countyscore
52.2
County Score
Cost of Living 90Property Tax 75.2Lawn Care 71.6

County Report Card

About Lee County, Virginia

Competitive National Livability Score

Lee County holds a composite score of 52.2, which is slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile of strengths and weaknesses relative to the typical American county.

Matching the Commonwealth Standard

The county's score of 52.2 is higher than the Virginia state average of 50.9. It maintains a steady presence as a viable living option within the state.

Unbeatable Affordability and Low Taxes

Lee County is a standout for cost of living with a high score of 90.0 and a median home value of just $98,700. A tax score of 75.2 further enhances its appeal for budget-conscious residents.

Economic Growth and Health Opportunities

The income score is low at 4.7, with a median household income of $42,269. The county also faces challenges in healthcare and education, with scores of 36.3 and 32.1 respectively.

A Budget-Friendly Rural Escape

This county is ideal for individuals or families where low cost of living is the top priority. It offers the rare ability to own a home for under six figures while maintaining a low tax footprint.

2040608010075.29035.136.332.14.742.754.667.9Tax75.2Cost90Safety35.1Health36.3Schools32.1Income4.7Risk42.7Water54.6Weather67.952.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Lee County DNA

Foverall

How Lee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90/100) but notably weak in Income (4.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.2+23.200000000000003
Cost
90+42
Safety
35.1-19.9
Health
36.3-13.700000000000003
Schools
32.1-21.9
Income
4.7-46.3
Risk
42.7
Water
54.6
Weather
67.9+11.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$98,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$725/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$98,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,269/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.7

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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Nearby counties

Harlan County
Kentucky
58.1
Hancock County
Tennessee
59.9
Hawkins County
Tennessee
47.1
Leslie County
Kentucky
70.1
Bell County
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53
Letcher County
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Claiborne County
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64.5
Scott County
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53.8

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 offers extreme affordability

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.594% is historically low, and with a median home value of just $98,700, residents pay only $586 annually in property taxes—78% less than the national median. This reflects Lee County's position as one of Virginia's most economically challenged regions.

Below-average rate, lowest home values

Lee County's effective tax rate of 0.594% sits slightly below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, but its median home value of $98,700 is less than half the state median. Median taxes of $586 are 70% below Virginia's $1,960 median.

Lowest-value properties in Southwest Virginia

Lee County's median home value of $98,700 is significantly lower than other Southwestern Virginia counties, though its 0.594% tax rate is moderate for the region. The combination yields the lowest absolute tax bills in Virginia.

What $98,700 home costs yearly

On Lee County's median home value of $98,700, homeowners pay approximately $586 per year in property taxes—less than $50 monthly. This reflects the county's severe economic challenges and historically depressed property market.

Even small overassessments add up

While Lee County's overall tax burden is light, even modest overassessments can squeeze already-tight family budgets in this economically vulnerable area. Appeal options exist and could provide meaningful relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lee County

via CostByCounty

Lee County's extreme affordability comes with trade-offs

Lee County's median rent of $725 and median home value of $98,700 are exceptional bargains, but the 20.6% rent-to-income ratio reveals the real story—household income of just $42,269 is 43% below the national median. Affordability here reflects very limited earning power rather than cheap housing markets.

Virginia's least affordable county by income

Lee's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among Virginia counties shown here, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by 2 percentage points. This economically disadvantaged southwest Virginia county struggles despite having the lowest absolute rents in the state.

Cheapest housing, lowest wages

Lee's $725 rent and $98,700 median home value far undercut neighboring rural counties, but household income of $42,269 falls dramatically short of King William ($85,212) and Louisa ($80,343). This is a low-cost, low-income county with limited job market opportunities.

Housing affordable, income inadequate

Renters pay $725 monthly and homeowners pay just $408, making housing costs remarkably low in absolute terms. Yet household income of $42,269 means housing still consumes 20.6% of income for renters—a burden for an already struggling community.

Lee County for retired or remote workers

Lee's $725 rent and $98,700 home prices attract retirees on fixed incomes and remote workers earning outside the county, but local job markets are limited. Weigh the extreme affordability against limited economic opportunity and regional isolation before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lee County faces significant income challenge

Lee County's median household income of $42,269 falls dramatically short of the national median of $74,755—a $32,486 gap representing 43% less than typical American households. This substantial shortfall reflects economic hardship uncommon in most U.S. counties and requires targeted support.

Virginia's most economically challenged county

Lee County's $42,269 median household income ranks among the lowest in Virginia, falling $32,688 below the state average of $74,957. The county faces the steepest income challenges of any Virginia community, reflecting decades of economic decline in Appalachian coal country.

Severe income gap with all regional peers

Lee County's $42,269 median household income trails every neighboring county dramatically, including Lancaster ($67,169), Louisa ($80,343), and all western Virginia communities. The county's income level represents an economic crisis relative to both state and regional standards.

Housing crisis despite low home values

At 20.6%, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability crisis threshold and indicates severe housing stress—the highest burden of any county analyzed. Even with median home values of just $98,700, the gap between local incomes and housing costs creates acute affordability challenges.

Focus on stability, skill-building, and assistance

Lee County residents should prioritize immediate financial stability through budgeting and accessing available assistance programs rather than investment strategies. Skill development, education, and accessing workforce development programs represent the most direct path to income growth and long-term economic security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lee County

via CrimeByCounty

Appalachian Safety Remains Strong

Lee County reports a total crime rate of 1,507.6 per 100,000 residents, which stays well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a respectable safety score of 97.6. These figures reflect a community that is statistically safer than many other parts of the country.

Competitive Safety Within Virginia

Lee County's safety score of 97.6 is slightly higher than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,507.6 also beats the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000. For a rural Appalachian county, these metrics demonstrate a resilient standard of public safety.

Regional Comparisons in Southwest Virginia

Lee County's crime rate of 1,507.6 per 100,000 is higher than King William’s 650.1 but remains significantly below the national norm. It shows more reported crime than nearby Louisa at 1,060.2. Local law enforcement manages four reporting agencies to maintain this balance.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The violent crime rate stands at 219.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the Virginia average of 229.7. Property crime is the primary driver of statistics at 1,287.7 per 100,000. This data indicates that the vast majority of residents face very little risk of violent encounters.

Proactive Steps for Property Protection

Since property crime represents the most frequent issue, securing tools and vehicles is essential. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and neighborhood watch programs can reduce theft opportunities. Vigilance is the best tool for maintaining Lee County's secure environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lee County's Extensive Rural Network

Lee County maintains 11 public schools, providing a wide-reaching infrastructure for its 2,949 students. The county is served by one district that oversees five elementary, three middle, and two high schools. This distributed network ensures that education is accessible across the county's rugged terrain.

Investing in Lee County's Future

The county reports a graduation rate of 84.0%, which is below the national average of 87%. Lee County spends $7,195 per pupil and holds a school score of 50.8, both of which trail the state averages. While Bachelor's attainment data is unavailable, the district remains the primary educational driver for the region.

The Reach of Lee County Public Schools

Lee County Public Schools is the sole provider of public education, managing all 2,949 students in the area. There are zero charter schools, as the county relies on a traditional network of eleven community-based schools. The district is the central pillar for youth development in this southwestern Virginia community.

Purely Rural Academic Settings

Every single school in Lee County is located in a rural locale, giving students a consistent, country-school feel. The average school size is small at 295 students, though Lee High stands out as the largest with 781 students. Other campuses, like Flatwoods Elementary, serve around 302 students.

Settling in Beautiful Lee County

For families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle, Lee County offers a vast selection of local schools nestled in the Appalachian landscape. Homebuyers often look for properties with easy access to these small, community-centered campuses. Explore homes in the area to find a place where the mountains meet the classroom.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lee County

via RiskByCounty

Lee County: Above-Average Disaster Risk

Lee County's composite risk score of 57.32 and Relatively Low rating indicate above-average natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties. Your county faces more cumulative hazard threats than the national average.

Virginia's Riskiest County

At 57.32, Lee County significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the commonwealth's highest-risk county in this analysis. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard types.

Risk Stands Out in Region

Lee County's 57.32 score far exceeds nearby Wise County and other southwestern Virginia peers, making it the region's highest-risk location. Your county faces notably greater natural disaster exposure than surrounding areas.

Wildfire and Flood Risks Dominate

Lee County faces exceptional wildfire risk (80.57) and significant flood exposure (72.81), both driven by Appalachian terrain and weather patterns. Earthquakes (60.43) and tornadoes (34.92) also present meaningful concerns for the county.

Wildfire and Flood Coverage Critical

Given your county's elevated wildfire (80.57) and flood (72.81) risks, ensure your homeowners policy includes flood coverage and review wildfire provisions carefully. Consider defensible space measures around your home and keep emergency evacuation plans current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lee County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Earns a Grade C

Lee County reports 2 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a Grade C for drinking water. However, its violation rate of 10.7 per 100,000 residents remains much lower than the state average of 126.9.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Averages

Only 37.9% of the 103 assessed water bodies in Lee County are impaired, which is better than the statewide average of 46.1%. The primary challenges cited in the 2022 report are E. coli, benthic macroinvertebrate health, and high water temperatures.

Consistent Monitoring Across 38 Regional Sites

Agencies have collected 4,415 measurements from 38 monitoring sites over the last five years. These records provide a steady stream of data on physical properties and microbiological contaminants throughout the county.

Powell River Flows at One-Third of Mean

The Powell River gauge near Jonesville currently records a discharge of 177 cfs, which is 33% of its long-term mean. While flowing higher than some neighboring regions, it is still significantly below the typical 542 cfs average.

Monitor Local Conditions During Low Flow

With the Powell River at 33% of its typical flow, concentration of E. coli may become a greater concern for recreational users. Residents should stay updated on health violations and consider home testing to ensure tap water remains within safe limits.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lee County

via WeatherByCounty

Lee County Matches the National Median Climate

Lee County’s 54.8°F annual average temperature is very close to the national median. It is a wet region, receiving nearly 50 inches of precipitation each year.

Cooler and Wetter Than the Rest of Virginia

Lee is 1.1 degrees cooler than the state average of 55.9°F. However, it receives 4.0 inches more annual precipitation than the state average of 45.7.

Cooler and Rainier Than Henry County

Lee County is over two degrees cooler than Henry County to the east. Its high precipitation of 49.7 inches makes it one of the wetter counties in the region.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

The county averages 15 extreme heat days, with July temperatures reaching 74.1°F. Winters bring 9.3 inches of snow and a January average of 34.0°F.

Focus on Rain Management and Mild Winter Gear

With nearly 50 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper home drainage and gutter maintenance. Winter preparation is necessary for the freezing 34.0°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lee County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH in Southwest Virginia

Lee County soils average a pH of 5.52, which is more alkaline than the Virginia state average of 5.23. While still acidic compared to the national 6.5 median, it offers a friendlier environment for diverse plant life.

A Silt-Rich Soil Mix

With a high silt content of 44.9% and 19.3% clay, these soils offer a fine-textured balance for many agricultural uses. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention while maintaining manageable workability for tractors and hand tools.

Excellent Organic Matter Content

Lee County excels with 3.21% organic matter, exceeding the 2.90% state average and the 2.0% national average. This high organic content fuels a productive soil ecosystem that supports vigorous plant growth.

Superior Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.143 in/in. This means the soil acts as a better reservoir for plants during the heat of a Virginia summer.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 7a

A strong soil score of 49.6 makes this an ideal place for corn, hay, and extensive vegetable gardening. The cooler 7a climate paired with high-capacity soil creates perfect conditions for traditional Appalachian crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lee County

via LawnByCounty

Lee County's Top-Tier Lawn Conditions

With a high difficulty score of 71.6, Lee County is one of the easiest places in Virginia to grow a lawn. It far exceeds the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 55.4. The Hardiness Zone 7a climate here is exceptionally forgiving for homeowners.

Cooler Summers and Plentiful Rain

Lee County enjoys 49.7 inches of rain annually, which is at the very top of the ideal range for grass. Even better, you only face 15 extreme heat days per year, nearly half the state average of 28. This cooler, wetter climate results in much less stress for your turf during the peak of summer.

Managing Clay and Acid Levels

The soil has a higher clay content at 19.3% and a pH of 5.52, which is somewhat acidic. While the clay helps retain the county's abundant rainfall, the low pH means you should apply lime to help the grass absorb nutrients. This soil structure is great for holding onto fertilizers compared to sandier regions.

High Resilience to Drought

Lee County only experienced 3 weeks of drought over the last year, making it much more resilient than most of Virginia. Currently, 96.4% of the county is abnormally dry, but the historical rainfall levels remain very high. Your lawn is well-positioned to stay green with minimal supplemental irrigation.

The Ideal Zone for Fescue

The Zone 7a climate and low heat stress make Lee County perfect for tall fescue. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 22 or before the first fall frost on October 20. With such favorable conditions, your biggest task will simply be keeping up with the mowing.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County's county score?
Lee County, Virginia has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Virginia?
Lee County ranks #69 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lee County is $586, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Lee County a tax score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lee County?
The median household income in Lee County, Virginia is $42,269 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lee County earns an income score of 4.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lee County, Virginia a good place to live?
Lee County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Virginia. 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.