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
The poverty rate is what most separates Lee County from the typical county: 20.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Lee County is a county in Virginia with a population of 22,042.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $42,269, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 20.9%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $98,700, with typical rent around $725.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.7%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Lee County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.
Lee County, VA Climate
Lee County, VA has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 1234 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
1234
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 101 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 99 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 113 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 104 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 123 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 106 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 117 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 87 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 79 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 99 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 105 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, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Lee County, VA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lee County
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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.