Lamar 65 Good
Lamar Livability #277 ranked city in Missouri#12,966 ranked city in the USARanks better than 55% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Lamar

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Lamar?

Lamar is a small city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 4,393 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Lamar is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Lamar. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Lamar is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Missouri, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Lamar and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Missouri and national averages.

Lamar has a livability score of 64/100 and is ranked #270 in Missouri and #12,880 in the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Lamar has higher than average grades for the following: housing (B). There are some categories that Lamar does not rank well for, including: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Lamar, the cost of living is 22.01% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Lamar stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 93 crimes per 100,000 residents, Lamar has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Lamar can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Lamar is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Lamar come in at $156,341, which is 37.4% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lamar, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 2.9% lower than the Missouri average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lamar

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      Lamar transportation information

      Statistic Lamar Missouri National
      Average one way commute19min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.0%81.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.8%9.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.2%1.9%2.8%
      Working from home0.9%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Lamar, MO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.