Overview
Lee County lies in north-central Illinois with Dixon as its county seat. At the 2010 United States census the county had 36,031 residents. The county functions as a regional center for farming communities and contains a mix of small towns, rural residences and river valleys.
Geography and economy
The landscape includes fertile prairie, low rolling hills and the Rock River corridor near Dixon. Agriculture is the dominant economic activity, with corn, soybeans and livestock common; light manufacturing, retail trade and county services provide supplemental employment.
History and government
Organized in the late 1830s as settlers moved westward, Lee County grew around farming and river transport. Local government is administered from Dixon by elected officials and a county board responsible for courts, roads, public safety and records.
Communities and culture
In addition to Dixon, the county contains several smaller towns and unincorporated communities that host schools, fairs and historic sites. Dixon is widely known as the boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan and preserves museums and historic buildings related to that heritage.
Demographics and services
Residents rely on a mix of local health, education and social services typical of rural Midwestern counties. Population trends and local planning focus on sustaining agricultural production while supporting small-town infrastructure and tourism tied to local history.
Further information: Lee County government; U.S. state overview; Illinois state resources; 2010 census data; county seat information; Dixon visitor information.