Lee
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Lee County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is among the highest in America (6.1 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (111 per 100,000), and life expectancy is in the bottom 2% of American counties (68.1 years). Within Kentucky it ranks 3rd of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Lee County, Kentucky. 7,338 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +88).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $31,682 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,886. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,109 a year.

Home

The median home costs $142K, cheaper than 87% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $747 a month. Property tax is 0.91% of home value, roughly $706 a year on that median home, higher than 54% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 6.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 111 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 68.1 years, shorter than 98% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 1.4 per 10,000 people. 8.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.75 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 86% of American counties. 73% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 47% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky 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 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 59 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 14 out of 100, safer than 86% of American counties; the county has had 42 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 227 Mbps down, faster than 62% of American counties.