Median Income
$81,105
8% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
376/100K
1% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.8%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,813
56% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Fort Lee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,318
Median Age21.0 yrs
Density1,396/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans27.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$81,105
Per Capita$27,451
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty2.6%
Commute10 min
Housing
A
Home ValueN/A
Rent$1,813
Ownership2.3%
Zillow$228,181
Housing Units1,618
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent376/100K
Property3,033/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking12.8%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation97 ft (30 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.8%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 13% / D 86%
Commute10 min
Broadband98.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Fort Lee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Lee receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Fort Lee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Lee is $81,105, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,813 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fort Lee is below the national average at 376 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,033 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
31.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Lee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Fort Lee has a population of 8,318 with a density of 1,396 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 21.0 years, 46% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.1% female and 60.9% male. The city is predominantly White (34.8%), with 5.2% Hispanic, 30.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 73.6% of residents, while 26.4% speak Spanish. 27.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.0yrs
Median Age
46% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.6%
6% below US avg
Spanish
26.4%
97% above US avg
The median household income in Fort Lee is $81,105, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,451 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 996 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,105 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $39,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 996 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 132 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,306 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 33.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 18.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,181. Monthly rent averages $1,813 (56% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 2.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,618 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $2,306 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,813 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 2.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 2.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 97.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,618 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,306 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Fort Lee, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,520. The dentist ratio is 1:1,284. 93.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Lee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,520 |
| Dentists | 1:1,284 |
| Mental Health | 1:167 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 24,086/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 132 |
Fort Lee has a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 residents, 1% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,033 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Lee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Lee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 376.4/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,033.5/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Lee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 97 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.8°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 97 ft (30 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,396/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2356°N, 77.3325°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Petersburg city County |
| Nearest Airport | Richmond International (RIC) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.0"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
92 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
97 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
93 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
59 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Feb 19, 2012 |
12 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
229 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
157 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
288 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
120 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
258 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
267 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
265 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
209 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
362 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 671 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
10 km |
4 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
56 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OLD STAGE ROAD (2,238 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
54 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
40 km |
| 2019 |
VAJRR-FY19-RX-FUEL REDUCTION |
514 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
Fort Lee has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and December the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Fort Lee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $748 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $512 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $906 |
| Toddler | $744 |
| Preschool | $723 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Lee
What is the population of Fort Lee?
Fort Lee has a population of 8,318 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 1,396 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.1% female and 60.9% male.
Is Fort Lee expensive to live in?
Fort Lee has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $81,105, 8% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,813 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Fort Lee safe?
Fort Lee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,033 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Lee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Lee?
Fort Lee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Fort Lee?
The unemployment rate in Fort Lee is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 996 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 18.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Lee?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,813. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 2.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,306.
How are the schools in Fort Lee?
Schools in Fort Lee score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.8% of adults in Fort Lee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Lee?
The obesity rate in Fort Lee is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 93.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,520.
What is transportation like in Fort Lee?
The average commute in Fort Lee is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 33.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 18.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Lee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Lee is 34.8% White, 30.6% Black or African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 73.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 26.4% speak Spanish. 27.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.