countyscore
42.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 59.6Schools 57.6Income & Jobs 56.8

County Report Card

About Lee County, Texas

Sitting Below the National Average

Lee County scores a 42.6 on our composite index, which falls under the national median of 50.0. This indicates there are opportunities to improve local services and infrastructure relative to the U.S. as a whole.

Slightly Above the Texas Median

With a composite score of 42.6, Lee County edges out the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a standard Texas lifestyle with a few key advantages in income and stability.

Resilient Incomes and Low Risk

The county's strongest assets are its Risk Score of 59.6 and an Income Score of 56.8. A median household income of $66,000 provides a solid foundation for local residents.

Affordability and Health Concerns

Health scores remain low at 29.0, while high home values lead to a Cost Score of 35.5. Median home values have reached $247,500, which is high relative to the local amenities provided.

Suited for Stable Rural Living

Lee County is a solid choice for established workers who value a low-risk environment and steady incomes. It offers a classic Texas experience for those who don't mind higher-than-average housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax40.5Cost35.5Safety45.4Health29Schools57.6Income56.8Risk59.6Water45.6Weather24.6
🏛40.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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

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Burleson 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 offers below-average tax rates

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.969% sits just above the national median of 0.84%, making it relatively affordable by national standards. Its median annual tax of $2,399 falls short of the national median of $2,690, despite Lee County's strong median home value of $247,500 that approaches the national average.

Well below Texas's state average

Lee County's 0.969% effective rate significantly undercuts the Texas state average of 1.276%, positioning it among the state's most tax-friendly counties. Its median annual tax of $2,399 slightly exceeds the state median of $2,193, but the favorable rate more than compensates relative to the county's property values.

Among the region's best tax deals

Lee County's 0.969% rate ties with Lavaca County (0.957%) as one of the lowest in this regional comparison, beating Lamar County (0.951%) by a hair and vastly outpacing Knox County (1.862%) and La Salle County (1.561%). Lee County represents excellent tax value.

Lee County property tax costs

On Lee County's median home value of $247,500, you'll owe approximately $2,399 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, budget roughly $2,969 per year.

Don't skip the appraisal review

Lee County's strong property values and favorable tax rates make verification especially worthwhile—a single percentage point error on a $247,500 home translates to $25 annually in unnecessary taxes. Contact your county appraisal district to confirm your assessment's accuracy.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County rents strain household budgets

Lee County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits above both national and Texas state averages, indicating tighter housing affordability for renters. At $1,050 monthly with a median household income of $66,000, renters here dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing—leaving less flexibility for other expenses.

Above-average rental costs in Texas

Lee County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1%, and its $1,050 median rent runs 9% above the state average of $963. This positions Lee County among Texas's pricier rental markets, reflecting regional housing demand and limited supply.

The region's priciest rental market

Lee County's $1,050 rent is notably higher than all comparable counties here—Knox ($661), Lamar ($897), Lamb ($900), Leon ($798), Lavaca ($879)—reflecting its status as an expensive regional outlier. However, its $247,500 median home value also tops the group, suggesting a wealthier, more developed market.

Ownership offers better affordability

Lee County renters earning $66,000 allocate 19.1% of income ($1,050) to housing, but owners spend only 15.5% ($854 monthly) on mortgages for $247,500 homes. This 3.6-percentage-point spread suggests that buying offers substantially better financial outcomes than renting in this market.

Lee County: buy to save money

If you're considering Lee County, the numbers favor homeownership strongly—owners spend significantly less as a percentage of income than renters. Weigh its $247,500 median home value and $1,050 rents against more affordable neighbors like Leon County ($798) before committing to the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County approaches national income median

Lee County's median household income of $66,000 is 12% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but it ranks among the stronger performers in this eight-county comparison. This positioning reflects a more balanced economic mix than purely agricultural counties.

Above Texas state median income

At $66,000, Lee County earns 2% more than the Texas state median of $64,737, placing it slightly above the statewide average. The per capita income of $31,961 is slightly below the state average, suggesting some income concentration among fewer households.

Second-strongest income in the group

Lee County's $66,000 trails only Lampasas County ($76,919) among the eight counties surveyed, exceeding regional peers like Lamar ($61,122) and Lavaca ($61,768). This advantage reflects Lee's position in the Austin-influenced economic zone and more diverse employment base.

Housing costs elevated but manageable

Lee County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the ideal 15% threshold, indicating housing pressures for renters and modest earners. However, the median home value of $247,500 is supported by above-average income, enabling homeownership for most households.

Strong income supports diverse investments

Lee County residents earning above-state-median income can prioritize wealth-building strategies beyond basic homeownership. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into rental properties or investment vehicles, and building cash reserves to weather economic cycles—positioning your family for multi-generational prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Twice as Safe as the Nation

Lee County earns a 98.1 safety score, reflecting its low total crime rate of 1,219.8 per 100K. This is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a secure community.

Beating the Texas State Average

The county stays ahead of the Texas safety average of 96.8 by several points. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100K.

Reliable Rural Security

Compared to urban neighbors, Lee’s property crime rate of 991.8 highlights its rural security advantages. Four local agencies provide consistent oversight to maintain these low numbers.

Lower-than-Average Violent Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 228.0, which is well below the national mark of 369.8. Residents primarily deal with property-related issues, which account for about 81% of all reports.

Protect Your Home and Assets

Securing entry points and using smart home technology can help mitigate property theft risks. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping Lee County's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lee County

via HealthByCounty

Lee life expectancy second-best in group

Lee County's life expectancy of 76.3 years exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years, ranking second only to Lavaca County among all eight. Its 23.4% poor or fair health rate remains moderate, below the worst performers but above the healthiest counties.

Lee outperforms Texas average by 2 years

At 76.3 years, Lee's life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by two full years. The county's 20.3% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 19.8%, indicating room for improvement on coverage.

Lee strong on life expectancy, average on coverage

Lee's 76.3-year life expectancy is second only to Lavaca (77.3) in the region, but its 20.3% uninsured rate ranks in the middle. The county's health performance reflects good outcomes despite uninsured rates that leave significant populations vulnerable.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health

Lee provides only 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—matching Lamb County's scarcity—but offers 44 mental health providers. With 20.3% uninsured, about 1 in 5 residents struggle to access and afford available care.

Lee's uninsured rate still needs attention

Despite Lee County's strong life expectancy, one in five residents remain uninsured at 20.3%, creating healthcare vulnerability. If you lack coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 2-1-1 Texas to find affordable health insurance options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Education in Central Texas

Lee County provides public education to 3,274 students through nine schools across three districts. The facilities include three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. This balanced structure supports a smooth transition for students as they progress through their academic careers.

Proven Success with Efficient Funding

Lee County achieves a 95.8% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. Although per-pupil spending is lower at $6,401, the schools earn a score of 55.3, matching the Texas state average. These figures reflect a dedicated teaching staff and a community focused on student outcomes.

Giddings ISD Anchors the Community

Giddings ISD is the county's primary district, educating 1,930 students across four campuses. Lexington ISD follows with 1,084 students, while Dime Box ISD offers a small, single-school alternative. No charter schools are active in the county, leaving all 3,274 students in the traditional public system.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

The county features seven rural schools and two schools located within town centers. With an average size of 364 students, campuses like Giddings High School (653 students) remain manageable and community-focused. This variety allows families to find the right environment for their children's learning style.

Relocate Near High-Achieving Districts

High graduation rates and a solid school score make Lee County an excellent choice for families. Real estate in Giddings and Lexington offers close proximity to these well-performing campuses. Explore local homes for sale to secure your spot in a district known for student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County's risk stays manageable

Lee County's composite risk score of 40.46 falls below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's central Texas location provides reasonable protection from major hazard zones.

Below-average among Texas counties

Scoring 40.46 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Lee County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide. The 17% reduction from state average reflects a secure geographic position.

Safer than coastal but riskier than interior

Lee County's 40.46 score sits between safer Lampasas County (29.93) and riskier Kleberg County (84.41). The county occupies a moderate position within its broader regional context.

Hurricane and tornado warrant attention

Hurricane risk of 72.59 represents Lee County's highest exposure, likely reflecting inland tropical storm moisture and wind effects. Tornado risk of 56.93 presents a secondary concern, while flood and wildfire risks remain below state averages.

Standard coverage with hurricane rider advised

Lee County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider adding a hurricane wind coverage rider given the 72.59 hurricane risk score. Basement or interior safe rooms provide affordable protection against the 56.93 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Above National Averages

Lee County's annual average temperature of 68.1°F reflects its position in the warm southern United States. This temperature is significantly higher than the median for the rest of the country.

A Warmer Pocket of Central Texas

At 68.1°F, Lee County is warmer than the 65.5°F Texas state average. Its annual precipitation of 39.5 inches also surpasses the state average of 31.9 inches, indicating a more humid environment.

Wet and Warm Central Plains

Lee County is notably humid, receiving 39.5 inches of rain per year, which is higher than many counties to its west. This moisture contributes to the 111 days per year that reach at least 90°F.

Intense Heat and Minimal Snow

The summer months are grueling, with an average temperature of 83.6°F and frequent heat spikes. Snow is nearly non-existent at 0.1 inches, as winter averages remain a mild 51.7°F.

Beat the 111 Days of Heat

With 111 days of extreme heat, residents should prioritize energy-efficient cooling and outdoor activities during the 49.9°F January mornings. The 39.5 inches of annual rain suggest a need for reliable gutter systems and moisture barriers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Sands of Lee County

Lee County has a pH of 6.33, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 34.3 is notably better than the state average of 28.8.

Sandy Profiles Offer Easy Tilling

With 61.0% sand and only 15.6% clay, these soils are light and very easy to work. The lack of clay means the soil won't get as sticky or compacted as in other Texas counties.

Lower Organic Matter but High Potential

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.18%, and water capacity is 0.129 in/in. While the soil is naturally less fertile, the acidic pH makes it ideal for specific acid-loving plants.

Well Drained Land with Runoff Limits

The soil is classified as well drained, yet it is categorized in hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the top layer drains well, there may be restrictive layers deeper down that increase runoff risk.

Blueberries and More in Zone 9a

The acidic nature of this soil is perfect for blueberries and azaleas, which struggle elsewhere in Texas. Take advantage of your unique soil chemistry and zone 9a warmth this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions for Texas

Lee County features one of the best lawn difficulty scores in the region at 40.9, well above the state average of 31.7. While still below the national score of 50.0, it offers a relatively hospitable environment for zone 9a. Homeowners here enjoy a distinct advantage in soil quality and precipitation.

Plentiful Rain and Steady Heat

The county receives 39.5 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 8 inches more than the Texas state average. While residents must manage 111 extreme heat days, the robust 6,966 growing degree days support a vigorous growing season. This combination allows for a resilient and fast-recovering lawn after summer stress.

Excellent Sandy Soil and Optimal pH

The soil is 61.0% sand, providing excellent drainage that prevents water from pooling and drowning roots. With a pH of 6.33, the ground is naturally within the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for nutrient availability. This 'well drained' and slightly acidic soil is perfect for specialized turf like Zoysia or St. Augustine.

Managing High-Stress Drought Periods

Lee County is currently facing 100% severe drought conditions, having endured 44 weeks of drought over the past year. Even with good soil, these dry spells require smart watering strategies to keep grass from dying off. Focus on deep soaking once or twice a week to encourage deep root growth in the sandy soil.

Capitalizing on Lee's Growing Season

With a pH of 6.33 and high rainfall, you can successfully grow a wide variety of heat-tolerant grasses. The last frost date is March 5, so you can safely begin your spring seeding and fertilizing by mid-month. Your lawn has a long window to thrive before the first fall frost on November 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Texas has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Texas?
Lee County ranks #117 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $2,399, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Texas is $66,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Texas a good place to live?
Lee County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #117 in Texas. 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.

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🏛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.