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Lee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. and is the most populous county in Southwest Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2000, the population of Lee County was 440,888. The population estimate for July 1, 2006 was 571,344, reflecting a 29.5 percent growth over 6 years.

Between 2000 and 2004, Lee County had the fastest growth rate in Hispanic population in the country.

Its county seat is Fort Myers, and its largest city is Cape Coral. As of the census of 2000, there were 440,888 people, 188,599 households, and 127,681 families residing in the county. The population density was 212/km² (549/mi²). There were 245,405 housing units at an average density of 118/km² (305/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 87.69% White, 6.59% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.07% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 9.54% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 188,599 households out of which 22.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.50% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.30% were non-families. 25.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the county the population was spread out with 19.60% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 24.00% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 25.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,319, and the median income for a family was $46,430. Males had a median income of $31,247 versus $24,380 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,542. About 6.70% of families and 9.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.20% of those under age 18 and 5.60% of those age 65 or over.

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