District 5
RANK #351 / 996 NAT · #11 / 15 MS · POP 64,425
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +27%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, Lamar County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $67,972 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MS.
Housing in Lamar County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $209,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,034/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lamar County's population is growing — up +1.3% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.3%). Home values shifted +4.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 6.71% of Lamar County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.