Bolthole Index

Lee County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Lee County, Iowa

72Index Score / 100
#11 of 99 in Iowa

Lee County, Iowa has no confirmed general building-permit process for ordinary private construction; Iowa's state code applies only in specified situations, including where a local government adopts it.1 Lee County Health Department handles covered private septic systems and wells, while the County Engineer publishes entrance, right-of-way and floodplain forms.234

At a glance

Building permit
No general county requirement confirmed; state code has limited application1
Zoning
Countywide zoning status remains unconfirmed5
Septic
County permit required for covered new, reconstructed or altered systems6
Private well
County permit required for covered construction or major rehabilitation3
Owner-builder
State contractor-registration exemption applies, but does not waive permits or codes7
RV or tiny home
Occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask the county and the relevant city5
Driveway access
County publishes a private-entrance application for secondary-road access8

Who to call

Septic permits

Lee County Health Department Environmental Services

Private sewage and private well programs

319-372-5225

5001 Avenue O, Fort Madison, IA 52627

Floodplain permits

Lee County Engineer

County engineering, entrance, right-of-way and floodplain permit applications

319-372-2541

[email protected]

933 Avenue H, Fort Madison, IA 52627

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Lee County, Iowa?

A general Lee County building-permit requirement for an ordinary privately owned house could not be confirmed. Iowa does not impose one universal permit rule on every private building: the state building code applies to specified construction, including state buildings, certain state-funded projects, factory-built structures and places where the local government has accepted the code.9

Before designing a project in unincorporated Lee County, ask the Board of Supervisors or County Engineer whether the parcel is subject to a locally adopted code, inspection program or certificate requirement. State law leaves ordinary local permit issuance and code enforcement to applicable local law or ordinance.10 A home inside Fort Madison, Keokuk or another city may face city rules that do not govern unincorporated land.

Who issues permits in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County does not present one general building department on its published permit page. The Lee County Engineer accepts applications for private entrances, right-of-way work, utilities and floodplain development at the North Lee County Administration Building.8 The same page lists separate siting applications for commercial wind, solar and battery-energy projects, but it does not establish a general residential building-permit process.4

For septic systems and private wells, start with Lee County Health Department Environmental Services. Its page identifies sewer and private-well water among the department's programs and gives the Fort Madison office contact.11 For construction inside a city, contact that city's permitting office before relying on the county contacts, because Iowa administers building permits and inspections through applicable local ordinances.9

Does Lee County, Iowa have zoning?

Lee County's countywide zoning status could not be confirmed from an official county rule.5 Iowa law allows a county board to adopt zoning for land outside city limits, but that authority does not prove Lee County has exercised it.12 Ask the Board of Supervisors and County Engineer about the parcel's current land-use controls, then ask the relevant city if the property is inside municipal limits.

Do not infer a setback, minimum house size, lot-coverage limit or permission for a particular use from the absence of a located zoning ordinance. Lee County does publish floodplain-development and specialized energy-siting applications through the County Engineer.8 Iowa's county-zoning authority also generally exempts qualifying agricultural land and structures while they remain primarily adapted to agricultural purposes, subject to the statute's floodplain exception.12

How do septic and well permits work in Lee County?

Lee County requires a construction or provisional permit before covered construction, reconstruction or alteration of an onsite sewage system begins. The permit is valid for 6 months, and a new permit is needed if construction is not completed in that period.6 Lee County also requires a final inspection opportunity for regulated onsite systems.13

The Health Department sets permit fees by resolution, so ask Environmental Services for the current amount before applying.14 A covered private well also needs a county permit for new construction, reconstruction or major rehabilitation, and that permit remains valid for 6 months.3 Site planning matters: the soil dataset rates 0% of county soils as free of severe limits for conventional septic drain fields, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a conventional layout will work.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County's rules for long-term RV living, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed. The same gap applies to a general county minimum dwelling size and setbacks. Ask the Board of Supervisors or County Engineer about unincorporated land, and ask the city permitting office for any parcel within city limits.

A manufactured home has a narrower state-law protection: a county may not reject a proposed residence solely because it is manufactured, but it may apply the same permanent-foundation, setback and minimum-square-footage standards used for a site-built single-family home on the same lot.16 Starting July 1, 2026, a county must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use, subject to the statewide conditions and applicable building rules.17

Building a home in Lee County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or within a city, then ask the correct local office about building permits, zoning, setbacks and occupancy rules; no general Lee County residential process was confirmed.15
  2. Ask Lee County Health Department Environmental Services to evaluate septic and private-well requirements before fixing the house location.1163
  3. If access will connect to a county road, obtain the private-entrance application from the County Engineer; if access is to an Iowa primary highway, Iowa DOT district offices administer that approval.818
  4. Check whether the site needs a floodplain-development permit through the County Engineer.8
  5. An owner working on the owner's property is outside Iowa contractor registration for that work, but the exemption does not waive applicable permits, codes or inspections.7

What should you check before buying land in Lee County?

Put septic feasibility near the top of due diligence because the soil dataset rates 0% of Lee County soils as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field.15 Confirm the proposed system and well locations with Lee County Health Department Environmental Services before relying on a building envelope.11 If an existing home uses private sewage, Iowa generally requires an inspection before a qualifying ownership transfer, subject to statutory exceptions.19

Verify legal road access and whether a private-entrance or floodplain application is needed through the County Engineer.8 For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,855.2021 Finally, confirm parcel-specific zoning, setbacks, RV use and minimum dwelling size directly with the county or applicable city because those local rules remain unconfirmed.5

Watch-outs

  • A listed private-entrance application does not by itself establish when every driveway needs one; ask the County Engineer before grading access.4
  • A septic permit expires after 6 months, and covered construction must be completed within that period or re-permitted.6
  • A private septic system generally cannot be installed when public or managed community sewer is available within 200 feet unless a specific variance is granted.6

Sources

  1. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 103A — State Building Code (2026 county census)
  2. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  3. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  4. Permits & Applications - Lee County IA, quoted and re-checked
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  7. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Lee County Engineer (leecounty.org)
  9. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 103A — State Building Code (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Code Plan Review (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Lee County Health Department Environmental Services (leecounty.org)
  12. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 335 — County Zoning (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  14. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  16. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Senate File 2369 — Enrolled (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Access Management (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Lee County in Iowa

72
County map
Lee County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Lee County scores

Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness6777% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$129kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$7,412Land / acre
39"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.7 / yr (+6.1)Mid-century 100°F days
16.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.94" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,537Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.01%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
39,904People within 30 min
1,488,035People within 2 hr
27,757Radius comparison (15 mi)
62.9People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
86.2%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
29.6%Wooded land
53.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Lee County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Lee County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems within the scope of Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • The chapter incorporates Iowa Administrative Code chapters 69.1(2) and 69.3(1).
    • The chapter generally applies within the county but excludes cities over 25,000 population and structures where county regulations would be void or prohibited by law.

    scope threshold: <= 15 persons (or 1,500 gallons or less of sewage per day, or within Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 69)

    ““Administrative authority” means the Lee County Board of Health and shall include its agents and employees.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New construction, reconstruction, or alteration of on-site sewage treatment systems within the scope of Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • A construction or provisional permit must be obtained from the administrative authority before covered work begins.
    • The system must meet Iowa DNR requirements for construction, materials, design, and location.
    • The permit fee is established by resolution, must be paid before issuance, is non-refundable, and a provisional permit is non-transferable.
    • The permit is valid for six months; construction must be completed during that period or a new permit obtained.
    • No private system may be installed where a public or managed community sewer is available within 200 feet unless a specific variance is granted.
    • Cities over 25,000 population and structures where county regulation would be void or prohibited by law are excluded.

    permit validity: 6 months (construction must be completed during this period or a new permit must be obtained) · public sewer separation: < 200 feet (unless a specific variance is granted)

    “The appropriate construction or provisional permit or permits must be obtained from the administrative authority.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage disposal systems regulated by Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • The system may not be constructed in a manner that denies final inspection or sampling procedures.
    • Inspection is by the administrative authority, defined as the Lee County Board of Health and its agents and employees.
    • Inspection for suspected violations requires owner or occupier permission unless an administrative search warrant is obtained.
    “No on-site sewage disposal system shall be constructed in such a fashion as to deny final inspection or sampling procedures by the Administrative Authority.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New construction, major rehabilitation, or reconstruction of non-public water wells in Lee County

    • A permit must be obtained from the Lee County Health Department and remains valid six months from issuance.
    • The application must be completed and signed by the landowner or person in possession and grant inspection access.
    • Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 49 requirements apply.
    • Specified test holes, soil borings, exploration holes, gravel pits, quarries, and temporary de-watering wells are exempt; groundwater test holes are exempt only if used for testing, limited to seven consecutive days, and properly closed.
    • Public water-supply wells remain subject to DNR construction and water-withdrawal permits.

    permit validity: 6 months (from date of issuance) · groundwater test-hole duration: <= 7 consecutive days (test hole must be properly closed immediately after testing)

    “A permit must be obtained from the County Health Department. A permit will remain valid for a period of six months from the date of issuance.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permit fees for Lee County onsite sewage and private-well permits

    • Fees are established by resolution of the administrative authority.
    • The fee may be changed by resolution.
    • Fees must be paid before issuance; the sewage permit fee is non-refundable and a provisional permit is non-transferable.
    “The fee for the issuance of the permit shall be established by resolution of the administrative authority.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County engineering and land-use permit process published by Lee County

    • Engineering permit applications are submitted to the Lee County Engineer.
    • The published page lists private entrance, right-of-way, right-of-way septic, utility, and floodplain-development permits.
    • The page does not establish a general building-permit process.
    “Completed forms may be returned by any of these methods: [...] Mail to Lee County Engineer, PO Box 158, Ft Madison, IA 52627”

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction subject to Iowa's State Building Code, including state-owned buildings, buildings in governmental subdivisions that adopt the code, certain cities over 15,000 population without a substantially conforming local code, factory-built structures, and construction covered by statewide energy-conservation provisions.

    • Iowa Code section 103A.10 makes the state building code applicable to all state-owned buildings and structures.
    • The code applies in a governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the code.
    • The code applies in each city with a population over 15,000 that has not adopted a substantially conforming local building code.
    • Factory-built-structure manufacture and installation provisions apply throughout Iowa.
    • Permit issuance and enforcement are administered under local law or ordinance; the state source does not establish one universal permit requirement for every building statewide.
    • A governmental subdivision may prohibit commencement of construction until a local building department issues a permit after compliance is shown.
    • The application must be signed by the owner or authorized agent and include the owner's address, a statement that the application seeks permission to construct under the code, and a statement that construction will comply with applicable energy-conservation requirements.
    “The examination and approval or disapproval of plans and specifications, the issuance and revocation of building permits, licenses, certificates, and similar documents, the inspection of buildings or structures, and the administration and enforcement of building regulations shall be the responsibility of the governmental subdivisions of the state and shall be administered and enforced in the manner prescribed by local law or ordinance. [...] Prohibit the commencement of construction until a permit has been issued by the local building department after a showing of compliance with the requirements of the applicable provisions of the state building code.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property, for purposes of Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor registration.

    • The exemption is from being treated as a contractor for purposes of chapter 91C; it is not stated to waive building permits, building-code compliance, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • The separate annual-earnings threshold is less than $2,000, but the own-property exemption is stated independently.
    • A contractor doing business in Iowa must register under chapter 91C unless an applicable statutory exclusion applies.
    “However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Iowa State Building Code, including the 2024 International Building Code adopted by reference with Iowa amendments, applies statewide to state-owned buildings and structures, qualifying state-funded construction, certain cities over 15,000 that lack a substantially equivalent local building code, and governmental subdivisions that accept the code by ordinance. Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout Iowa.

    • In a governmental subdivision, the code generally applies only after the governing body enacts an ordinance accepting applicability and files a certified copy with the commissioner.
    • The local ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A governmental subdivision may withdraw after one year by ordinance, following the required public hearing and written notice; the withdrawal date must be at least 180 days after ordinance adoption, and previously issued permits are unaffected.
    • The state building code applies to state-owned buildings and structures and to newly constructed buildings and structures paid for in whole or in part with state-appropriated money but not wholly state-owned.
    • Cities with populations over 15,000 that lack a local building code substantially in accord with nationally recognized standards must enforce the state building code.
    • Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout the state; an approved factory-built structure is deemed compliant with building regulations applicable to its manufacture and installation and is exempt from other state or local building regulations, subject to the statutory exceptions concerning professional engineering and architecture and manufactured homes.
    • The current administrative rule adopts the 2024 International Building Code by reference with amendments; detached one- and two-family dwellings, certain townhouses not more than three stories, and their accessory structures instead comply with the amended International Residential Code.

    adopted model building code: 2024 International Building Code (Adopted by reference with Iowa amendments.) · current administrative-rule effective date: 2025-09-10 (Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481.301 source identifies ARC 9474C as effective September 10, 2025.) · local ordinance effective-date limit: <= 6 months after adoption · local withdrawal waiting period: >= 1 year after code became applicable (A governmental subdivision may withdraw only after this period has elapsed.) · withdrawal effective-date minimum: >= 180 days after ordinance adoption (Previously issued permits remain unaffected.)

    “The state building code shall be applicable: [...] In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and structures subject to Iowa Code section 103A.10A, including newly constructed state-owned buildings, state-board-of-regents buildings, and certain state-funded buildings.

    • Newly constructed state-owned buildings and structures subject to the state building code are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • Newly constructed buildings owned by the state board of regents are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • State-funded buildings not wholly owned by the state are subject to state plan review and inspection when the governmental subdivision has not adopted the listed codes or does not perform inspections; otherwise they must comply with the local codes and inspections.
    • For ordinary privately owned construction, inspection administration is governed by the applicable local law or ordinance.
    “All newly constructed buildings or structures subject to the state building code, including any addition, but excluding any renovation or repair of such a building or structure, owned by the state or an agency of the state, except as provided in subsection 2, shall be subject to a plan review and inspection by the commissioner or an independent building inspector appointed by the commissioner.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy or use for buildings subject to Iowa's State Building Code and certificates approving specified buildings, facilities, or installations for licensure.

    • A local building department issues certificates of occupancy or use when required by ordinance.
    • When issued for a building constructed under the state building code, the certificate must certify conformity with the code and is in the form prescribed by the governing body of the governmental subdivision.
    • For facilities governed by Iowa Administrative Code chapter 481.280, if a certificate of occupancy is required for use, it will not be issued until the inspection fee is paid.
    • Chapter 481.280.5 applies to a certificate approving a building, facility, or installation for occupancy upon request from an owner or owner's agency when applicable rules are satisfied and all fees are paid.
    • The state sources do not require a certificate of occupancy for every building statewide.

    additional reinspection fee: 125 USD (Applies for each additional reinspection after the initial reinspection when original deficiencies remain uncorrected.)

    “Issue certificates of occupancy or use, permits, licenses, and other documents in connection with the construction of buildings or structures as may be required by ordinance. (1) A certificate of occupancy or use for a building or structure constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code shall certify that the building or structure conforms to the requirements of the code. The certificate shall be in the form the governing body of the governmental subdivision prescribes.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Lee County, Iowa
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning in Lee County, including incorporated municipalities and any township or county controls
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Lee County
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Lee County
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Lee County
10 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Lee County, Iowa

Is Lee County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Lee County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones). Onsite septic is permitted by Lee County Health Department (Environmental Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Lee County, Iowa?

Land in Lee County runs about $7,412 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lee County?

Lee County gets about 39" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is Lee County?

A representative private-land location has about 39,904 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,488,035 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Lee County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Lee compares in Iowa

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