countyscore
47.6
County Score
Property Tax 66.7Income & Jobs 64.5Water Quality 60.6

County Report Card

About Lamar County, Mississippi

Near the National Median

Lamar County earns a 47.6 composite score, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. It offers a profile that is very close to the standard American experience.

Consistent with State Norms

The county's score of 47.6 is almost identical to the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It serves as a reliable benchmark for living standards in the Magnolia State.

Strong Incomes and Education

Lamar leads with an Income Score of 64.5 and a high median household income of $69,106. Its School Score of 42.1 is also one of the highest in this group of counties.

Premium Housing Costs

The Cost Score of 26.0 reflects a high price for entry, with median home values at $218,700. This makes it one of the more expensive counties in Mississippi for new homebuyers.

The Choice for Families

Lamar is ideal for upwardly mobile families who prioritize education and higher wages. While more expensive than its neighbors, the economic and social returns make it a sought-after destination.

Score breakdown

Tax66.7Cost26Safety57.1Health48.3Schools42.1Income64.5Risk35Water60.6Weather31.8
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Forrest County
Mississippi
30.3
Marion County
Mississippi
49.4
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2
Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
Walthall County
Mississippi
48.5
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.5
Jones County
Mississippi
40.7

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 taxes remain well below US rates

Lamar County's effective tax rate of 0.667% is roughly one-quarter the national median of 2.6%. The median annual property tax of $1,459 trails the national median of $2,690, despite moderate property values.

Slightly below state average

Lamar County's 0.667% effective rate sits slightly below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, positioning it as tax-competitive statewide. The median property tax of $1,459 notably exceeds the state median of $931.

Mid-tier rate among regional peers

Lamar County's 0.667% effective rate places it in the middle range of these eight surveyed counties. The median home value of $218,700 is the second-highest in the region, driving the median tax bill to $1,459.

Median home: roughly $1,459 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $218,700 pays approximately $1,459 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,582, while owners without mortgages pay $1,212.

Verify your property's fair market value

Many Mississippi homeowners overpay because their properties are assessed above market value. If your county appraisal seems high compared to recent sales prices, you may qualify for a tax appeal that could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lamar County

via CostByCounty

Strongest incomes support higher housing costs

Lamar County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting the highest median household income of $69,106. This near-national-average income ($74,755 nationally) means housing—though pricier at $1,061 monthly rent and $218,700 home values—remains comfortably affordable.

Best affordability despite highest prices

Lamar County combines the lowest rent-to-income ratio (18.4%) with the second-highest median income ($69,106) in this dataset, making it Mississippi's most affordable market for those who can afford to live here. The county's economic strength, reflected in $1,061 median rent and $218,700 median home values, outpaces the state average.

Pricier housing reflects economic strength

Lamar County renters pay $1,061 monthly and homebuyers face $218,700 median prices—second-highest in this set after Lafayette County. However, the county's robust $69,106 median income means residents shoulder these costs more easily than neighbors in lower-income counties like Jefferson Davis or Lawrence.

Highest income cushions housing expenses

The typical Lamar County renter spends $1,061 of a $5,759 monthly income on housing, consuming just 18.4% of earnings—the best ratio here. Homeowners investing $1,031 monthly represent an equally manageable 17.9%, demonstrating that strong local incomes make even premium housing affordable.

Premium pay justifies premium housing

Lamar County offers Mississippi's best affordability despite higher housing costs, signaling a robust local economy and stronger job market. If you're relocating to Mississippi and earning above-average income, Lamar County's economic resilience and housing accessibility make it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lamar County

via IncomeByCounty

Strongest income, narrowest national gap

Lamar County's median household income of $69,106 represents 92% of the national median of $74,755, the closest alignment to national norms in this cohort. Though a $5,600 gap persists, Lamar County ranks among Mississippi's most prosperous regions by household earnings.

Top performer statewide

At $69,106, Lamar County leads Mississippi's 82 counties by exceeding the state average of $48,514 by more than $20,500. This significant surplus positions Lamar as an economic engine within Mississippi, driven by diverse employment and higher-wage industries.

Clear economic leader regionally

Lamar County's $69,106 income tops all peers in this analysis, surpassing Lafayette County ($64,334) by $4,772 and distancing itself from Jones County ($51,143), Lauderdale County ($50,033), and all lower-income neighbors. The county stands as the regional prosperity benchmark.

Income supports robust housing market

The median home value of $218,700 and rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% reflect strong household purchasing power and financial cushion. The lowest rent-to-income ratio among higher-income counties signals that housing remains comfortably affordable despite elevated real estate values.

Leverage advantage into generational wealth

Lamar County's above-average income and favorable housing ratio create prime conditions for aggressive wealth-building through retirement savings, real estate investment, and diversified portfolios. Households should prioritize education funding and estate planning to compound advantages across generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lamar County

via CrimeByCounty

Lamar County Matches State Averages

Lamar County earns a safety score of 98.4, perfectly aligning with the Mississippi state average. Its total crime rate of 988.7 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Four agencies report data here, providing a comprehensive look at public safety.

A Typical Mississippi Profile

With a safety score of 98.4, Lamar County represents the state’s average safety level. Its crime rate of 988.7 is nearly identical to the state average of 978.4. This indicates a stable environment that is neither significantly safer nor more dangerous than its peers.

Safer Than Nearby Jones

Lamar County is notably safer than Jones County, which has a higher rate of 1,475.8. It reports a slightly higher rate than Leake County, which sits at 792.2. Residents here enjoy a lower crime environment than many surrounding jurisdictions.

Violence is Rare in Lamar

The violent crime rate of 107.1 is well below the state average of 149.2 and the national 369.8. Property crime is the main factor at 881.6 per 100,000 residents. This means most law enforcement activity involves non-violent theft or property disputes.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Focusing on property security is the best way to stay safe in Lamar County. Motion lights and alarm systems deter the types of opportunistic thefts that make up the bulk of local crime. Simple habits like locking car doors overnight significantly reduce your risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lamar County

via HealthByCounty

Lamar County leads eight-county health profile

Lamar County residents live to 77.2 years, exceeding both Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years and the U.S. average of 76.1 years by a full year. Just 19.3% report poor or fair health, the third-best rate in this profile and well below the national average of 18%.

Healthiest county in the region

Lamar County ranks among Mississippi's top health performers, with the highest life expectancy and lowest poor health rates in this eight-county analysis. The 13.1% uninsured rate is below the state average of 13.9%, contributing to strong healthcare access.

Outpaces all neighbors on lifespan and wellness

Lamar County residents live 6+ years longer than Lawrence (70.3 years) and Leake (71.2 years), and outrank all peers except Lafayette on self-reported health. The county's 124 primary care providers per 100K is the region's highest, enabling robust preventive and routine care.

Best-in-region primary care, high provider access

Lamar County's 124 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is double that of most neighbors and enables residents to access timely preventive care and routine check-ups. At 13.1% uninsured, nearly 9 in 10 residents have active coverage, strengthening their ability to use available services.

Lamar's excellence depends on your coverage

With the region's best doctor-to-patient ratio and outstanding health outcomes, Lamar County's success is built on residents who stay insured. If you're uninsured or unsure of your coverage, check your Medicaid and marketplace eligibility today to fully access this county's healthcare leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lamar County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Single-District School System

Lamar County provides education to 10,276 students through a single, unified school district. The county maintains 17 public schools, including eight elementary and five high schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

An impressive 93.0% graduation rate places Lamar County well ahead of both state and national averages. The county maintains a strong 52.3 school score while spending $5,706 per pupil.

Unity in the Lamar County School District

All 10,276 students are served by the Lamar County School District, which operates 100% of the public schools here. There are currently no charter schools in this district.

Rural Roots with Suburban Growth

While 14 schools are in rural locales, three serve growing suburban areas, contributing to an average school size of 685 students. Oak Grove High School is the largest in the county, with 1,777 students.

High-Performing Schools for Your New Home

With some of the highest graduation rates in Mississippi, Lamar County is an ideal spot for home buyers with children. Explore residential options near these top-rated rural and suburban campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lamar County

via RiskByCounty

Lamar County faces above-average storm risk

With a composite risk score of 64.98, Lamar County ranks above the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating despite significant wildfire (81.58) and hurricane (89.03) exposure. The county's risk profile is driven by southern Mississippi's exposure to tropical and fire weather systems.

Mid-to-high risk among Mississippi counties

Lamar County's 64.98 composite score places it well above Mississippi's 50.94 average, ranking it in the state's elevated risk category. Wildfire and hurricane exposure particularly distinguish Lamar from state peers.

Wildfire exposure exceeds neighbors

Lamar County's wildfire risk (81.58) significantly exceeds nearby Jefferson Davis County (56.74) and Lawrence County (54.13), reflecting the county's ecosystem and fire weather patterns. Overall composite risk (64.98) aligns closely with Leake County (55.69).

Wildfire and hurricanes dominate hazard landscape

Wildfire risk tops the list at 81.58, followed by hurricane risk at 89.03—both well above state averages and reflecting southern Mississippi's exposure to tropical systems and fire seasons. Tornado risk (73.79) and flood risk (62.12) also merit serious preparedness investment.

Defend against fire and wind now

Lamar County residents should create defensible space around homes, clear gutters, and trim vegetation to mitigate wildfire spread. Comprehensive wind and flood coverage are essential; pair these with regular property maintenance and emergency supply stockpiles for hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lamar County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall in the Gulf South

Lamar County receives 61.5 inches of rain annually, which is significantly more than the national average. This climate is characterized by its heavy precipitation and consistent Southern humidity.

Wetter Than the Average County

The county's 61.5 inches of annual rain exceeds the state average of 59.6 inches. This extra moisture supports the vibrant local ecosystem but also creates high humidity year-round.

Regional Consistency in Rainfall Patterns

Lamar shares its 61.5-inch rainfall total with its neighbor, Jefferson Davis County. Both areas see very little winter weather, with Lamar averaging only 0.6 inches of snow.

Mild Winters and Damp Seasons

Snow is a rarity here, averaging only 0.6 inches per year. While temperature data is limited, the high rainfall suggests a climate dominated by long, wet, and humid seasons.

Protecting Homes from Heavy Rain

With 61.5 inches of rain annually, homeowners should prioritize high-quality roofing and exterior seals. Indoor dehumidifiers can help manage the intense moisture typical of the Pine Belt.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lamar County

via SoilByCounty

Extremely acidic soil profile

Lamar County has highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.79. This is one of the lowest in the region, falling far short of the national 6.5 median and the state's 5.30 average.

Sand-heavy and easy to dig

The soil is 52.4% sand and 10.4% clay, a ratio that favors drainage over nutrient storage. This sandy mix is very easy to till but requires consistent management to prevent drying out in the sun.

Exceptional organic matter content

Remarkably, organic matter is 4.44%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. Despite a lower water capacity of 0.155 in/in, this high organic content provides a massive boost to soil health.

Rapid water movement

While detailed drainage classes are unavailable, the high sand content generally facilitates quick water movement. This makes the county well-suited for specialized crops that dislike 'wet feet' or standing water.

A paradise for peppers

Zone 8b supports a long growing season for heat-lovers like peppers and tomatoes. Capitalize on that high organic matter by planting a diverse garden and adding lime to manage the acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lamar County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lawn Care in Lamar County

Lamar County scores a 32.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While it is more difficult than the national average, it offers a manageable environment for Zone 8b gardeners. Success here depends on mastering the unique soil and water conditions of south Mississippi.

Generous Rainfall Powers Growth

With 61.5 inches of annual precipitation, water is rarely in short supply for Lamar County lawns. This high volume, significantly above the ideal 30-50 inch range, can lead to nutrient leaching and fungal issues. Homeowners should focus on maintaining sharp mower blades to handle the thick growth that follows heavy rains.

Managing Extremely Acidic Sandy Soils

The soil pH in Lamar County is a low 4.79, making it the most acidic in this regional group. The soil is 52.4% sand and 10.4% clay, meaning it drains quickly but struggles to retain essential minerals. Heavy lime applications and regular fertilization are necessary to turn this acidic ground into a viable lawn.

Monitoring Dry Spells and Drought

Lamar County saw 8 weeks of drought last year, and 72.9% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Because the soil is half sand, the grass will show signs of wilt quickly when the rain stops. Implement a smart watering schedule that targets the roots during these increasingly frequent dry periods.

Hardy Turf for South Mississippi

Centipede grass is a top choice for Lamar County because it tolerates acidic soils better than many other species. Since specific frost dates are not available, use the general Zone 8b guideline of mid-to-late March for seeding. With consistent soil amending, your lawn can thrive despite the acidic start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamar County's county score?
Lamar County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Mississippi?
Lamar County ranks #41 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Lamar County is $1,459, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Lamar County a tax score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lamar County?
The median household income in Lamar County, Mississippi is $69,106 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lamar County earns an income score of 64.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lamar County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lamar County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Mississippi. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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