Cost of Living in Lee County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,827 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, North Carolina
Lee residents spend close to the national average
Lee County renters spend 18.3% of income on housing, nearly matching the national median of 18.6% despite a median household income of $63,060—below the national average of $74,755. This reflects a typical balance between modest local incomes and moderate regional rents.
Lee mirrors North Carolina's average affordability
Lee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with the state average of 18.6%, making it a representative North Carolina county in terms of housing affordability. The $962 median rent sits slightly above state average, offset partially by slightly below-average incomes.
Lee falls in the middle of the regional pack
Lee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio sits between more affordable neighbors like Johnston County (15.1%) and less affordable peers like Jackson County (19.2%). Its $962 median rent positions it as a moderate-cost option in the region.
Housing takes a typical share of Lee's budgets
Lee renters dedicate $962 monthly to housing while homeowners pay $1,027 on a median income of $63,060, with median home values of $213,800. Together, these figures show housing claims roughly 18% of the typical household budget—a fairly standard burden.
Lee offers middle-ground affordability and stability
If you're seeking a county with moderate housing costs and balanced affordability—neither the most expensive nor cheapest in North Carolina—Lee delivers steady, predictable economics. It's an ideal choice for families valuing stability over extreme affordability savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Lee County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $962/month — about 18.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lee County is $962/month, while owner costs run $1,027/month. Renting saves approximately $65/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,014/year. With a median household income of $63,060, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Lee County is more affordable than Pamlico County by roughly 6% ($962/mo vs $909/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,471
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.5%
of gross income
The median home in Lee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $213,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,707 vs. your max of $1,471.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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