countyscore
44.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.2Safety 69.6Income & Jobs 62.9

County Report Card

About Lamar County, Georgia

Lamar County Trails the National Median

Lamar County scores a 44.5, which puts it slightly behind the national median composite score of 50.0. While it struggles in utility metrics, it remains strong in safety and income.

Closing in on the State Average

The county's composite score of 44.5 is just two points shy of the Georgia state average of 46.7. This suggests a localized livability profile that is common for the region.

Superior Disaster Resilience and Safety

Lamar County shines with a Risk Score of 92.2, indicating very low vulnerability to natural disasters. A Safety Score of 69.6 and an Income Score of 62.9 further bolster its appeal.

Water Infrastructure and Cost Pressures

The Water Score is notably low at 15.5, indicating significant infrastructure challenges. Additionally, housing costs are rising, with a median home value of $201,400 dragging the Cost Score to 32.8.

The Verdict: Secure for High Earners

Lamar County is best for those with reliable household incomes—averaging $68,457—who want to avoid environmental risks. It offers a safe, disaster-resilient environment for those who can manage higher housing prices.

2040608010041.932.869.627.531.962.992.215.551Tax41.9Cost32.8Safety69.6Health27.5Schools31.9Income62.9Risk92.2Water15.5Weather5144.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Lamar County DNA

Foverall

How Lamar County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lamar County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (15.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.9-10.100000000000001
Cost
32.8-15.200000000000003
Safety
69.6+14.599999999999994
Health
27.5-22.5
Schools
31.9-22.1
Income
62.9+11.899999999999999
Risk
92.2+45.2
Water
15.5-42.5
Weather
51
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$201,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$913/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$201,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,457/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.2

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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Nearby counties

Pike County
Georgia
49.3
Monroe County
Georgia
57.7
Upson County
Georgia
47.1
Spalding County
Georgia
31.7
Butts County
Georgia
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Crawford County
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Meriwether County
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38.9
Henry County
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35.1

Deep Dives

Lamar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lamar County

via TaxByCounty

Lamar's rate remains below national average

At 0.948%, Lamar County's effective tax rate is one-third the national median property tax of $2,690, placing the county in the bottom 30% nationally. Even with higher property values, Lamar residents enjoy substantially lower property tax burden than most Americans.

Above Georgia's average, upper-middle ranked

Lamar County's 0.948% effective rate exceeds Georgia's 0.898% state average, positioning it in Georgia's upper-middle tier among 159 counties. At $1,910 median property tax, Lamar residents pay 25% more than the state median of $1,529.

Highest-valued county in this region

Lamar's $201,400 median home value stands significantly above rural neighbors like Johnson ($91,200) and Jenkins ($81,100), yet its 0.948% rate keeps taxes competitive. This reflects Lamar's position as a more developed and prosperous county in the regional cluster.

Median home generates $1,910 tax bill

A typical $201,400 home in Lamar County incurs about $1,910 in annual property taxes before exemptions. With standard homestead exemptions and mortgage deductions, homeowners typically pay $1,326 to $2,184 per year.

Higher values increase audit importance

In higher-valued counties like Lamar, assessment errors can result in hundreds of dollars in unnecessary annual taxes. Schedule a review with the tax assessor to confirm your home's valuation aligns with current market comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lamar County

via CostByCounty

Lamar's premium properties anchor high home values

Lamar County residents earn $68,457—slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755—yet spend just 16.0% of income on rent, beating the national 18.6% benchmark. This county's higher-value homes ($201,400 median) reflect upscale properties that appeal to affluent relocators.

Lamar leads Georgia on rent affordability for its tier

Lamar County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Georgia's best, outpacing the state's 18.6% average despite rents near the state norm at $913 monthly. Its $201,400 median home value is Georgia's priciest among these eight counties.

Premium housing at sustainable affordability levels

Lamar's $913 rent nearly matches state average and sits above Jones ($917), but its strong household income of $68,457 keeps the 16.0% ratio competitive. The $201,400 median home value is second only to Lee County ($226,900) in this regional cluster.

Homeownership carries a higher price tag here

While renters spend a manageable 16.0% of their $68,457 income on $913 monthly rent, homeowners allocate 18.8% to $1,072 in mortgage payments—reflecting the county's premium $201,400 median home values. Buyers should budget carefully for Lamar's higher ownership costs.

Lamar County for upscale living seekers

If you're relocating with a six-figure income or selling equity from a higher-cost market, Lamar County's $201,400 median homes remain affordable relative to national metro markets. Its 16.0% rent ratio and established neighborhoods make it Georgia's sweet spot for affluent homebuyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lamar County

via IncomeByCounty

Lamar approaches national income levels

Lamar County's median household income of $68,457 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 8.4%, positioning it as one of Georgia's most prosperous rural counties. This near-parity reflects a strong, diversified local economy.

Among Georgia's top earners

At $68,457, Lamar exceeds the state average of $60,488 by 13.2%, ranking among the highest-income counties in Georgia statewide. Per capita income of $33,389 also outperforms the state average of $31,115 by 7.3%.

Tied for second-highest regional income

Lamar's $68,457 matches Jones County nearly identically and trails only Lee County ($88,024), significantly outpacing all other surveyed counties. This positions Lamar among the most economically prosperous in its regional peer group.

Rent minimal, home values strong

Lamar residents allocate just 16.0% of income to rent—well below affordability thresholds—while median home values of $201,400 reflect significant property wealth and housing stability. Strong income-to-housing-cost ratios enable robust equity building.

Build generational wealth through diversification

Lamar County households earning $68,457 have capacity to allocate 15–20% toward retirement savings plus additional investment in real estate, dividend stocks, and diversified portfolios. Strategic tax planning and long-term investing position families to build substantial intergenerational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lamar County

via CrimeByCounty

Lamar County Among the Nation's Safest

Lamar County features an impressive safety score of 98.9, far surpassing national norms. Its total crime rate of 712.1 per 100,000 is roughly 70% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies work together to maintain this low crime environment.

Outperforming Georgia State Safety Averages

The county's total crime rate of 712.1 is nearly half of the Georgia state average of 1412.9. With a safety score of 98.9, Lamar County is significantly more secure than the average Georgia community. It represents one of the strongest safety profiles in the state's central region.

Safety Leader Among Surrounding Counties

Lamar County’s crime rate of 712.1 per 100,000 is much lower than Jones County’s 961.9. It also outperforms Lee County, which has a rate of 1273.9 per 100,000. These figures establish Lamar as a regional benchmark for low crime levels.

Low Risk Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime in Lamar is remarkably low at 128.5 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 583.6 per 100,000, which is also extremely low relative to state and national figures. The risk of experiencing either category of crime remains minimal for local residents.

Simple Steps to Maintain Security

Maintaining the county’s high safety standards starts with basic home security like deadbolts and alarms. Even with very low property crime rates, securing your belongings prevents opportunistic theft. Community vigilance continues to be Lamar County's greatest asset.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lamar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Four Pillars of Education in Lamar

Lamar County provides public education through four distinct schools, including two elementary campuses, one middle school, and one high school. This district serves a total of 2,820 students.

Efficiency and Performance in Lamar

Lamar County meets the national graduation rate of 87.0% while operating with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,700. The county's school score of 51.3 reflects a solid baseline of academic quality compared to regional peers.

Consolidated District Management

All four schools fall under the Lamar County school district, which maintains a 100% public, non-charter enrollment. This single-district model serves the local population of 2,820 students.

Town-Centric Learning with Moderate Scale

The majority of schools are located in town settings, with an average enrollment size of 705 students per campus. Lamar County High School is the largest with 808 students, while the elementary school is the smallest with 553.

Put Down Roots in a Connected Community

With its town-centered schools and consistent performance, Lamar County is a great choice for families. Consider the school district's stability when looking at your next home in this area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lamar County

via RiskByCounty

Lamar County: Georgia's Third-Safest Profile

Lamar County scores 7.79 on the composite risk scale, achieving Very Low status and running just 20% of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This exceptional safety rating places Lamar among America's most disaster-resilient counties.

Consistently Safe Across All Hazards

Lamar County ranks near Georgia's safest counties, with a composite score that reflects low exposure across earthquake, wildfire, tornado, and flood risks. The county's well-rounded low profile makes it one of the state's most predictable, safest communities.

Outperforms Many Regional Peers

Lamar County's score of 7.79 ranks favorably against Johnson County (9.26), Jenkins County (10.75), and Jones County (16.38), making it part of the region's safest cluster. The county stands out for balanced, consistently low risk across all hazard types.

Tornado and Wildfire Slightly Elevated

Tornado risk reaches 34.70 and wildfire risk scores 34.86 in Lamar County—the two highest individual hazard scores—though both remain well below national benchmarks. All other hazards score substantially lower, creating a very manageable disaster risk profile.

Standard Coverage Handles Most Risks

Lamar County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with adequate tornado and wildfire provisions, though premiums should remain competitive given the county's low overall risk. Basic storm shelter awareness and annual gutter cleaning provide additional cost-effective protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lamar County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance challenges lead to F grade for Lamar

Lamar County recorded 25 health violations over five years, resulting in a rate of 190.8 per 100,000 people. This rate is notably higher than the Georgia average of 152.5, signaling significant drinking water compliance issues.

Watershed health remains better than state average

Seven out of 19 assessed water bodies, or 36.8%, are currently impaired according to the 2022 cycle. Primary impairments include issues identified through fish and benthic macroinvertebrate bioassessments, alongside fecal coliform.

Active monitoring tracks physical and metal data

Monitoring teams at three sites recorded 890 measurements over the last five years. The data focuses on physical parameters, nutrients, and metals to provide a foundation for watershed management.

No live USGS streamflow data available

Lamar County does not currently have an active USGS streamgage to provide real-time discharge measurements. Water managers rely on the county's consistent monitoring footprint and compliance records to assess regional water health.

Consider filtration due to health violations

Given the county's high rate of drinking water violations, residents may want to consider supplemental home filtration or testing. Be mindful of biological health in local streams, as bioassessments show some ecological stress.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Lamar County

via SoilByCounty

The Piedmont Soil Profile

Taxonomic data for Lamar County is currently unrecorded, but the area typically features acidic soils. Expect a pH near the state average of 5.26, which is lower than the national median of 6.5.

Understanding Local Texture

Sand and clay ratios are not presently available for this county in the latest datasets. Most Piedmont soils are characterized by higher clay contents, which provide excellent structure and nutrient storage.

Organic Matter Benchmarks

Lamar lacks a recorded soil score, but the state organic matter average of 1.83% serves as a useful benchmark. Maintaining organic content helps improve the soil's workability and water infiltration.

Planning for Water Movement

Drainage classifications are currently unmapped for Lamar County. Homeowners should watch for slow-draining areas where clay might be concentrated, especially when planning gardens or foundations.

Success in Zone 8b

Lamar County's 8b hardiness zone allows for a robust selection of fruits and vegetables. From peaches to summer squash, this climate provides the heat needed for a productive harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lamar County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Lamar

Lamar County has a lawn difficulty score of 39.1, placing it slightly above the Georgia state average of 35.8. While more manageable than many southern neighbors, it still requires more attention than the national average due to regional climate pressures.

Balanced Rain and manageable Heat

Lamar County enjoys 50.5 inches of rain annually, which sits at the top end of the ideal range for grass. With 62 extreme heat days, the county actually stays slightly cooler than the state average of 65 days, reducing the risk of turf scorch.

Analyzing Your Garden Foundation

Data regarding specific soil pH and clay content for Lamar County is currently limited. To ensure your lawn thrives, check for compaction and consider aerating to help that 50.5 inches of rain reach the roots effectively.

Managing Mid-Level Drought Stress

The county has faced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and 54% of the area currently experiences severe drought. During these dry periods, avoid heavy fertilization which can stress the grass and increase the need for water.

Start Your Lawn with Confidence

Zone 8b is perfect for hardy warm-season turf like Bermuda grass or Zoysia. Because local frost dates are not provided, aim to plant once the soil is warm to the touch and the risk of a late spring freeze has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamar County's county score?
Lamar County, Georgia has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Georgia?
Lamar County ranks #101 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Lamar County is $1,910, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Lamar County a tax score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lamar County?
The median household income in Lamar County, Georgia is $68,457 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lamar County earns an income score of 62.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lamar County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lamar County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #101 in Georgia. 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.