countyscore
36.5
County Score
Schools 54.8Cost of Living 51.5Water Quality 47.3

County Report Card

About Lamar County, Texas

Below the National Livability Median

Lamar County scores a 36.5 on our composite index, placing it below the national median of 50.0. It faces challenges in aligning with the standard metrics of the average American county.

Trailing the Texas State Average

Lamar's score of 36.5 falls short of the 41.9 Texas state average composite score. This indicates that while it has specific strengths, its overall livability lags behind many state peers.

Solid Schools and Moderate Costs

The county is bolstered by a School Score of 54.8 and a Cost Score of 51.5. A relatively low effective tax rate of 0.951% supports a decent Tax Score of 41.7 compared to other Texas counties.

Struggles with Safety and Environmental Risk

The Safety Score is notably low at 17.2, and the Risk Score trails at 20.5. With a Health Score of 18.7, the county requires improvement in community well-being and security measures.

Practical Living for Low-Tax Seekers

Lamar County suits individuals who prioritize lower tax rates and decent educational access while accepting trade-offs in public safety. It is a middle-ground option for those focused on the northeast Texas region.

Score breakdown

Tax41.7Cost51.5Safety17.2Health18.7Schools54.8Income42.5Risk20.5Water47.3Weather36.5
🏛41.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.7
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

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Franklin County
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McCurtain County
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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 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

Safety in Lamar County

via CrimeByCounty

Balanced Safety in North Texas

Lamar County maintains a 96.5 safety score, staying competitive with national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 2,223.3 is lower than the national figure of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Tracking Closely with State Trends

The county's safety score sits just below the Texas state average of 96.8. However, its violent crime rate of 488.5 is notably higher than the state average of 341.3.

Robust Reporting Across the County

Nine reporting agencies monitor the region, tracking a property crime rate of 1,734.8. This level of oversight provides a detailed view of safety compared to neighboring counties with fewer agencies.

Property and Violent Crime Mix

Property crimes make up 1,734.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime stands at 488.5. This data suggests residents should be aware of both residential security and personal safety.

Enhance Your Home Defense

Investing in a monitored security system is a practical way to combat the local property crime rate. Active community involvement helps support the nine local agencies in keeping neighborhoods safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lamar County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Infrastructure

Lamar County supports a large network of 21 public schools across four districts, serving 8,584 students. The county offers a comprehensive mix of nine elementary, five middle, and five high schools, plus two specialized campuses. This extensive system provides diverse options for families across the region.

High Graduation Rates Lead the Way

Lamar County boasts a 92.6% graduation rate, exceeding both the Texas state average and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,932 is slightly below the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.7. These metrics reflect a system that produces strong results efficiently.

Paris ISD Anchors the Region

Paris ISD is the largest district, educating 3,856 students across eight campuses. North Lamar ISD also maintains a significant presence with 2,450 students. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, as the community relies on its four traditional public school districts.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Landscape

Two-thirds of the county's schools are in rural settings, with 14 rural campuses and 7 located in town. The average school size is 409 students, ranging from small rural centers to the 937-student Aikin Elementary. This diversity allows parents to choose between a bustling town campus or a quieter rural school.

Join a High-Performing School Community

With graduation rates higher than the state average, Lamar County is an ideal spot for education-focused home buyers. Areas served by Paris ISD and North Lamar ISD offer a variety of housing options near top-rated campuses. Find your next home near some of Northeast Texas's most reliable schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lamar County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Humid Subtropical Climate

Lamar County maintains an average annual temperature of 65.0°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This climate provides a long growing season and consistent warmth throughout the year.

Typical Temperatures for the Lone Star State

The county's 65.0°F average temperature sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While it mirrors the state's warmth, it receives 48.9 inches of rain annually, which is much higher than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Lamar's Unique Rainfall Patterns

With nearly 49 inches of annual precipitation, Lamar is significantly wetter than its western neighbors. This moisture fuels a July average of 85.3°F and maintains the humid characteristics of Northeast Texas.

Long Summers and Frequent Heat

Residents face 96 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. While snowfall data is limited for this area, the winter average of 45.7°F ensures that cold snaps are generally short-lived.

Preparing for Humidity and High Heat

Effective HVAC systems are essential to handle 96 days of 90-degree weather. Additionally, the high annual rainfall of 48.9 inches requires residents to maintain clear drainage systems and invest in durable rain gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lamar County

via SoilByCounty

Limited Soil Data for Lamar County

Current datasets do not provide specific pH or taxonomic classifications for the soils in Lamar County. Local testing is highly recommended to determine if your land follows the state average pH of 7.09.

Undefined Soil Textures and Percentages

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this area. Gardeners should perform a simple jar test to observe how their specific plot drains and settles.

Fertility and Organic Matter Levels Unmapped

Organic matter and water capacity data are missing from the regional records. Without these numbers, it is best to assume a baseline and amend the soil with compost to reach the state average of 1.66% organic matter.

Regional Drainage Characteristics Unknown

There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed for this county in the current data. Observing how water pools on your property after a storm is the best way to judge local hydrology.

Planting Opportunities in Zone 8a

Despite the lack of soil data, the 8a hardiness zone is well-documented and supports pecans and berries. Do not let the data gaps stop you—start a small raised bed to learn your soil's unique needs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lamar County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty with Excellent Water Access

Lamar County’s lawn difficulty score is 31.7, exactly matching the Texas state average. While this is lower than the national median of 50.0, it is a favorable rating compared to many drier Texas neighbors. Growing conditions in zone 8a benefit significantly from higher-than-average regional rainfall.

Abundant Rain and Manageable Summer Heat

This county receives 48.9 inches of rain annually, which sits perfectly at the top of the 30-50 inch ideal range. There are 96 extreme heat days per year, which is actually lower than the Texas state average of 105. This combination of high moisture and moderate heat creates a much friendlier environment for lush green grass.

Navigating Local Soil Needs

Specific data on soil pH and texture are limited for Lamar County, but the high rainfall suggests a potential for more acidic conditions than in West Texas. Homeowners should test their soil to see if lime is needed to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Proper drainage is key here to prevent root rot during the heavy 48.9-inch rain years.

Total Drought Despite High Rainfall

Despite high annual averages, 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought after 21 weeks of dry conditions. This illustrates the volatility of Texas weather, where heavy rain years can be interrupted by intense dry spells. Mulching around garden beds and maintaining high mower heights can help protect turf during these periods.

Lush Options for Northeast Texas

Zoysia and Tall Fescue can thrive here alongside Bermuda due to the higher moisture levels and fewer heat days. The last spring frost typically occurs on March 14, making late March the perfect time for seeding. Capitalize on the 48.9 inches of annual rain by planting species that appreciate the extra hydration.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lamar County's county score?
Lamar County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.5 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 Texas?
Lamar County ranks #174 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Lamar County is $1,669, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Lamar County a tax score of 41.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lamar County?
The median household income in Lamar County, Texas is $61,122 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lamar County earns an income score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lamar County, Texas a good place to live?
Lamar County scores 36.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #174 in Texas. 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.

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🏛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.