Lee County, Arkansas

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-28% vs. Arkansas average

$36,860

Median Household Income

$21,687

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$36,860

-28% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$21,687

-45% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

47.3%

income as % of home value

Rank in Arkansas

#74 / 75

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Lee County Compares

Lee County$36,860

Arkansas Average$51,156

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$36,860

Median Household Income

$21,687

Per Capita Income

$77,900

Median Home Value

47.3%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Lee County

Income Verdict

Lee County has a median household income of $36,860 and per capita income of $21,687 — a gap of $15,173, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $638/month and a median household income of $36,860, rent consumes approximately 20.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $36,860 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $21,687 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Lee County earns approximately 27.9% below the Arkansas state median household income of $51,156.

Data Story

About Household Income in Lee County, Arkansas

Lee faces steepest national gap

Lee County's median household income of $36,860 ranks among the lowest in this cohort and trails the US median of $74,755 by 51%. This profound shortfall reflects Lee's position as one of Arkansas's most economically challenged counties.

Bottom tier in Arkansas earnings

Lee ranks among Arkansas's lowest-income counties, earning $14,296 less than the state average of $51,156. With a per capita income of just $21,687—the lowest among these eight counties—Lee faces severe economic constraints.

Tied for lowest with Lafayette

Lee's $36,860 income matches Lafayette County ($37,237) at the bottom of this group, trailing Jackson ($41,215) and all others significantly. This shared low-income status suggests both counties face similar structural economic challenges—limited employment, lower wages, and reduced economic opportunity.

Housing costs dominate Lee budgets

At 20.8%, Lee's rent-to-income ratio sits above the 20% caution threshold, straining household budgets significantly. With a median home value of just $77,900, homeownership may seem affordable, but the low income base makes even this modest price difficult for many residents.

Lee: micro-steps toward financial stability

In Lee County, wealth-building means starting with the smallest possible steps: automatic transfers of $10–20 monthly, exploring free financial coaching through nonprofits, or seeking employer matches. Consistency matters more than amount; decades of modest, regular savings compound into meaningful security despite current income challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lee County, Arkansas?

The median household income in Lee County, Arkansas is $36,860, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Lee County?

The per capita income in Lee County is $21,687, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $36,860.

How does Lee County compare to the Arkansas average?

Lee County's median household income of $36,860 is lower than the Arkansas state average of $51,156. The per capita income is $21,687, compared to the state average of $28,096.

What is the per capita income in Lee County, Arkansas?

The per capita income in Lee County, Arkansas is $21,687, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Lee County a low-income area in Arkansas?

Lee County's median household income of $36,860 is below the Arkansas average of $51,156. The per capita income of $21,687 is also lower than the state average of $28,096. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Lee County rank for income in Arkansas?

Lee County ranks #74 out of 75 counties in Arkansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $36,860 and per capita income of $21,687, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.