[3] A previous incarnation of Lee County was established in 1898, but was negated by the State Supreme Court in 1899.

[7] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,531 people, 6,423 households, and 3,971 families residing in the county.

At the 2010 census, there were 19,220 people, 6,797 households, and 4,567 families living in the county.

There were 7,775 housing units at an average density of 19.0 per square mile (7.3/km2).

[18] At the 2000 census, there were 20,119 people, 6,886 households, and 4,916 families living in the county.

In 2010, Lee County Sheriff Edgar Jerome “E.J.” Melvin and six others were arrested on federal drug conspiracy charges.

Court documents stated that he dealt cocaine from his police SUV, and other dealers gave him the nickname "Big Dog.

"[20][21] Melvin was found guilty and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

[25] As of April 2024[update], some of the largest employers in the county include Ardagh Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Food Lion and Lee Academy.