707, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, North Carolina is $63,060 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 48.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Lee County scores 35.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in North Carolina. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.