Lamar, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,284
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,705/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,163
5.7% year-over-year change

Lamar population

How many people live in Lamar

Lamar is home to 4,284 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Lamar locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
4,284
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
2,032
Female
52.6%
2,252
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,032 47.4% -1.4%
Female 2,252 52.6% 1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lamar is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 18.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
18.9%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 800 18.7% -0.4%
15 to 24 569 13.3% 13.6%
25 to 44 1,121 26.2% -2.3%
45 to 64 809 18.9% -13.8%
Over 65 985 23% 9.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lamar, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,270 99.7% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13 0.3% -70.5%
Non-citizens 1 0% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.1%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 3,947 92.1%
Black or African American 27 0.6%
Two or more races 273 6.4%
Other 37 0.9%

Households in Lamar

A peek inside Lamar households

Lamar has 1,730 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.4% are families, while the remaining 30.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,730
3.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
529
Family households
1,201
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 529 30.6% -0.9%
Family households 1,201 69.4% 6.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lamar

The housing landscape of Lamar

Lamar's housing consists of 2,163 units, with 81.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,163
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,754 81.1%
3 or 4 units 333 15.4%
20 to 49 units 19 0.9%
Mobile home 57 2.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lamar

In Lamar, the median construction year is 1973. About 17.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 376 17.4% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 132 6.1% -10.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 243 11.2% -21.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 186 8.6% -9.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 434 20.1% 9.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 293 13.6% 11.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 258 11.9% 27.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 241 11.1% 102.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lamar occupancy rates

Out of the 1,730 occupied housing units in Lamar, 51.6% are owner-occupied, while 48.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,730
3.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
838
Owner occupied
892
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 838 48.4% 3.2%
Owner occupied 892 51.6% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
20.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lamar housing costs

Housing costs in Lamar come to a median of $764 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $832.

Median housing costs per month
$764/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lamar
$832/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lamar

Lamar education at a glance

About 53.4% of the population in Lamar went to high school, while 13.5% pursued college studies. Another 14.8% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 51 1.6% 6.2%
High school diploma 1,725 53.4% -0.2%
College diploma 436 13.5% -16.5%
Associate degree 477 14.8% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 463 14.3% 13.5%
Graduate degree 81 2.5% 17.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lamar

How much people earn in Lamar

The average annual household income in Lamar was $52,581 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,705, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lamar
$52,581/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lamar
$36,705/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Lamar income by age

In Lamar, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $34,773. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,648 overall. Overall, 68.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $34,773 14.0%
45 - 64 $70,648 2.2%
Over 65 $33,421 2.3%
Above poverty level
2,812
Below poverty level
1,289
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,812 68.6% 0.8%
Below poverty level 1,289 31.4% -2.2%

Average renter income in Lamar

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lamar, their median household income was $22,067 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,067
Rent-to-income ratio
45.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lamar

Workforce and job types in Lamar

The job market in Lamar is powered by 1,694 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.5% run their own businesses, 55.2% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,694
6.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,378
Blue collar
316
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,378 81.4% 7.9%
Blue collar 316 18.6% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
20.5%
Private companies
55.2%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 348 20.5% 50.0%
Private companies 936 55.2% 2.0%
Governmental workers 281 16.6% -4.8%
Not for profit companies 129 7.6% -9.8%

Transportation in Lamar

How people get around in Lamar

Commuting methods vary: 97% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,589 97% 9.4%
Walk 16 1% -50.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lamar by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
64759 8,310 3,050 $50,000 $62,258

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FAQs about Lamar demographics 

What is the total population of Lamar?

Lamar has a total population of 4,284 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lamar?

The gender ratio in Lamar is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (2,032 residents)
  • 52.6% females (2,252 residents)

What is the median age in Lamar?

The median age in Lamar is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lamar?

The age distribution in Lamar is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (800 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (569 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (1,121 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.9% (809 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (985 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lamar?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lamar is as follows:
  • White: 92.1% (3,947 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (27 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (273 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (37 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lamar are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in Lamar.

How many housing units are there in Lamar?

There are 2,163 housing units in Lamar, reflecting a +5.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lamar and what is the average household size?

Lamar has a total of 1,730 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lamar?

Lamar has a median household income of $36,705, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lamar?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (1,378 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (316 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.5% (348 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.2% (936 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (281 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (129 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025