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Why Live in Lamar

Lamar, located in southeastern Colorado, is a rural city center with a history in agriculture and manufacturing. Surrounded by farms and ranches, the city’s historic downtown area features shopping and dining options, including Sweet Sage Boutique and Brew Unto Others coffee shop. Dining options include Peraza’s Tacos and Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Grill. Annual events like Lamar Days and Oktoberfest foster a strong sense of community among its 7,600 residents. Lamar is known for its low crime rate compared to the national average, making it a safer place to live.

Residential streets in Lamar are lined with single-family homes, many dating back to the 1910s through the 1950s. Common home styles include cottage-style bungalows and minimal traditional single-story homes, with newer ranch-style homes and split levels from the 1960s to 1980s also available. The city maintains over 200 acres of parks and open spaces, including Willow Creek Park, which features a playground, volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and Pike’s Tower. Escondido Park offers a soccer field complex, while North Gateway Park includes a dog park and access to the Arkansas River. The Lamar Community Building provides indoor recreation, and Spreading Antlers Golf Course is a public 9-hole course.

Lamar’s public schools are part of the Lamar School District, with Washington Elementary School earning high ratings. The city is also home to Lamar Community College, which offers certifications and associate degrees. Transportation options include U.S. Highway 385 and U.S. Highway 50, as well as the Lamar Amtrak Station. The Southeast Colorado Regional Airport, located about 5 miles west, provides general aviation services. Lamar experiences weather extremes, with average summer highs around 93 degrees and winter lows about 14 degrees. The area has a history of environmental challenges, including flooding from the Arkansas River and potential wildfires, with the Lamar Fire Department providing fire protection and emergency rescue services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Lamar, CO?
The median rent for a home in Lamar, CO is $685 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Lamar, CO?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Lamar, CO, a household needs to earn roughly $27,400 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $685 per month in Lamar, CO, renters typically need to show $2,055 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Lamar, CO?
In Lamar, CO, the price-to-rent ratio is 23.2, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Median Rent
$685
Median Condo Rent
$685
How to Rent a Home