RANK #204 / 996 · POP 64,425 · MS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Lamar County, Mississippi, is recognized for its rapid suburban growth, particularly in areas like West Hattiesburg and Oak Grove. Located in southeastern Mississippi, the county seat is Purvis. It is part of the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, with a commute to Hattiesburg averaging around 26 minutes by car. The community offers a mix of rural landscapes and modern amenities, with the Wolf River flowing through the county. Outdoor recreation includes walking trails and various events at the Lamar County Fairgrounds and Community Complex.
Life in Lamar County is characterized by a relaxed pace and a strong sense of community. The public schools, part of the Lamar County School District, are highly rated. The economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with forestry also playing a significant role. The county has seen an increase in job opportunities, attracting families and young professionals. Infrastructure improvements and new business developments contribute to its appeal as a place to live.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lamar County has a Boom Town Index score of 80/100, ranking #204 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.3% and a median household income of $67,972, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lamar County is $209,700 with median rent at $1,034/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3241, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.3%. Home values changed +4.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.71% of Lamar County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.