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Lamar, MO

Missouri

Lamar is a small town in Missouri with a population of 4,290. Residents earn $34,894 per year, which is 54% below the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
4,290 Population 823/sq mi density
$34,894 Median Income $21,721 per capita
$114,800 Home Value $184,968 Zillow
$830 Median Rent 37.0% income on rent
56°F Avg Temperature 252 sunny days/yr
311 Violent Crime/100K 4,130 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$34,894 median income, 1.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$114,800 home value, $830/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
311 violent crimes/100K (18% below avg)
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $34,894
54% lower than US avg
Home Value $114,800
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 311/100K
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent $830
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 29.5%
138% higher than US avg

How Lamar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,290
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density823/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.7%

Economy

C+
Median Income$34,894
Per Capita$21,721
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty29.5%
Commute22 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$114,800
Rent$830
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$184,968
Housing Units1,956
Rent Burden37.0%

Crime

F
Violent311/100K
Property4,130/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault155/100K
Burglary799/100K

Health

Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking23.9%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease7.4%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days252/yr
Elevation965 ft (294 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.8%

Is Lamar a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lamar receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lamar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lamar is $34,894, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. The poverty rate of 29.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Lamar is $114,800, 59% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Lamar is below the national average at 311 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,130 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.

Education

16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Lamar enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 252 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Lamar has a population of 4,290 with a density of 823 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,290
Total Population
823
People / sq mi
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
5.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48%
Female 52%

Race & Ethnicity

Lamar vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.1%
92% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Lamar vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lamar is $34,894, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,721 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Lamar vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$34,894
54% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,721

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.3%
64% below US avg
Poverty Rate29.5%
138% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.4 min
Drive Alone91.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Lamar is $114,800, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,968, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,956 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. 37.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$114,800
59% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$184,968

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$830
29% below US avg
Rent Burden37.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied51.3%
Housing Units1,956
Median Year Built1968

Property Tax

In Lamar, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 23.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 35.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Lamar vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity42.4%
32% above US avg
Diabetes12.8%
Heart Disease7.4%
High Blood Pressure36.8%
Asthma11.8%
COPD11.0%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke4.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking23.9%
71% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.6%
Physical Inactivity35.6%
Depression28.2%
Mental Distress21.9%
Physical Distress17.8%
Short Sleep41.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.9%
Uninsured11.8%
37% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits44.0%

Food & Exercise

Lamar has a violent crime rate of 311 per 100,000 residents, 18% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 155.4 per 100,000, robbery at 22.2, rape at 133.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,130 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,219, burglary at 799, vehicle theft at 111 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Lamar receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Lamar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent310.8/100K
18% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape133.2/100K
Robbery22.2/100K
Assault155.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,129.7/100K
111% above US avg
Burglary799.3/100K
Theft3,219.4/100K
Vehicle Theft111.0/100K
Arson44.4/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Lamar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 252 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 965 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average56.2°F
4% above US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days252 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall46.3 inches
22% above US avg
Snowfall1.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation965 ft (294 m)
Area5.2 sq mi (13.5 km²)
Population Density823/sq mi
Coordinates37.4951°N, 94.2766°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 1.8 in Coldest, Driest
February 37°F (3°C) 2.1 in
March 46°F (8°C) 3.9 in
April 56°F (13°C) 4.3 in
May 65°F (18°C) 5.2 in
June 74°F (23°C) 5.4 in Wettest
July 79°F (26°C) 3.8 in Warmest
August 78°F (25°C) 3.8 in
September 70°F (21°C) 5.2 in
October 59°F (15°C) 4.1 in
November 46°F (8°C) 4.1 in
December 36°F (2°C) 2.8 in

Lamar has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.8").

16.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 53% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 91.8% of households have broadband internet access. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+16.0%
53% below US avg
High School+87.1%
Graduate Degree+3.1%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density823/sq mi
Total Area5.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access91.8%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.4 min
Drive Alone91.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar

What is the population of Lamar?

Lamar has a population of 4,290 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 823 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.

Is Lamar expensive to live in?

Lamar is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $34,894, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,800 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Lamar safe?

Lamar is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 311 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,130 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lamar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Lamar?

Lamar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 252 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches, with 1.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Lamar?

The job market in Lamar is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Lamar?

The median home value in Lamar is $114,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,968. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Lamar?

Schools in Lamar score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Lamar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Lamar?

The obesity rate in Lamar is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.9% of adults are smokers. 35.6% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Lamar?

The average commute in Lamar is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Lamar?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lamar is 93.8% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 28.1% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Carthage, MO 15,513 pop · 22.1 mi Frontenac, KS 3,381 pop · 23.4 mi Arma, KS 1,131 pop · 23.5 mi Oronogo, MO 2,685 pop · 23.7 mi Pittsburg, KS 20,606 pop · 23.8 mi Nevada, MO 7,998 pop · 24.2 mi Greenfield, MO 1,276 pop · 24.5 mi Carterville, MO 1,978 pop · 25.6 mi Webb City, MO 13,139 pop · 26.2 mi Carl Junction, MO 8,257 pop · 27.1 mi Duenweg, MO 1,707 pop · 29.4 mi Stockton, MO 2,018 pop · 29.8 mi El Dorado Springs, MO 3,545 pop · 29.9 mi Duquesne, MO 2,216 pop · 30.6 mi
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