Lee County
IA · Pop. 33,175 · Suburban County
Lee County is a suburban county in Iowa, spanning 518 square miles with 33,175 residents at a density of 64 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $124,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.5% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F and average winter lows of 17.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Fort Madison Community Hospital is 5.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 199-day growing season in USDA zone 6a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $124,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Fort Madison Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.5% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Lee County, IA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $124k
- Property tax
- 1.5%
- Growing season
- 199 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.1"
- Broadband
- 81.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Fort Madison Community Hospital, 5.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lee County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lee County?
- Lee County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F, and average winter lows of 17.7°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $124,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.5%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Fort Madison Community Hospital is 5.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in Iowa
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The closest counties to Lee County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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