Lee County, Kentucky

Income Data

-39% vs. Kentucky average
$34,182
Median Household Income
$19,697
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$34,182
-39% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$19,697
-50% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#115 / 120
by median household income

How Lee County Compares

Lee County$34,182
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$34,182
Median Household Income
$19,697
Per Capita Income
$82,100
Median Home Value
41.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lee County, Kentucky

Lee County lags far behind national income

The median household income in Lee County is $34,182, less than half the national median of $74,755. This 54% gap reflects the economic challenges many rural Appalachian counties face compared to the broader U.S. economy.

Among Kentucky's lowest-income counties

Lee County ranks near the bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties with a median household income 39% below the state average of $55,909. Only a handful of Kentucky counties report lower median incomes than Lee's $34,182.

Struggling alongside eastern Kentucky peers

Lee County's $34,182 median income trails nearby Leslie County ($40,176) and Letcher County ($40,501), though it outperforms very few neighbors. The regional pattern of lower incomes reflects the broader economic structure of eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent communities.

Housing costs consume a fifth of income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.8%, Lee County households spend a manageable share on housing, though the median home value of $82,100 remains a stretch on $34,182 annual income. The affordability challenge intensifies when accounting for utilities, food, and healthcare on tight household budgets.

Building financial stability takes planning

Even modest savings habits—starting with $25-50 monthly—can compound into emergency funds and long-term wealth. Lee County residents should explore employer retirement plans, tax credits for low-income workers, and free financial counseling available through community development organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lee County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Lee County, Kentucky is $34,182, 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 $19,697, 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 $34,182.
How does Lee County compare to the Kentucky average?
Lee County's median household income of $34,182 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $19,697, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Lee County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Lee County, Kentucky is $19,697, 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 Kentucky?
Lee County's median household income of $34,182 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $19,697 is also lower than the state average of $29,616. 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 Kentucky?
Lee County ranks #115 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $34,182 and per capita income of $19,697, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Lee County

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Your income is above the Lee County median

County median: $34,182 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-39%

vs. National Median

-54%

vs. Lee County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average39% below
vs. National Median54% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($2,849) vs. median rent ($593/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.