Cost of Living in Lamar County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lamar County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lamar County ranks #2,132 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lamar County, Georgia
Lamar's premium properties anchor high home values
Lamar County residents earn $68,457—slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755—yet spend just 16.0% of income on rent, beating the national 18.6% benchmark. This county's higher-value homes ($201,400 median) reflect upscale properties that appeal to affluent relocators.
Lamar leads Georgia on rent affordability for its tier
Lamar County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Georgia's best, outpacing the state's 18.6% average despite rents near the state norm at $913 monthly. Its $201,400 median home value is Georgia's priciest among these eight counties.
Premium housing at sustainable affordability levels
Lamar's $913 rent nearly matches state average and sits above Jones ($917), but its strong household income of $68,457 keeps the 16.0% ratio competitive. The $201,400 median home value is second only to Lee County ($226,900) in this regional cluster.
Homeownership carries a higher price tag here
While renters spend a manageable 16.0% of their $68,457 income on $913 monthly rent, homeowners allocate 18.8% to $1,072 in mortgage payments—reflecting the county's premium $201,400 median home values. Buyers should budget carefully for Lamar's higher ownership costs.
Lamar County for upscale living seekers
If you're relocating with a six-figure income or selling equity from a higher-cost market, Lamar County's $201,400 median homes remain affordable relative to national metro markets. Its 16.0% rent ratio and established neighborhoods make it Georgia's sweet spot for affluent homebuyers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lamar County
Affordability Verdict
Lamar County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $913/month representing approximately 16.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $913/month rent versus $1,072/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $159/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,943/year. With a median household income of $68,457, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lamar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Lamar County is more affordable than Decatur County by roughly 6% ($913/mo vs $860/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lamar County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,597
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
The median home in Lamar County may be a stretch
Median home value is $201,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,608 vs. your max of $1,597.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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