Demographics
Lamar County, TX, has a 2023 estimated population of about 49,800. The median age is 41.1 years. Gender distribution is approximately 50.6% female and 49.4% male. Racially, the population is 77.8% White, 12.5% Black or African American, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian, and 1.9% identifying as two or more races or other. The county exhibits a slightly aging population and modest racial diversity.
Elections
Lamar County, TX had 31,681 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with recent turnout around 54% in the 2022 general election. The county, administered by the Lamar County Elections Office, typically provides over 15 polling locations. Republican candidates dominate local results, winning over 70% of the vote in 2020. Common issues include property taxes and school funding. Two main parties, Republican and Democrat, compete in primaries and general elections. Voter registration deadlines fall 30 days before elections, and administration ensures compliance with Texas Election Code.
Education, Employment and Housing
Lamar County, TX, features 24 public schools, including three high schools, serving around 10,000 students. About 81.5% of adults have a high school diploma, but only 14.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school scores hover near 6/10 on GreatSchools. The county emphasizes school safety with resource officers and security protocols. Career and Technical Education (CTE), dual credit, and special education programs are offered. Paris Junior College supports local adult education needs, providing GED, ESL, and workforce training to over 1,500 adult learners annually.
As of 2023, Lamar County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 58.3%. Major industries include Manufacturing (22%), Health Care and Social Assistance (16%), and Retail Trade (12%). The largest occupational groups are Production (15%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Sales (10%). About 84% of residents drive alone to work, with a mean commute time of 21.2 minutes. Most employment is concentrated in Paris, the county seat, which serves as the region’s economic hub. Unemployment remains around 3.7%, similar to the state average.
Lamar County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $150,000 in 2024. Median monthly rents average $950. The housing market has seen steady appreciation of 5% annually. Residential options include single-family homes, historic houses in Paris, and newer subdivisions in suburbs like Reno. Popular neighborhoods are Pine Mill and Morningside. Property taxes are approximately 2% of assessed value, making taxes for a $150,000 home about $3,000 yearly. The area offers affordable living compared to state averages, attracting both families and retirees.
County Crime & Safety
Lamar County, TX, reports a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 900 total crimes, including 120 violent crimes and 780 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 2.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rate is 16.5 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages crime reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of around 30% for violent offenses. Overall, Lamar County maintains a focus on community safety through ongoing crime prevention initiatives.
Popular names
- William Smith
- Michael Smith
- Robert Smith
- Billy Smith
- David Smith
- James Williams
- John Brown
- Ashley Smith
- Jessica Smith
- Mary Brown
- Mary Jones
- Michael Fox
- Sarah Jones
- James Brown
- James Jones
- James Wright
- Jeremy Moore
- John Allen
- Larry Smith
- Mary Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- David Jones
- David Thomas
- James Martin
- James Mitchell
- James Smith
- Jennifer Wilson
- Margaret Williams
- Michael Brown
- Michael Jones
- Michael Malone
- Michael Merritt
- Michael Moore
- Paul Jackson
- Richard Jackson
- Thomas Jackson
- Toby Yoder
- Brandy Miller
- Brian Williams
- Carol Smith
- Cody Upchurch
- Cody Walters
- Cynthia Brown
- Cynthia Smith
- Dameion Ainsworth
- Daniel Edwards
- David Miller
- David Roberts
- David Taylor
- Donna Miller
- Donna Smith
- Eric Juhlin
- James Davis
- James Miller
- James Taylor
- Jamie Williams
- Jason Smith
- Jerry Williams
- Joe Moore
- John House
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Collingsworth
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Concho
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Cottle