CountyScore

Lamar County

Texas · TX

#117 in Texas
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Lamar County, Texas

Lamar ranks among top performers

Lamar County's composite score of 71.6 places it in the top 23% of U.S. counties, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This excellent ranking signals a county with strong livability fundamentals compared to most American communities.

Texas's upper tier

At 71.6, Lamar exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8 by nearly 5 points, putting it firmly in the upper half of Texas counties. The county demonstrates genuinely above-average livability within a competitive state.

Balanced strengths across the board

Lamar shines with a Tax Score of 75.5 (lowest effective rate at 0.951%), a Cost Score of 80.7, and the highest Income Score of 23.3 in this group at $61,122 median household income. This balanced profile makes it a well-rounded county for diverse priorities.

Data gaps limit full assessment

While Lamar's measured dimensions are strong, data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable. These missing measures prevent a comprehensive evaluation of livability.

Best for balanced, tax-conscious families

Lamar County suits families seeking an equilibrium of low taxes, reasonable housing costs, and better-than-average local incomes in a stable Texas environment. It's an excellent choice for those unwilling to sacrifice too much in any single livability dimension.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.5Cost80.7SafetyComing SoonHealth55SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk20.5WaterComing Soon
🏛75.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lamar County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
63.2
Median income: $119,750

Deep Dives

Lamar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lamar County

via TaxByCounty

Lamar County is a tax bargain nationally

Lamar County's effective tax rate of 0.951% falls well below the national median of 0.84%, ranking it as relatively tax-friendly compared to most U.S. counties. Though median taxes reach $1,669, homeowners benefit from both a reasonable rate and the county's stronger median home value of $175,500 compared to the national average.

Below Texas's average tax burden

Lamar County's 0.951% effective rate sits below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the more affordable counties to own property in within the state. Despite modest median annual taxes of $1,669, this rate represents genuine tax relief for Texas homeowners.

Lowest-taxing county in the region

Lamar County's 0.951% rate is the lowest in this regional comparison, substantially undercutting Knox County (1.862%), La Salle County (1.561%), and Lamb County (1.192%). This makes it a standout haven for property tax-conscious buyers in North Texas.

Annual property taxes in Lamar County

On Lamar County's median home value of $175,500, you'll pay roughly $1,669 in annual property taxes. Mortgage payers should budget an additional $589, bringing the total annual cost to approximately $2,258.

Even favorable rates warrant review

Lamar County's reasonable tax rate shouldn't discourage homeowners from verifying their assessments—errors occur regardless of regional tax burden. A quick appraisal review can confirm your home is assessed fairly or reveal opportunities to lower your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lamar County

via CostByCounty

Lamar County rents stay affordable

Lamar County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning renters here spend less than one-fifth of their income on housing. This outperforms the national average and reflects genuinely accessible rental costs for working families.

Near-average affordability statewide

At 17.6%, Lamar County's rent-to-income ratio slightly beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of affordability among Texas counties. Median rent of $897 runs 7% below the state average of $963, offering modest savings on housing costs.

Competitive rental market nearby

Lamar County's $897 rent falls between Knox County's bargain-basement $661 and Lee County's pricier $1,050, offering middle-ground affordability. For homebuyers, its $175,500 median home value positions it above Knox but well below more expensive neighbors like Lampasas ($236,000).

Housing takes less than a fifth

Lamar County residents with a median household income of $61,122 spend $897 on rent or $756 on mortgage payments monthly—representing 17.6% of income for renters and 14.8% for owners. Both figures suggest healthy financial breathing room beyond housing expenses.

Lamar offers solid middle ground

Considering a move to north Texas? Lamar County delivers competitive affordability without sacrificing homeownership opportunities or access to regional amenities. Compare its $897 rent and $175,500 home values against nearby Knox and Lee Counties to find your ideal balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lamar County

via IncomeByCounty

Lamar County approaches national income median

Lamar County's median household income of $61,122 is 18% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but it outperforms most rural Texas counties in this regional comparison. This strength reflects more diversified employment beyond agriculture alone.

Above average for its county cohort

At $61,122, Lamar County earns 6% less than the Texas state median of $64,737, positioning it closer to the middle of Texas's income distribution. The county's economy benefits from manufacturing and service sectors beyond pure agriculture.

Regional income leader among peers

Lamar County's $61,122 income exceeds all surveyed neighbors—Knox ($56,304), Kleberg ($57,612), Lamb ($56,997), and La Salle ($55,469)—by significant margins. This advantage reflects Lamar's more diverse employment base and stronger industrial foundation.

Moderate housing costs, solid affordability

Lamar County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the ideal 15% threshold but remains manageable for most households. With median home values at $175,500, homeownership requires discipline but remains achievable for typical earners.

Strong position for retirement and investing

Lamar County's above-average regional income and reasonable housing costs create room for meaningful wealth-building investments. Residents can comfortably fund 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts while maintaining financial stability—positioning families for long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lamar County

via HealthByCounty

Lamar performs better than most Texas peers

Lamar County's life expectancy of 72.4 years remains below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, but its 22.2% poor or fair health rate is below many regional comparisons. The county offers strong mental health infrastructure with 125 providers per 100,000 residents.

Lamar near Texas average for uninsured

At 72.4 years, Lamar's life expectancy is 1.9 years below Texas's 74.3-year average, but its 18.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8%. The county demonstrates better insurance coverage than most neighboring peers.

Lamar leads on insurance coverage access

Lamar's 18.2% uninsured rate is the best in its region—lower than Knox (20.9%), La Salle (22.4%), Lamb (23.0%), and Kleberg (19.1%). The county's 125 mental health providers per 100,000 also exceeds all neighboring counties.

Strong mental health access, good primary care

Lamar excels with 125 mental health providers and 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, supporting residents seeking behavioral and physical health care. Its 18.2% uninsured rate means most residents have pathways to healthcare, though coverage gaps remain for some.

Lamar's insurance edge still leaves room

Though Lamar leads its region with only 18.2% uninsured, one in five residents still lack coverage. If you're among them, visit healthcare.gov to compare plans or call 2-1-1 Texas to navigate available options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lamar County

via RiskByCounty

Lamar faces significant national risk

Lamar County's composite risk score of 79.55 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that belies concentrated vulnerability. The county's hazard profile reflects its position in Texas's tornado and severe weather corridor.

High-risk among Texas counties

Scoring 79.55 versus the Texas state average of 49.00, Lamar County ranks among the state's elevated-risk areas. The 62% increase above state average reflects exceptional tornado and wildfire exposure.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Lamar County's 79.55 composite score exceeds comparable counties across the region, approaching Kleberg County's 84.41. Nearby areas face substantially lower risk, making Lamar a regional hotspot.

Tornadoes and wildfires drive risk

Tornado risk reaches 95.74—among the state's highest—making severe convective storms Lamar's defining hazard. Wildfire risk of 86.13 compounds exposure, with earthquake risk of 66.22 adding a third significant concern uncommon in most Texas counties.

Invest in storm shelter and preparedness

Lamar County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind damage and maintain a certified storm shelter or safe room given the 95.74 tornado risk score. Wildfire insurance riders and earthquake coverage warrant discussion with insurance agents given the county's multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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