Median Income
$65,029
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$290,400
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.7%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,826
57% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.3%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Lely Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,770
Median Age65.7 yrs
Density2,752/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,029
Per Capita$44,288
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$36,077M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$290,400
Rent$1,826
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$548,175
Housing Units2,723
Rent Burden48.9%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property2,604/100K
Health
Obesity27.3%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking11.6%
Depression18.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp76°F (24°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.7%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute21 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations85
Libraries10
Is Lely a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lely receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Lely offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lely is $65,029, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lely is $290,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,826 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Lely is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,604 per 100,000, 33% above the national average.
Education
31.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lely has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F. Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lely has a population of 3,770 with a density of 2,752 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 65.7 years, 69% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.7% of residents, while 15.3% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.7yrs
Median Age
69% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.7%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.3%
14% above US avg
The median household income in Lely is $65,029, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,288 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,308. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 18,444 business establishments, including 951 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,029 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,288 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,308 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $231,960 |
| Gini Index | 0.531 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 18,444 |
| County GDP | $36,077M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 951 |
| Healthcare | 1,346 |
| Retail | 1,506 |
| Manufacturing | 224 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $16,576 |
| 374% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Lely is $290,400, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $548,175, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,826 (57% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,723 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $16,576 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 48.9% 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 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $290,400 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $548,175 |
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $198 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.3% |
| Price Drops | 42.9% |
| Inventory | 77 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,826 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 48.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,723 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $16,576 |
| 374% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.71% |
In Lely, 27.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.3% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,218. The dentist ratio is 1:1,427. 91.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lely vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 18.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,218 |
| Dentists | 1:1,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:810 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,600/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,346 |
Lely has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,604 per 100,000, 33% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 42 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lely receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lely vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.0/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,603.6/100K |
| 33% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lely has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 330 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 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
65°F Jan (19°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 75.5°F |
| 40% above US avg |
| January Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,752/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.1055°N, 81.7278°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Collier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Florida International (RSW)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
8.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
164 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
157 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
11 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
261 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
239 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
167 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
179 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 5 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
158 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
267 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 4 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1989 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1986 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1968 |
EF2 |
10 km |
2 |
| Feb 23, 1965 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1964 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1962 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1962 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 1960 |
EF2 |
50 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BUZZARD (61,663 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BUZZARD |
61,663 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
BICY COMPLEX |
60,644 |
66 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
56,910 |
98 km |
| 1985 |
ALLEY |
51,504 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
116TH AVE SE (11) |
29,269 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
BERG FIRE |
28,992 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
PARLIAMENT |
26,967 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
THREE MILE |
26,683 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
MOONFISH |
25,819 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
BEARISLAND |
24,213 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
L 4 CUTOUT |
23,068 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
COWBELL |
21,781 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
BCP KIRBY D RX 0405 |
20,790 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
DEEP FIRE |
20,073 |
42 km |
| 2013 |
HUCKABEE |
19,723 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
ELLISON |
19,387 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
IPP 17 TRT 2 AIRPLANE RXS |
19,112 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
SOUTH 41 TREATMENT 1 FY19 (KIRBY RX) |
16,981 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
BALSA |
16,278 |
14 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
65°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
78°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
9.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
8.5 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
7.4 in |
|
| October |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
72°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
67°F (20°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
Lely has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 65°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (9.0") and December the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Lely. 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 | $975 |
| Toddler | $844 |
| Preschool | $805 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lely
What is the population of Lely?
Lely has a population of 3,770 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 2,752 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Lely expensive to live in?
Lely 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 $65,029, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,400 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,826 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lely safe?
Lely is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,604 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lely receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lely?
Lely has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 76°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 65°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lely?
The job market in Lely is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,308. There are 18,444 business establishments in the area, including 951 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lely?
The median home value in Lely is $290,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $548,175. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,826. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $16,576.
How are the schools in Lely?
Schools in Lely score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.7% of adults in Lely hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lely?
The obesity rate in Lely is 27.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 18.3% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,218.
What is transportation like in Lely?
The average commute in Lely is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lely?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lely is 84.2% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 84.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.3% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
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