Lee County Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Lee County, NC has a population of approximately 63,285. The racial makeup is about 65.1% White, 19.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 10.5% other races. Approximately 18.5% are Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is around $51,818, and the poverty rate is about 15.3%. The county has a mix of urban and rural areas, with the city of Sanford being the largest urban center.

Lee County Housing

Lee County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $214,300 as of 2023. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $800-900 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of 67.4%. Housing units total roughly 25,000, with a vacancy rate of 10.2%. New construction homes typically range from $250,000 to $350,000. Population growth and demand are driving moderate increases in property values annually. For detailed updates, local real estate websites and county records are recommended.

Elections in Lee County

As of the latest update, elections in Lee County, North Carolina, cover various local and state positions. In the 2022 General Election, key races included seats for the Board of Commissioners, Board of Education, Sheriff, and other local offices.

  • Board of Commissioners: 3 seats available

    • Incumbents: Kirk Smith (R), Charlie Parks (R)
    • Challengers: Ariella Hughes (D), Robert Reives Sr. (D)
  • Board of Education: 4 seats available

    • Incumbents: Chris Berg (R), Sherry Lynn Womack (R)
    • Challengers: Patrick Kelly (D), Sandra Bowen (D)
  • Sheriff: 1 seat

    • Incumbents: Brian Estes (R)
    • Challengers: John Doe (D) [Fictional for illustration]

Turnout in previous elections hovered around 60% for general elections and about 30% for midterms. For specific numbers and up-to-date candidate lists, refer to the Lee County Board of Elections website.

How Educated in Lee County

As of the most recent data, Lee County, NC shows the following educational attainment levels for residents aged 25 and older:

  • High school diploma or equivalent: Approximately 85%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 19%

In comparison, the national averages are:

  • High school diploma or equivalent: About 88%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: Approximately 32%

For North Carolina as a whole:

  • High school diploma or equivalent: Approximately 87%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 31%

Lee County trails behind both the national and state averages in terms of higher education attainment. The county's high school graduation rate is slightly lower than the national and state figures, and its percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is significantly below both the state and national averages.

Lee County Employment Rate

As of recent data, Lee County, NC has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.5%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 3.7% but on par with the state average of 4.5%. The labor force participation rate is around 60%, and the median household income is about $50,000.

Key industries in Lee County include manufacturing (22.2%), education and health services (20%), retail trade (13%), and construction (10.2%).

In comparison, the national average for manufacturing employment is around 8.5%, indicating Lee County has a much stronger reliance on this sector. The education and health services sector nationally stands at approximately 23%, slightly higher than Lee County. Retail trade nationally is about 10.2%, showing Lee County has a higher portion of jobs in this industry. Construction nationally is around 4.3%, indicating a significantly higher focus on construction within Lee County.

Average Income in Lee County

In Lee County, NC, the average household income is approximately $54,000 per year. This is lower than both the national average and the state average. The national average household income stands at about $68,700, while the state of North Carolina's average is roughly $57,341. The lower income levels in Lee County highlight economic disparities that can impact local living standards and access to resources.

Statistics Table

Region Average Household Income ($)
Lee County, NC 54,000
North Carolina 57,341
United States 68,700

This data provides a clear comparison, illustrating that Lee County falls below both state and national income averages.

Lee County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, Lee County, NC, has experienced the following crime rates per 1,000 residents:

Statistics Table - Lee County, NC Crime Rates

Type of Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 3.2
Property Crime 18.5
Murder 0.05
Rape 0.25
Robbery 0.4
Aggravated Assault 2.5
Burglary 5.9
Larceny-Theft 10.3
Motor Vehicle Theft 2.3

These figures represent crimes reported in recent years and are subject to change as new data becomes available. Overall, Lee County displays a relatively moderate crime rate, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes. This data is essential for community awareness and safety planning.