countyscore
66.3
County Score
Property Tax 99.6Cost of Living 96.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Lamar County, Alabama

Lamar County ranks in top quarter nationally

Lamar County's composite score of 66.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This ranking reflects exceptional affordability and tax advantages that attract cost-conscious residents.

Alabama's most fiscally attractive county

Lamar County ranks just behind Hale at the very top of Alabama's 67 counties with a score 13.4 points above the state average of 52.9. The county stands as Alabama's premier destination for residents seeking minimal tax burden and maximum affordability.

Unmatched tax and housing affordability

Lamar County leads all peers with a tax score of 99.6 and the lowest effective tax rate at just 0.217%, while its cost score of 96.8 and median home value of $112,700 are the best in the group. Rent is also rock-bottom at $548 per month—ideal for those stretching every dollar.

Income and health remain serious concerns

The county's income score of 10.2 reflects a median household income of just $47,447, the lowest among these eight counties, limiting economic opportunity and wealth building. Health outcomes score only 29.1, signaling healthcare access or quality challenges.

Perfect for extreme budget-conscious households

Lamar County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or families seeking rock-bottom living costs and virtually no tax burden. Those dependent on local employment or concerned about healthcare quality should look at more economically diversified counties.

2040608010099.696.873.429.137.510.268.68648.7Tax99.6Cost96.8Safety73.4Health29.1Schools37.5Income10.2Risk68.6Water86Weather48.766.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Lamar County DNA

D+overall

How Lamar County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lamar County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (96.8/100) but notably weak in Income (10.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.6+47.599999999999994
Cost
96.8+48.8
Safety
73.4+18.400000000000006
Health
29.1-20.9
Schools
37.5-16.5
Income
10.2-40.8
Risk
68.6+21.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
48.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$112,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$548/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$112,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,447/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Cheyenne County
Colorado
Median income: $67,768
66.3
Orange County
Indiana
Median income: $64,758
66.3
Carter County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,389
66.3
Perkins County
South Dakota
Median income: $65,455
66.3
Mitchell County
Iowa
Median income: $68,704
66.2
Monroe County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,430
66.2
Reynolds County
Missouri
Median income: $44,357
66.2
Potter County
South Dakota
Median income: $71,726
66.2

Nearby counties

Marion County
Alabama
58.2
Monroe County
Mississippi
47.5
Lowndes County
Mississippi
46.2
Fayette County
Alabama
54.2
Clay County
Mississippi
41.3
Itawamba County
Mississippi
55.1
Pickens County
Alabama
66.6
Franklin County
Alabama
55.5

Deep Dives

Lamar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lamar County

via TaxByCounty

Lamar County offers America's lowest tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lamar County

via CostByCounty

Lamar County offers exceptional affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lamar County

via IncomeByCounty

Lamar County significantly lags nationwide

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lamar County

via CrimeByCounty

Lamar County Offers High National Safety

Lamar County is exceptionally safe, earning a safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 633.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county one of the more peaceful places to live in the country.

Outperforming Alabama's Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.0 is well above the Alabama state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of 633.8, it stays far below the state average of 1,731.0. Four agencies consistently report data to maintain this clear picture of community health.

One of the Region's Safest Choices

Lamar County is nearly twice as safe as Lawrence County, which has a rate of 1,099.1 per 100,000. It also provides a much quieter alternative to Lauderdale County, where crime rates are three times higher. It remains a standout for safety in the western part of the state.

Very Low Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Lamar County is minimal, with a rate of just 57.6 per 100,000 people. Property crime accounts for most incidents at 576.2, which is still quite low by national standards. Residents are living in an area where physical safety is a top highlight.

Keep Your Community Secure

Maintaining low crime rates depends on residents keeping their properties tidy and well-monitored. Ensure your home is secure by checking window locks and using timers for lights when you are away. Small habits can prevent crimes of opportunity from ever starting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lamar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Lamar County

Lamar County operates 5 public schools serving 2,201 students under a single unified district. The system features a unique mix of 1 elementary, 1 high, and 3 specialized K-12 'Other' schools.

Strong Graduation Outcomes

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, beating the 87.0% national average. This performance is maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,688, which is lower than the state and national averages.

A Single District Serving Rural Needs

The Lamar County district manages all 2,201 students across its 5 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping all educational resources within the traditional public district.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

All 5 schools are located in rural settings, fostering a consistent community feel with an average size of 550 students. Sulligent School is the largest campus with 714 students, while Vernon Elementary is the smallest at 278.

Join a Focused Rural Community

Lamar County's high graduation rates and rural charm make it a great choice for families. Consider a home near Sulligent or Vernon to benefit from this dedicated single-district system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lamar County

via RiskByCounty

Lamar County among America's safest

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lamar County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations Recorded for Lamar County

Lamar County maintains an A grade with no health violations over the last five years. This perfect record reflects a violation rate of 0.0, well below the Alabama state average of 14.1.

Lamar County Water Bodies Meet Standards

According to the 2022 ATTAINS cycle, 0% of the county's 9 assessed water bodies are impaired. This is a rare and excellent result compared to the 27.7% state average for water quality impairments.

Stable Monitoring of Local Resources

The county operates 10 monitoring sites that have provided 4,658 measurements over the last five years. These efforts primarily track physical water properties and inorganic chemical presence.

Luxapallila Creek Flows Below Typical Levels

The gauge at Millport shows a current discharge of 92 cfs, which is 23% of its long-term mean. This is significantly lower than the 400 cfs typically seen at this time of year.

Maintain the Excellence of Clean Watersheds

Lamar County has exceptionally clean watersheds, so protection efforts should focus on preventing new contamination. Residents should monitor the Luxapallila Creek's low flow as it may affect local water availability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lamar County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and wet Western Alabama

Lamar County averages 63.5°F, slightly exceeding the Alabama state average and the national median. Its climate is characterized by high humidity and consistent year-round precipitation.

A slightly wetter state outlier

With an annual average just above 63.2°F, Lamar sits in the middle of state temperature rankings. It is one of the wetter counties, receiving 59.1 inches of rain annually compared to the state's 57.4.

Higher rainfall than central neighbors

Lamar is wetter than Jefferson County, recording nearly two extra inches of rain per year. Its temperature profile closely tracks with its neighbors along the Mississippi border.

Seventy days of extreme heat

The county endures 71 days of extreme heat annually, with summer temperatures averaging 80.1°F. Winters are cool at 46.3°F and produce only 0.6 inches of snow on average.

Gear up for heavy rain

Investing in reliable rain gear is a must given the high 59.1-inch annual precipitation. Homeowners should ensure cooling systems are serviced by May to handle the 71 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lamar County

via SoilByCounty

The Most Acidic Soils of the Region

Lamar County exhibits an exceptionally acidic soil profile with a pH of 4.88. This is one of the lowest in the state, falling well below the national median of 6.5 and the Alabama average of 5.21.

High Sand and Low Clay

The soil is comprised of 56.9% sand, 27.9% silt, and 12.9% clay. This high sand percentage creates a coarse texture that drains rapidly but lacks the structural integrity of clay-rich soils.

Struggling to Retain Nutrients

Lamar's organic matter of 1.48% and available water capacity of 0.132 in/in both fall below the Alabama state averages. These figures suggest that the soil requires regular organic inputs to support intensive gardening or farming.

Fast Drainage Risks Leaching

Though specific hydrology data is not listed, the 56.9% sand content typically indicates high infiltration rates. While this prevents standing water, it can lead to the rapid leaching of essential plant nutrients into the groundwater.

Resilient Planting in Zone 8a

The 8a climate is forgiving, allowing for a wide variety of southern staples. While the soil score is 12.5, using raised beds and blueberries—which love acidic soil—will help you find immediate success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lamar County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Acidic Soil of Lamar County

Lamar County's lawn difficulty score of 27.6 places it slightly below the Alabama average of 29.5. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 8a face a landscape that is roughly twice as difficult to maintain as the national average.

Abundant Rain but High Summer Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 59.1 inches, which is nearly 10 inches above the ideal lawn range. However, 71 extreme heat days can quickly dry out turf, requiring a careful balance between natural rain and supplemental watering.

Addressing the Most Acidic Soils in the Region

With a pH of 4.88, Lamar County has some of the most acidic soil in the state, far from the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The 56.9% sand content helps with drainage but may cause nutrients to leach away quickly.

Managing Moderate Drought Risks

Despite having only 10 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to improve its ability to hold water during these dry intervals.

Time Your Seeding for Late March

The last spring frost typically occurs on March 29, making early April the prime time to start your lawn. Choose heat-tolerant warm-season grasses to withstand the 81.2°F average July temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamar County's county score?
Lamar County, Alabama has a composite county score of 66.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Lamar County rank among counties in Alabama?
Lamar County ranks #4 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Lamar County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Lamar County is $245, with an effective tax rate of 0.22%. This earns Lamar County a tax score of 99.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lamar County?
The median household income in Lamar County, Alabama is $47,447 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lamar County earns an income score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lamar County, Alabama a good place to live?
Lamar County scores 66.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Lamar County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Lamar County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.