Median Income
$43,688
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,000
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$766
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.8%
156% higher than US avg
How Lee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population774
Median Age30.6 yrs
Density317/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans16.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,688
Per Capita$17,430
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty31.8%
County GDP$748M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,000
Rent$766
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$249,209
Housing Units312
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured23.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Elevation74 ft (23 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+80.8%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute25 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lee receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Lee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lee is $43,688, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 31.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lee is $96,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches.
Lee has a population of 774 with a density of 317 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 30.6 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (61.2%), with 41.2% Hispanic, 7.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.5% of residents, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 16.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
774
Total Population
2023 Census
30.6yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.5%
11% above US avg
Spanish
15.6%
16% above US avg
The median household income in Lee is $43,688, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,430 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 448 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,688 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,430 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,551 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.8% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 448 |
| County GDP | $748M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Lee is $96,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,209, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $766 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,638 for a one-bedroom to $1,961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 312 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $6,267 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,209 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $766 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,629 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,638 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,836 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 312 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.53% |
In Lee, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 23.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144. The dentist ratio is 1:4,549. 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.2% |
| Uninsured | 23.8% |
| 177% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,144 |
| Dentists | 1:4,549 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,323 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 48.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,824/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Lee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 74 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.7°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 74 ft (23 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 317/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4131°N, 83.3041°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.8"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
7.62"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
50 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
166 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
251 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
68 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
225 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
186 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
113 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
269 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
293 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 19 fatalities, 148 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
71 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
12 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
68 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1989 |
EF2 |
94 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
89 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
60 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
87 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
15 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
78 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
77 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
CPT 3 ALBERT/CPT 119 HANCOCK |
10,724 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,334 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,190 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
7.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Lee has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 52°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (7.6") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Lee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee
What is the population of Lee?
Lee has a population of 774 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 317 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is Lee expensive to live in?
Lee has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,688, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lee?
Lee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 52.8 inches.
How is the job market in Lee?
Lee has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 448 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lee?
The median home value in Lee is $96,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,209. For renters, the median monthly rent is $766. Fair market rent is $1,638 for a 1-bedroom and $1,961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,267.
How are the schools in Lee?
Schools in Lee score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Lee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lee?
The obesity rate in Lee is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 23.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144.
What is transportation like in Lee?
The average commute in Lee is 25 minutes. 56.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lee is 61.2% White, 7.2% Black or African American, 41.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 16.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 76.2% have health insurance coverage.