Lamar County's composite score of 76.8 sits 26.8 points above the national median of 50.0, making it one of America's most livable counties. This exceptional score reflects a rare combination of very low taxes, excellent housing affordability, and reasonable health outcomes.
2 / 5
Alabama's top livability performer here
Lamar County's score of 76.8 significantly exceeds Alabama's state average of 70.8 by six points, positioning it as among the state's most attractive communities. The county stands out as a standout choice for those seeking genuine livability value within Alabama.
3 / 5
Exceptional tax and housing affordability
Lamar County boasts the nation's lowest effective tax rate at 0.217% (tax score 96.2) and exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 91.3, median rents of $548/month, and home values of just $112,700. These attributes create extraordinary value for budget-focused families.
4 / 5
Income growth potential is limited
Lamar County's income score of 14.4 reflects median household income of $47,447, among the lowest in this set. The county's rural character limits wage-earning opportunities, making it less suitable for those needing strong income growth.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Lamar County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom costs and minimal taxes over employment prospects. Few American counties offer this level of housing affordability combined with such favorable tax treatment.
Lamar County's composite score of 76.8 sits 26.8 points above the national median of 50.0, making it one of America's most livable counties. This exceptional score reflects a rare combination of very low taxes, excellent housing affordability, and reasonable health outcomes.
Alabama's top livability performer here
Lamar County's score of 76.8 significantly exceeds Alabama's state average of 70.8 by six points, positioning it as among the state's most attractive communities. The county stands out as a standout choice for those seeking genuine livability value within Alabama.
Exceptional tax and housing affordability
Lamar County boasts the nation's lowest effective tax rate at 0.217% (tax score 96.2) and exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 91.3, median rents of $548/month, and home values of just $112,700. These attributes create extraordinary value for budget-focused families.
Income growth potential is limited
Lamar County's income score of 14.4 reflects median household income of $47,447, among the lowest in this set. The county's rural character limits wage-earning opportunities, making it less suitable for those needing strong income growth.
Perfect for retirees and frugal families
Lamar County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom costs and minimal taxes over employment prospects. Few American counties offer this level of housing affordability combined with such favorable tax treatment.
Score breakdown
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🏛96.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.217%, Lamar County's effective tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in the United States, with a median property tax of just $245. This is merely 9% of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Lowest rate in all of Alabama
Lamar County's 0.217% effective rate is the most tax-friendly in Alabama, nearly 36% below the state average of 0.339%. The median tax of $245 is less than half Alabama's state median of $511.
Unmatched tax advantage in region
Lamar County's 0.217% rate beats every nearby county decisively: Houston County (0.300%), Lawrence County (0.305%), Jackson County (0.308%), Henry County (0.342%), and Lauderdale County (0.375%). No regional competitor comes close to this tax burden.
What $113K home costs yearly
A median Lamar County home valued at $112,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $245. Even with mortgage-related assessments, annual payments reach only $389—the lowest in Alabama.
Still worth checking your assessment
Even in low-tax Lamar County, assessment errors occur and can inflate bills unnecessarily. A quick appraisal review ensures you're paying the absolute minimum on your home's actual market value.
Lamar County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both national and state average benchmarks. At just $548 monthly for median rent—the lowest in this eight-county sample—Lamar delivers genuine housing security for working families.
Alabama's most affordable county option
Lamar County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, making it the most affordable jurisdiction in this comparative group. This exceptional affordability gap reflects the county's truly modest cost structure.
Lowest rents across all eight counties
Lamar County renters pay $548 monthly—$175 less than the second-lowest (Hale at $723) and nearly $600 less than Jefferson County. Even with somewhat lower incomes ($47,447), Lamar's rent burden remains the lightest in the entire sample.
Lamar County's unbeatable housing math
Households earning $47,447 annually ($3,954 monthly) dedicate just $548 to rent—a mere 13.9% of income. Homeowners enjoy $494 monthly costs, with median home values of $112,700 making homeownership accessible to first-time buyers and modest earners.
Unbeatable value for budget-first movers
Lamar County is the top choice for remote workers, retirees, and families prioritizing cost of living—housing here costs half what Jefferson County demands. If affordability is paramount and rural charm appeals, Lamar delivers exceptional value unmatched in this region.
Lamar County's median household income of $47,447 falls 36.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755, marking one of the region's lowest earners. The $27,308 gap underscores serious economic constraints.
Ranks among Alabama's poorest counties
Lamar County earns $6,749 less than Alabama's state average of $54,196, placing it in the bottom quartile of the state's 67 counties. Very few Alabama counties earn less per household.
Strongest affordability, lowest wages
While Lamar's $47,447 trails Jackson ($49,454) and Hale ($41,325), its per-capita income of $24,169 is the region's lowest. This pattern suggests fewer high-earning households to anchor the local economy.
Rents are most affordable in the region
Lamar County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.9% is the best in its peer group, with median home values of only $112,700. Low housing costs provide some cushion against stagnant wages.
Affordable housing is your wealth-building lever
Lamar County's low housing costs mean more income flows to savings and investment—a $40,000 household can redirect $400–$500 monthly into wealth-building. Pursue homeownership aggressively to lock in affordable payments and build home equity.
Lamar County residents live to an average of 72.4 years, 3.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 22.2% report poor or fair health, indicating moderate health challenges in the community.
Slightly above Alabama's health average
At 72.4 years, Lamar County's life expectancy matches Alabama's state average of 72.1 years. The county ranks in the middle tier of Alabama counties for health outcomes.
Limited data on primary care availability
Primary care provider data for Lamar County is not currently available, making detailed comparisons difficult. The county does have 22 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, below the capacity of Houston County's 192 per 100K.
Healthcare access remains stable
About 11.1% of Lamar County residents lack health insurance, matching the state average exactly. Without complete primary care data, the full picture of healthcare access remains unclear.
Secure your family's coverage
Stable insurance rates depend on informed choices. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and confirm your coverage is active and meets your family's healthcare needs.
Lamar County scores just 31.39 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties nationally. Residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American community.
Alabama's safest or near-safest county
Lamar County's 31.39 composite score sits 30.15 points below Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the state's lowest-risk regions. Only Hale County (39.09) offers comparable natural disaster protection within Alabama.
Clear safety advantage over regional peers
Lamar County (31.39) outperforms neighboring Hale County (39.09) as the state's safest county and far exceeds Jackson County (79.04) and Lauderdale County (85.50). Northwest Alabama's position creates a low-risk pocket compared to surrounding regions.
Tornado and earthquake risks are modest
Tornado risk reaches 61.77 and earthquake risk hits 74.84, making them Lamar County's primary concerns but still well below state averages. Wildfire and flood risks remain minimal at 24.71 and 31.65 respectively.
Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance with basic wind and hail coverage should adequately protect Lamar County residents given the very low 31.39 composite risk score. However, those in tornado-prone areas should still consider reinforcement features like interior rooms for shelter during severe weather.