Lee County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Virginia
The population of Lee County, Virginia is 22,042 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $42,269, the median home value is $98,700, and the median age is 45.4.
The population of Lee County has declined 14.9% since 2010 (25,606 → 21,780), a -1.15% annualized rate.
22,042
Population
-1.15%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$42,269
Median Income
$98,700
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 435 sq mi of land at 50.6 people per square mile.
About Lee County, VA
Lee County is a county in Virginia with a population of 22,042. It ranks #77 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 45.4, older than the national median. The population is 53.1% male and 46.9% female.
The median household income in Lee County is $42,269, below the US median of $74,580. 20.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $98,700, with monthly rent averaging $725. The homeownership rate of 73.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lee County reflects 12.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 25,606 in 2010 and 21,780 in 2024, a -14.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,606 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.14%.
21,780
Population (2024)
25,606
Population (2010)
25,606
Peak (2010)
-1.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,606 |
| 2011 | 25,546 |
| 2012 | 25,433 |
| 2013 | 25,094 |
| 2014 | 24,744 |
| 2015 | 24,624 |
| 2016 | 24,198 |
| 2017 | 23,934 |
| 2018 | 23,703 |
| 2019 | 23,540 |
| 2020 | 22,107 |
| 2021 | 22,009 |
| 2022 | 21,842 |
| 2023 | 21,761 |
| 2024 | 21,780 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 4.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.4
Median Age
46.9%
Female
53.1%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $42,269$-48,705 vs state |
| Mean household income | $60,434 |
| Per-capita income | $25,439 |
| Poverty rate | 20.9%+14.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
84.3%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$98,700$-262,000 vs state
Median home value
$725
Median rent
73.9%
Homeownership rate
10,857
Total housing units
77.8%
Occupied
22.2%
Vacant
26.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
84.9%
With broadband internet
51.5%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
29.5%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.3%
High School+
12.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee County, Virginia has a population of 22,042 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has declined 14.9% since 2010 (25,606 → 21,780), a -1.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, Virginia is $42,269, with mean (average) household income of $60,434 and per-capita income of $25,439. 20.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Black or African American (4.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lee County, Virginia is 45.4 years. Residents are 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $98,700 and median monthly rent is $725. 73.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,857 total housing units, 22.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Lee County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.