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.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.