Lee County Real Estate and Livability Trends

Median home values in Lee County, Iowa have noticeably increased over the past eight years, growing from $85,400 in 2015 to $121,000 in 2022. However, values remain considerably lower than both state and national medians, which could indicate affordability and potential for future growth. The county has also seen significant fluctuations in average residential energy tax credits, peaking at... $3,850.00 in 2018, and stabilizing between $1,700.00 and $2,080.00 in recent years, hinting at ongoing investments in energy-efficient upgrades. Real estate taxes have steadily climbed from $2,343.54 in 2012 to $4,209.76 in 2021, reflecting potential changes in economic factors or tax policies. The area's farming sector appears stable, with farm tax returns consistently making up around 5.10% to 5.50% of total filings. Mortgage activity shows a notable rise in loans for principal residences, peaking at 667 in 2021, while investment property and second residence mortgages remain relatively low, suggesting limited interest in these market segments. Read more

Lee County, Iowa has experienced a notable rise in average taxable income per tax return, from $49,852.40 in 2013 to $65,729.28 in 2021, hinting at improved financial stability. Concurrently, average state and local income taxes per tax return climbed from $5,810.27 in 2012 to $13,015.38 in 2021, suggesting an increased tax burden potentially due to economic shifts or policy changes. The rising average total tax liability, reaching $9,741.57 in 2021, further underscores changing economic... conditions in the county. These trends could be crucial for potential investors and residents as they consider financial planning and investment strategies. Read more

Lee County, Iowa, has seen notable changes in property crime over the past five years. Larceny-theft dropped sharply from 183 incidents in 2018 to 89 in 2022, while vandalism peaked at 60 in 2020 before falling to 43 in 2022. Although burglary rates have generally decreased, motor vehicle theft spiked dramatically from 5 in 2020 to 17 in 2022. These shifts could influence property values, insurance premiums, and investment choices, offering both risks and opportunities for buyers and... investors. Read more

Lee County, Iowa, shows relatively balanced gender ratios but leans slightly female, with around 13,260 women and 12,900 men. Educational attainment data suggests a significant portion of adults have at least a high school diploma, but only a smaller fraction have achieved a graduate or professional degree. When it comes to age, there's a noticeable concentration in older age groups with those above 55 making up a large chunk. Racially, the population appears predominantly white, with minority... groups like Black or African American and Asian making up just a small percentage. Understanding these demographic nuances can help tailor local policies and community services to better meet the population's needs. Read more

Lee County, Iowa, leans Republican, based on the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, where approximately 59% of the vote went to the GOP. Democrats also carry significant weight with around 39% of the vote, but third-party support seems minimal. Libertarians garnered about 1.4%, and Greens just over 0.2%, indicating a strong two-party dynamic with little influence from smaller political... parties. Read more

Lee County, Iowa has witnessed fluctuations in its student-to-teacher ratio over the past decade, with values peaking at just over 17 in 2014 and stabilizing around 16 from 2015 to 2023. Compared to the current national average of 14 students per teacher, these ratios suggest slightly larger class sizes, possibly impacting individualized student attention. Investors, potential residents, and educational stakeholders might find this trend noteworthy as it could influence property market values,... insurance risks, and support for local educational initiatives, thereby affecting the county’s appeal to families prioritizing education quality. Read more