Education, Employment and Housing
Lee County, FL, serves over 90,000 students across 119 public schools, including 15 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 88%. About 28% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives have reduced incidents, recording less than 3 serious incidents per 1,000 students annually. The district offers career academies, STEM programs, and adult education classes with over 5,000 annual enrollments. Average standardized test scores in Lee County hover slightly below the state average, at 55% proficiency in math and 52% in reading.
As of 2024, Lee County, FL boasts an employment rate of approximately 59.3%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (16%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation and food services (11%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (14%) and sales (12%). Most residents (about 77%) commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 28 minutes. Key employment hubs within the county are Fort Myers and Cape Coral, providing the bulk of local jobs, while a minority commutes to neighboring Collier and Charlotte counties for work.
Lee County, FL boasts a homeownership rate of around 68%, with median home values at approximately $382,000 as of early 2024. Median monthly rents average $2,100. Housing types range from waterfront condos and golf course communities to traditional single-family homes. Notable neighborhoods include Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs. The county has seen a 5% year-over-year increase in home prices. Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed home value. Lee County offers a diverse housing market attracting both retirees and young families alike.
County Crime & Safety
Lee County, FL, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with about 19.8 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. In 2023, violent crime made up 11% of reported incidents, including 12 homicides and 650 aggravated assaults. Property crime is more prevalent, with over 7,900 cases reported last year. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates crime data and encourages community reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of 30%. Ongoing initiatives focus on neighborhood patrols and community engagement to enhance safety.
Elections
Lee County, FL, has over 545,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans comprising 45%, Democrats 23%, and independents/others 32%. The Supervisor of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections, including primaries, generals, and referenda. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 63%. There are 100+ polling locations countywide. Key issues include growth management and hurricane recovery. Recent elections saw Republicans winning most races. The county offers early voting, absentee, and Election Day ballots, ensuring accessible participation for its diverse population.
Demographics
As of 2023, Lee County, FL has an estimated population of about 822,000. The median age is approximately 48 years, reflecting a significant retiree community. Females make up roughly 51% of residents, while males comprise about 49%. Racially, the county is 80% White, 8% Black or African American, and 2% Asian, with Hispanics or Latinos of any race accounting for 22% of the population. These demographics highlight the county’s diversity and aging population.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- Jose Rodriguez
- Robert Smith
- Jose Gonzalez
- James Smith
- Jose Hernandez
- David Smith
- Jose Garcia
- Maria Rodriguez
- Maria Martinez
- Robert Johnson
- Maria Hernandez
- William Smith
- Juan Rodriguez
- Maria Gonzalez
- Jose Lopez
- Luis Rodriguez
- Michael Johnson
- Jose Martinez
- Luis Gonzalez
- Maria Garcia
- James Williams
- John Smith
- David Johnson
- Jose Rivera
- Michael Miller
- Carlos Rodriguez
- Robert Brown
- James Miller
- Richard Smith
- Robert Jones
- David Brown
- Jorge Rodriguez
- Robert Miller
- Maria Lopez
- David Anderson
- Jose Torres
- Linda Smith
- Jose Perez
- Juan Garcia
- Mary Smith
- William Johnson
- David Jones
- James Davis
- James Jones
- John Johnson
- Carlos Gonzalez
- James Brown
- James Wilson
- Maria Perez
- John Miller
- Richard Brown
- William Brown
- Barbara Smith
- James Johnson
- Mary Miller
- Michael Brown
- Juan Gonzalez
- Juan Martinez
- Barbara Johnson
Other Counties in Florida
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bay
- Bradford
- Brevard
- Broward
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Clay
- Collier
- Columbia
- De Soto
- Dixie
- Duval
- Escambia
- Flagler
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Glades
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Holmes
- Indian River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lake
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Martin
- Miami Dade
- Monroe
- Nassau
- Okaloosa
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Palm Beach
- Pasco