Cost of Living in Lamar County, Texas
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 #2,795 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lamar County, Texas
Lamar County rents stay affordable
Lamar County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning renters here spend less than one-fifth of their income on housing. This outperforms the national average and reflects genuinely accessible rental costs for working families.
Near-average affordability statewide
At 17.6%, Lamar County's rent-to-income ratio slightly beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of affordability among Texas counties. Median rent of $897 runs 7% below the state average of $963, offering modest savings on housing costs.
Competitive rental market nearby
Lamar County's $897 rent falls between Knox County's bargain-basement $661 and Lee County's pricier $1,050, offering middle-ground affordability. For homebuyers, its $175,500 median home value positions it above Knox but well below more expensive neighbors like Lampasas ($236,000).
Housing takes less than a fifth
Lamar County residents with a median household income of $61,122 spend $897 on rent or $756 on mortgage payments monthly—representing 17.6% of income for renters and 14.8% for owners. Both figures suggest healthy financial breathing room beyond housing expenses.
Lamar offers solid middle ground
Considering a move to north Texas? Lamar County delivers competitive affordability without sacrificing homeownership opportunities or access to regional amenities. Compare its $897 rent and $175,500 home values against nearby Knox and Lee Counties to find your ideal balance.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lamar County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lamar County is affordable. The median rent is $897/month against a median household income of $61,122, putting rent at 17.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $897/month rent versus $756/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $141/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,400/year. With a median household income of $61,122, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Lamar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Lamar County is less affordable than Franklin County by roughly 5% ($897/mo vs $948/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lamar County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lamar County
Median home value is $175,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,401 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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