Lee County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Lee County, North Carolina is 64,565 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $63,060, the median home value is $213,800, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Lee County has grown 18.4% since 2010 (57,879 → 68,537), a +1.21% annualized rate.
64,565
Population
+1.21%
Annual growth
253
People / sq mi
$63,060
Median Income
$213,800
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 255 sq mi of land at 253.1 people per square mile.
About Lee County, NC
What distinguishes Lee County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 253 people per square mile. With 64,565 residents, Lee County is a county in North Carolina. It ranks #42 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,060 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.1% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $213,800, with typical rent around $962.
Roughly 21.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lee County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 57,879 in 2010 and 68,537 in 2024, a 18.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 68,537 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.22%.
68,537
Population (2024)
57,879
Population (2010)
68,537
Peak (2024)
1.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 57,879 |
| 2011 | 58,537 |
| 2012 | 59,257 |
| 2013 | 59,783 |
| 2014 | 59,425 |
| 2015 | 59,402 |
| 2016 | 59,653 |
| 2017 | 60,418 |
| 2018 | 61,219 |
| 2019 | 61,772 |
| 2020 | 63,402 |
| 2021 | 64,031 |
| 2022 | 65,687 |
| 2023 | 67,421 |
| 2024 | 68,537 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.7% |
| Black or African American | 18.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,060$-6,844 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,634 |
| Per-capita income | $31,394 |
| Poverty rate | 13.1%+3.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is manufacturing, accounting for 19.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
5.7%
Work from home
25.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$213,800$-45,600 vs state
Median home value
$962
Median rent
66.0%
Homeownership rate
26,854
Total housing units
91.8%
Occupied
8.2%
Vacant
34.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.6%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
25.5%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.7%
With a disability
80.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.1%
High School+
21.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee County, North Carolina has a population of 64,565 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 253 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has grown 18.4% since 2010 (57,879 → 68,537), a +1.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, North Carolina is $63,060, with mean (average) household income of $79,634 and per-capita income of $31,394. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.7%), Black or African American (18.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lee County, North Carolina is 39.9 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $213,800 and median monthly rent is $962. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,854 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, North Carolina is manufacturing, employing 19.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Lee County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Lee County, NC Climate
Lee County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1182 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1182
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 101 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 96 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 109 mm |
| April | 15° / 60° | 78 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 103 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 107 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 123 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 120 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 95 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 85 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 80 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lee County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Lee County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.