Lee County & Fort Myers: 2026 Facts, Stats, and Information
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Lee County facts and information.
Whether you are planning a visit or considering a permanent move to Southwest Florida, having the right data is essential. Below, you will find everything from local population statistics and climate averages to transportation details and recreation highlights for the Fort Myers area.
I. Regional Overview (Lee County)
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Total Population: 894,425+ (Estimated 2026)
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Total Land Area: 781 square miles (652,000 acres)
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Shoreline: 590 miles, including 50 miles of world-class white-sand beaches.
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Barrier Islands: Over 100 coastal islands, including Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach.
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Annual Visitors: Over 3.2 million visitors annually, with a total regional economic impact exceeding $6 Billion.
II. Fort Myers Hub: The City of Palms
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City Population: 99,918+ (Approaching the 100k milestone)
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Elevation: 10–15 feet above sea level.
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Canals & Waterways: Bordered by the wide Caloosahatchee River, a key segment of the Okeechobee Waterway.
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Historic Sites: Home to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, drawing over 250,000 visitors per year.
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Spring Training: Seasonal home to the Boston Red Sox (JetBlue Park) and Minnesota Twins (Hammond Stadium).
2026 Real Estate Snapshot: The Fort Myers market is currently in a “Healthy Correction” phase. Median home prices range from $350,000 – $385,000. With 7.7 months of inventory, buyers have more leverage than in previous years, though pending sales are rising monthly.
III. Climate & Water Data
| Season | Avg. Air Temp (High/Low) | Avg. Gulf Water Temp |
| Winter (Jan-Mar) | 77°F / 55°F | 66°F – 71°F |
| Spring (Apr-Jun) | 88°F / 65°F | 75°F – 82°F |
| Summer (Jul-Sep) | 91°F / 74°F | 84°F – 87°F |
| Fall (Oct-Dec) | 83°F / 63°F | 72°F – 79°F |
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Sunny Days: 271 days per year on average.
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Average Annual Rainfall: 53–66 inches (Primary rainy season: June through September).
IV. Transportation & Connectivity
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Southwest Florida International (RSW): A Top-50 U.S. airport serving 11+ million passengers annually.
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Page Field (FMY): Premier business and general aviation airport located in central Fort Myers.
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Drive Times from Fort Myers:
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Naples: 45 minutes | Tampa: 2 hours | Miami: 2.5 hours
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V. Explore Our Fort Myers Neighborhoods
Use the links below to dive deeper into the specific communities within our Fort Myers hub.
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Explore Historic McGregor – Grand estate homes and 100-year-old Royal Palms.
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View Gateway – Master-planned family communities and top-tier golf.
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Visit our Fort Myers Hub – Coastal living on Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach.