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
Ownership51.3%
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%
EV Stations1
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 5.4 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
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $34,894 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,721 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.5% |
| 138% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
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. 51.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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 Burden | 37.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,956 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
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
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.9% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 44.0% |
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 Violent | 310.8/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 133.2/100K |
| Robbery | 22.2/100K |
| Assault | 155.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,129.7/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
| Burglary | 799.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,219.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 111.0/100K |
| Arson | 44.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 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 Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 252 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 823/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4951°N, 94.2766°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2018.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
551 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 225 fatalities, 2,120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
57 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
94 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
21 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
64 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
23 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
78 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
60 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
22 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
77 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
66 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
912 |
87 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
76 km |
| 2012 |
FANCY FENCE |
626 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
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 5.4 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. The homeownership rate is 51.3%.
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.
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