Lamar, MO
Population 4,290 · Missouri
About Lamar, MO
Lamar is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 4,290 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,894 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lamar features a median home value of $114,800, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lamar one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,046 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (854 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (812 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lamar shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 33.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lamar have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.0% of Lamar residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lamar, MO
Compared to national averages, Lamar has a median household income of $34,894 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,800, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Lamar's income is 43% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 24% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Lamar, MO?
Lamar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,894) that falls below the national average. However, Lamar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lamar has a population of 4,290 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Lamar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Lamar
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normandy | 4,263 | $33,421 | $91,400 | Compare |
| Scott City | 4,354 | $61,581 | $134,900 | Compare |
| High Ridge | 4,209 | $75,040 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Breckenridge Hills | 4,413 | $44,800 | $92,700 | Compare |
| Riverside | 4,153 | $50,882 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Bowling Green | 4,130 | $51,675 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 4,128 | $55,543 | $86,500 | Compare |
| Fredericktown | 4,464 | $53,681 | $120,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lamar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lamar
What is the population of Lamar, MO?
The population of Lamar, MO is 4,290 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Lamar?
The median household income in Lamar, MO is $34,894 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lamar?
The median home value in Lamar, MO is $114,800, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lamar?
The median monthly rent in Lamar, MO is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lamar?
The unemployment rate in Lamar, MO is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lamar, MO a good place to live?
Lamar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,290 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lamar, MO?
16.0% of residents in Lamar aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lamar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lamar, MO: median home value is $114,800 (53% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $34,894. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lamar?
The poverty rate in Lamar, MO is 33.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lamar, MO?
Lamar's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.