Lee County, Virginia

Income Data

-44% vs. Virginia average
$42,269
Median Household Income
$25,439
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,269
-44% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$25,439
-36% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
42.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#130 / 133
by median household income

How Lee County Compares

Lee County$42,269
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,269
Median Household Income
$25,439
Per Capita Income
$98,700
Median Home Value
42.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lee County, Virginia

Lee County faces significant income challenge

Lee County's median household income of $42,269 falls dramatically short of the national median of $74,755—a $32,486 gap representing 43% less than typical American households. This substantial shortfall reflects economic hardship uncommon in most U.S. counties and requires targeted support.

Virginia's most economically challenged county

Lee County's $42,269 median household income ranks among the lowest in Virginia, falling $32,688 below the state average of $74,957. The county faces the steepest income challenges of any Virginia community, reflecting decades of economic decline in Appalachian coal country.

Severe income gap with all regional peers

Lee County's $42,269 median household income trails every neighboring county dramatically, including Lancaster ($67,169), Louisa ($80,343), and all western Virginia communities. The county's income level represents an economic crisis relative to both state and regional standards.

Housing crisis despite low home values

At 20.6%, Lee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability crisis threshold and indicates severe housing stress—the highest burden of any county analyzed. Even with median home values of just $98,700, the gap between local incomes and housing costs creates acute affordability challenges.

Focus on stability, skill-building, and assistance

Lee County residents should prioritize immediate financial stability through budgeting and accessing available assistance programs rather than investment strategies. Skill development, education, and accessing workforce development programs represent the most direct path to income growth and long-term economic security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lee County, Virginia?
The median household income in Lee County, Virginia is $42,269, 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 $25,439, 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 $42,269.
How does Lee County compare to the Virginia average?
Lee County's median household income of $42,269 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $25,439, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Lee County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Lee County, Virginia is $25,439, 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 Virginia?
Lee County's median household income of $42,269 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $25,439 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. 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 Virginia?
Lee County ranks #130 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,269 and per capita income of $25,439, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $42,269 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Virginia Average44% below
vs. National Median43% below

Income Adequacy

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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.