Lee
Florida

What stands out

Three things set Lee County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is among the warmest in America (76°F), natural-hazard risk is among the riskiest in America (99 of 100), and winter sunshine is in the top 2% of American counties (2.2 on the USDA scale). Within Florida it ranks 6th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Lee County, Florida. 772,902 people live here with you. The population grew 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +8,374).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $69,368 a year, higher than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,578. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 61% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $339K, pricier than 77% of American counties, about 3.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,382 a month. Property tax is 0.88% of home value, roughly $2,548 a year on that median home, higher than 51% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.2 years, longer than 96% of American counties. There are 1,969 active physicians in the county, about 25.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 16.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 76% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 points. 70% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 76°F, highs near 86 and lows near 66, warmer than almost every county in America. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 99 out of 100, riskier than almost every county in America; the county has had 45 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 278 Mbps down, faster than 88% of American counties. There are 12 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 15 museums.