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Lee County, Arkansas, presents a concerning economic picture, with an annual GDP of approximately 205 million dollars and a GDP per capita of just 23,704 dollars, significantly lower than the state average of 54,988 dollars and the national average of 77,754 dollars. The county's GDP growth rate has plummeted by 21% in the last year, contrasting sharply with the state's modest growth of 1.3% and the national rate of 1.9%. Additionally, Lee County's GDP growth rate over the past 13 years has declined at a compound annual growth rate of -0.82%, indicating persistent economic challenges. While the goods-producing sector contributes 15.5% to the GDP, the service sector's contribution is relatively stable at 61%. In comparison to other counties in Arkansas, Lee County's economic performance is among the weakest, highlighting the need for targeted economic development strategies.
Lee County, AR exhibits significant challenges in employment compared to both state and national averages. With an employment rate of just 43.7% for individuals aged 20-64, it falls well below Arkansas's average of 69.3% and the national average of 73.8%. The county's employment rate for high school graduates is particularly low at 36.3%, compared to 63.4% statewide. Additionally, the employment rate for Black residents in Lee County is only 28.8%, starkly lower than Arkansas's 52.1%. While the county shows a relatively high employment rate of 79.8% for those with a bachelor's degree, the overall low employment figures suggest systemic issues that may hinder economic growth and workforce participation, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to improve job opportunities and educational outcomes.
Lee County, AR exhibits significant economic challenges compared to both state and national averages. With a mean household income of $33,801 and a median household income of $56,868, it falls well below Arkansas's state averages of $56,335 and $79,592, respectively. The income per capita of $20,338 is also notably lower than the state average of $31,868. Furthermore, Lee County has a high income inequality, reflected in its Gini index of 0.5628, which is higher than both the state (0.4821) and national (0.4829) levels. The county's economic landscape is characterized by a staggering 35.2% of households earning less than $20,000, indicating a substantial portion of the population facing financial hardship. This stark contrast highlights the need for targeted economic development initiatives in Lee County to improve living standards and reduce income disparity.