Cost of Living in Lamar, CO

Population 7,629 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lamar sits on the smaller end of the Colorado city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Lamar lies roughly 110 miles east of the nearest major metro, Pueblo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Pueblo's $231,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lamar

The median home value in Lamar is $137,100 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $844/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,487/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. The climate averages highs of 71.2°F and lows of 36.9°F. Overall, Lamar has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$137,100
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$174,791
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$844/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 69.2%
Renter-occupied 30.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$844
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,458/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
14.6 min
46% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.9%
Carpooled
6.4%
Public transit
2.3%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
4.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$58,487
22% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,528
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
33% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
Labor Force Participation
62.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.6%
Graduate degree 11.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.1
Male median age 31.1
Female median age 34.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.2°F
Avg Low
36.9°F
Annual Precip
13.3"
10° 33° 55° 78° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475262708091959386725947
Low °F 141827354657626051352414
Precip" 0.190.220.591.061.702.092.922.221.030.820.380.13

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 19 — Good
96%
Good air days/yr
103
Max AQI recorded
47
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lamar, CO?

Lamar has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lamar, CO?

The median gross rent in Lamar is $844 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lamar?

The median home value in Lamar is $137,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lamar?

The median household income in Lamar is $58,487 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lamar, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lamar is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Lamar, CO affordable?

Yes, Lamar is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lamar?

Lamar has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 36.9°F. Annual precipitation is 13.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lamar at a Glance

Population
7,629
Median Income
$58,487
Home Value
$137,100
Median Rent
$844/mo
Unemployment
6.4%
Avg High Temp
71.2°F
Sales Tax
7.8%
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🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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