CountyScore

Lee County

Texas · TX

#76 in Texas
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Lee County, Texas

Lee ranks well nationally

Lee County scores 69.6 on the composite index, ranking in the top 28% of U.S. counties and 39% above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance reflects solid livability compared to typical American communities.

Above Texas state average

At 69.6, Lee exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the upper half of Texas counties. The county demonstrates above-average livability within the state's competitive ranking environment.

Tax efficiency and solid income

Lee County excels with a Tax Score of 75.0 (effective rate 0.969%) and the highest Income Score of 26.5 in this group, backed by median household income of $66,000. These strengths provide both tax advantages and above-average earning potential locally.

Higher home prices, limited data

Lee's Cost Score of 76.3 reflects the highest median home value ($247,500) and rent ($1,050/month) among these counties, making housing less affordable than peers. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain incomplete.

Ideal for higher-income families

Lee County suits established professionals and families with above-average incomes seeking low tax rates and strong local earning potential in a stable Texas environment. It rewards those who can support higher housing costs with superior tax and income advantages.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75Cost76.3SafetyComing SoonHealth55.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk59.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Garfield County
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Median income: $86,172
Effingham County
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65.2
Median income: $85,465
Kauai County
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65.2
Median income: $93,612
Alexander County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $43,523
Christian County
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65.2
Median income: $59,253

Deep Dives

Lee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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