Median Income
$58,487
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,100
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$844
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.5%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Lamar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,629
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density1,461/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,487
Per Capita$32,528
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$119M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,100
Rent$844
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$174,792
Housing Units3,485
Rent Burden34.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,076/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary197/100K
Health
Obesity30.5%
Uninsured20.1%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain16.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,633 ft (1,107 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute14 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Lamar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lamar receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Lamar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lamar is $58,487, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lamar is $137,100, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lamar is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,076 per 100,000, 45% below the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lamar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.2 inches, including 29.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lamar has a population of 7,629 with a density of 1,461 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (70%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.8% of residents, while 17.2% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.8%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.2%
28% above US avg
The median household income in Lamar is $58,487, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,528 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $853, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 53 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,487 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,528 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $853 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,062 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 53 |
| County GDP | $119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Lamar is $137,100, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,792, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $844 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,485 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 34.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,100 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,792 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $844 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 3,485 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Lamar, 30.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 20.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 5.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lamar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 20.1% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,384 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.8% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.1/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Lamar has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,076 per 100,000, 45% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 879, burglary at 197, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lamar receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lamar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,076.3/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Burglary | 196.9/100K |
| Theft | 879.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 130 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Lamar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 3,633 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,633 ft (1,107 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (11.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,461/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0760°N, 102.6147°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Kiowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.2"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 7, 2021.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
44 km |
| Jan 2, 1998 |
21 km SE of La Junta, Colorado |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
20 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
81 km |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
23 km NE of Sugar City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
86 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
22 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2023 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| May 29, 2001 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1982 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1979 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1975 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1975 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1975 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1972 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
FT. LYONS |
12,310 |
40 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
41 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
SALT |
6,078 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,555 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
SHERIDAN LAKE |
5,310 |
41 km |
| 2023 |
GAGEBY CREEK |
4,867 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
WINDSPLITTER |
3,299 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
FORT LYONS |
2,647 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,530 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
HASWELL |
2,101 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,039 |
23 km |
| 2023 |
MANVEL |
2,038 |
17 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,719 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
BENTS FORT |
1,704 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
BLACK BRIDGE |
1,689 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Lamar has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.4") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Lamar. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $486 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $643 |
| Toddler | $642 |
| Preschool | $642 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar
What is the population of Lamar?
Lamar has a population of 7,629 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,461 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Lamar expensive to live in?
Lamar has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,487, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,100 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lamar safe?
Lamar is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,076 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lamar receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lamar?
Lamar has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.2 inches, with 29.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lamar?
Lamar has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $853. There are 53 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lamar?
The median home value in Lamar is $137,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,792. For renters, the median monthly rent is $844. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%.
How are the schools in Lamar?
Schools in Lamar score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Lamar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lamar?
The obesity rate in Lamar is 30.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 20.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Lamar?
The average commute in Lamar is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lamar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lamar is 70% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 82.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.2% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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