Lee County Public RecordsVirginia

Lee County, VA, had 16,083 registered voters as of November 2023. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with polling at 13 locations. In the 2023 general election, Republican candidates won over 80% of local votes. Election administration is managed by the Lee County Electoral Board and Registrar. The area predominantly supports the Republican Party, with Democrats trailing far behind. Major voting issues include broadband access and job creation. Voter turnout was 53% in 2023. Voter registration and information are available through the county clerk’s office and the Department of Elections website.

As of the 2020 Census, Lee County, VA, had a population of approximately 22,173. The median age was 45.9 years, reflecting an older population. About 48.7% were male and 51.3% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (94.1%), with Black or African American residents making up 3%, and Hispanic or Latino individuals comprising 1.1%. Other races and ethnicities were less than 2% combined.

Lee County, VA, has a crime rate below the national average, with recent reports indicating approximately 8.7 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime is especially low, at about 1.7 per 1,000, while property crimes occur at a rate of 7 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies regularly publish updates, and community policing is emphasized to maintain safety. Overall, Lee County is considered a relatively safe rural area, with local authorities encouraging prompt reporting and neighborhood watch participation to keep the crime rate low.

Lee County, VA has 12 public schools, including 2 high schools (Lee High and Thomas Walker High), serving around 3,000 students. About 75% of adults hold a high school diploma, but only 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average SOL scores for the county are slightly below the state average. School safety initiatives include resource officers at each school. Programs like dual enrollment, vocational training, and special education are available, though advanced placement options are limited. The high school graduation rate is approximately 90%, reflecting strong local support for education.

As of 2022, Lee County, VA, had an employment rate of about 47% among residents aged 16 and over. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21%), Retail Trade (15%), and Educational Services (11%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (16%), sales (13%), and production occupations (11%). Around 79% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Employment hubs include Pennington Gap and nearby cities such as Middlesboro, KY.

Lee County, VA, boasts a homeownership rate of around 74%, with a median home value near $107,000 and median monthly rent about $559. The county’s housing market trends steady, with values rising modestly in recent years. Housing types primarily include single-family homes and some mobile homes, spread across rural neighborhoods like Pennington Gap and Jonesville. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging approximately $410 annually for a home of median value. Affordable options and low taxes make Lee County appealing for those seeking rural living.