Lee, MA
Population 1,522 · Massachusetts
About Lee, MA
Lee is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,522 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,306 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lee features a median home value of $265,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 883 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (550 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (262 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lee shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lee have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.1% of Lee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lee Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Lee, MA
Compared to national averages, Lee has a median household income of $70,306 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $265,900, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Lee's income is 33% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 53% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Lee, MA?
Lee offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 45.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,306) that falls below the national average. However, Lee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lee has a population of 1,522 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Lee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Lee
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Brookfield | 1,518 | $59,734 | $282,900 | Compare |
| Onset | 1,561 | $0 | $415,500 | Compare |
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Rowley | 1,576 | $106,250 | $615,500 | Compare |
| Chatham | 1,614 | $82,269 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| Orleans | 1,618 | $76,768 | $542,500 | Compare |
| Duxbury | 1,620 | $126,750 | $1,386,200 | Compare |
| Harwich Center | 1,620 | $76,944 | $546,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lee
What is the population of Lee, MA?
The population of Lee, MA is 1,522 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Lee?
The median household income in Lee, MA is $70,306 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lee?
The median home value in Lee, MA is $265,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lee?
The median monthly rent in Lee, MA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lee?
The unemployment rate in Lee, MA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lee, MA a good place to live?
Lee offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,522 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lee, MA?
45.1% of residents in Lee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lee, MA: median home value is $265,900 (9% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $70,306. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lee?
The poverty rate in Lee, MA is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lee, MA?
Lee's population is 1.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.