Cost of Living in Lamar, MO
Population 4,290 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $34,894, median household incomes in Lamar land roughly 53% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. An unemployment rate of 2.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Lamar is about 60 miles west of Springfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Springfield's $165,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lamar
The median home value in Lamar is $114,800 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,894/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Lamar has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Lamar has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lamar, MO?
Lamar has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lamar, MO?
The median gross rent in Lamar is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lamar?
The median home value in Lamar is $114,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lamar?
The median household income in Lamar is $34,894 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lamar, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lamar is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Lamar, MO affordable?
Yes, Lamar is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Lamar at a Glance
- Population
- 4,290
- Median Income
- $34,894
- Home Value
- $114,800
- Median Rent
- $830/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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