$191,053Average Value$159Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Quiet streets and leafy parks surround a lively downtown in Lamar
Lamar’s historic town square is anchored by a brick courthouse built in 1856 and surrounded by rows of old storefronts. With plenty of local shops, eateries and events, it’s a central gathering place for the town’s 4,300 residents. “The square is pretty quiet during the week, but it fills up when there’s an event, and there are a lot of local events,” says Pauletta Orahood of the Barton County Historical Society, a longtime city resident. Outside the downtown district, walkable, leafy streets are dotted with early- and mid-20th century homes, community parks and local monuments and memorials. “It’s a friendly town. Not too big, not too small. And it’s full of history,” Orahood says. “Wyatt Earp started his law career here. President Harry Truman was born here. We had three military admirals who were born here. For a small town, it’s really something.”
Lamar, Missouri, is a small, quiet town in Barton County.
A brick courthouse anchors the town square in Lamar.
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Older homes with large lots near downtown
Lamar is laid out on a traditional, flat street grid lined with sidewalks, mature trees and lots with generous setbacks. Ranch-style homes, cottages and Craftsman houses can all be found here, most of which date back at least 50 years. Some older homes may need fixing up, while others have been well maintained and upgraded. Lots are typically large, offering plenty of privacy and space for gardens. Large farm properties, newer homes and rural homes are found farther out from the town center. Prices range from around $100,000 to $320,000, depending on size, age and condition.
Similarly styled bungalows line a residential street in Lamar.
A Victorian home in Lamar features a well-manicured yard and a white picket fence.
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Historic theaters and hometown favorites for dining out
The city has more than a few shopping and dining destinations, so residents won’t have to travel for the essentials. Tractor’s BBQ and Grill is a local favorite for smoked meats, sandwiches, sides and fixings, while El Caballo De Oro offers up Mexican staples like tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Those searching for something sweet can make a pitstop at Daylight Donuts or pick up coffee and pastries from The Grind Coffee Shop. Worden’s Meat offers a wide selection of meats, from beef and bacon to brats, chicken sausage and pork chops. There are two historical movie theaters in town — the Plaza Theater, built in 1934, and the Barco Drive-In, a rural drive-in theater built in 1950. Groceries and everyday essentials are available at Walmart and Dollar General.
Daylight Donuts is a popular stop for a sweet treat.
Residents in Lamar head to the Barco Drive-In Theatre for a movie night.
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Truman Day and Fallfest honor Lamar’s famous residents
Annual events celebrate holidays and history. “We have Wyatt Earp Fallfest in October. He was the town constable before he headed west. And there’s Truman Day in May when we celebrate Truman’s birthday,” Orahood says. Among the largest events is the Lamar Free Fair, billed as the state’s largest, which takes place in the town square every August. It brings out thousands of visitors for carnival rides, parades and a livestock show.
City parks offer lakes, trails, playgrounds and ball fields
Parks are a major perk for Lamar locals, with two lakes and plenty of green space. The largest is Lamar City Park, a sprawling park surrounding a popular fishing lake with walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, picnic areas and baseball diamonds. Wyatt Earp Park sits near the center of town, across the street from the courthouse, and hosts local events like the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas lighting. Thiebaud Auditorium is right up the street, a public event venue that holds holiday events, pageants, banquets and reunions.
Residents fish and boat at Lamar City Lake.
Residents relax and unwind at Wyatt Earp Park.
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High school football brings the community together on game nights
Young students start at East Primary School, which serves kindergarten through second grade, West Elementary School, which serves third through fifth grade, and Lamar Middle School. All three schools earn B-minus ratings from Niche. The last four years can be spent at Lamar High School, which gets a C-plus. The high school’s championship-winning football team brings the community together for home games. The team has won the state championship more than 15 times, most recently in 2023 and 2024. “We’ve got some great schools. The football team has a pretty big following here,” Orahood says.
Lamar Middle School students attend grades 6th through 8th.
The Lamar High School football team is a source of community pride.
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Driving is essential for errands, commuting and medical care
Lamar’s residential streets, especially those closest to the town square, are walkable and bikeable. The city doesn’t have public transportation, however, so residents will need a car for errands and commuting. Interstate 49 runs along the city’s western edge, offering a route to Joplin, about 40 miles south, while Pittsburg, Kansas, is about 28 miles west. Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, about 30 miles away, is the nearest medical center. The Joplin Regional Airport is 35 miles away.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Maurice Boone
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Lamar, MO sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Lamar, MO over the last 12 months is $158,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This unique property offers not only lots of room but also several updates, including a new roof (2023), HVAC system (2020) energy-efficient double-pane windows (2015), wiring and plumbing (2004). Once a duplex, the layout now provides several flexible living spaces! It could easily be used as a 4 or 5 bedroom home or converted back to duplex. Check out the floor plan! Ideally located in the
Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Lamar, MO! This recently remodeled home features a spacious open floor plan, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers newer stainless steel appliances, beautiful wood countertops, and newer painted cabinetry. Just off the kitchen, you’ll find a large laundry room, and all appliances—including the washer and dryer—stay with the
This 10 +/- acre tract has both visibility and convenience wrapped into one spot. The northbound and southbound entrance and exit ramps provide future business owners the perfect location for a high-visibility, easily accessible location along Interstate 49. Traffic counts from MoDot give a daily average on I-49 of over 7,000 vehicles, which are full of potential clients for your business.
This exceptional 240 +/-acre Barton County, Missouri farm offers a rare blend of productive agricultural ground, outstanding recreational appeal, and future homesite potential. Currently set up as a cattle farm, the property features four ponds, a meandering creek, excellent hardwood timber, and ideal habitat for whitetail deer and turkey. With a potential build site, water on site, and electric
Access, exposure, and opportunity, all combined makes this property an entrepreneur’s dream come true. The large 50’x108’ building with a 12’ front porch provides major curb appeal. The oversized sign helps capture the attention of over 7,000 motorists traveling the interstate daily. With on and off ramps conveniently located out front, you are sure to gain the business of
Premier Waterfowl Hunting PropertyThis is your chance to own a 72 acre turn-key luxury waterfowl hunting property in Southern Missouri, built for performance and comfort, ready to hunt from day one, and designed to consistently attract and hold birds. The combination of flooded habitat, food sources, and controlled water levels makes this a true waterfowl hunting paradise, while the mix
This great 160+/- acres farm is conveniently located just East of Lamar MO near the town of Milford. The property offers large open pastures with great fencing, tillable ground, ample water for livestock with ponds and automatic waterers, New 700' well that tested at 80+ gpm and can be outfitted for irrigation, pipe corrals, year round creek, wooded ground for wildlife and views in every
Discover a well-equipped 75-acre cattle farm in Barton County, Missouri, offering the ideal combination of productive pasture, quality improvements, and natural beauty. This property is ready for livestock with excellent fencing, strong grass establishment, and pastures that have been recently fertilized to support continued grazing performance. The land features beautiful timber, a scenic creek,
This cozy 3 bed, 2.5 bath 1,800 square foot home sits on a spacious 9 +/-acres just off the highway. With big mature shade trees in the front yard and acres of open pasture in the back, it is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a homestead. The back pasture has a nice-sized pond perfect for watering livestock and fishing just out your back door. A 34’x36’ barn provides adequate room
Prime Residential Lot in a Sought-After Location! Build your dream home on this level, cleared residential lot, perfectly situated in a highly desirable neighborhood. With city utilities readily available, this lot offers a seamless building process, making it an excellent choice for your future home. Enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful surroundings with convenient access to shopping, dining,
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home situated on a spacious half-acre corner lot in Lamar, Missouri. This property offers exceptional value with numerous recent updates, including a new roof on the home, new fascia, soffit, and guttering installed in September 2025, a new HVAC system in 2023, and basement foundation repairs completed in March 2026. Outside, you'll find
Great investment opportunity in Lamar! This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers approximately 800 square feet and plenty of potential for rental income, a starter home, or a renovation project. Sitting on a double lot, conveniently located and room to add your own updates and personal touches. Don't miss this affordable opportunity with strong investment potential. Schedule a private tour today!
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home for rent in Lamar.Features include a large covered front porch, central heat and air, separate laundry room, and a convenient 1,058sq ft floor plan with bathroom access from both bedrooms. The home also offers a backyard patio and storage shed for additional outdoor living and storage space. Agent Owned Rent: $800/monthSecurity Deposit:
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