RANK #990 / 996 · POP 772,902 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -5.4%
Sanibel Island, known for its exceptional shelling and nature-focused environment, is a distinctive part of Lee County, Florida. Located on Florida's southwest coast, Lee County is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and is approximately two hours from Miami and two and a half hours from Tampa. The community offers a blend of urban and coastal living, with Fort Myers serving as the county seat with a historic downtown and arts scene. The region is recognized for its natural amenities, including white-sand beaches, numerous parks, preserves, and access to the Caloosahatchee River for boating and kayaking. Lee County Parks & Recreation manages over 30,000 acres of parks and facilities, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Life in Lee County attracts a mix of retirees, families, and young professionals. The area's quality of life is a draw for both residents and businesses. Commute options include major roadways like I-75 and US Highway 41, and public transportation is available through LeeTran bus and trolley services. The Lee County School District provides public education, with several highly-rated schools. The economy is experiencing growth, with significant investment in commercial and residential development, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Lee Health Capital Improvements
Lee Health
|
$1,500M | Planned |
|
The Kingston Project (Mixed-Use Development)
Cameratta Companies
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Affordable Housing Communities (24 projects)
Lee County
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Wever Solar Project
Alliant Energy
|
$250M | Under Construction |
|
Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)
Trust for Public Land
|
$82M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lee County has a Boom Town Index score of 1/100, ranking #990 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $69,368, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lee County is $290,900 with median rent at $1,466/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2385, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed -9.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.07% of Lee County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.