2023 Lamar County, Mississippi Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Lamar County, Mississippi, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Lamar County, Mississippi Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
65,081
Median Age
37.5 years
Median Household Income
$69,106
Bachelor's Degree+
33.24%
Uninsured Rate
12.8%
Total Households
25,053
Total Workers
30,263
Citizenship Rate
98.4%
Total Veterans
3,596
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Families in Poverty
1,998
SNAP Recipients
10.07%
Households w/ SNAP
2,522

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Lamar County, Mississippi by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Lamar County, Mississippi is 65,081. The median age of the population in Lamar County, Mississippi is 37.5 years. The median age for males is 36.4 years, and for females it is 38.7 years.

The age distribution of the population in Lamar County, Mississippi by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.97%
5–17 years (children) 18.60%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.11%
25–34 years 14.04%
35–54 years 27.08%
55–64 years 11.51%
65 years and over (seniors) 14.69%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Lamar County, Mississippi

The total dependency ratio in Lamar County, Mississippi is 64.65. The youth dependency ratio is 40.46, and the old-age dependency ratio is 24.19. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Lamar County, Mississippi, including Hattiesburg (39402) (43,756), Hattiesburg (39401) (41,916), and Columbia (39429) (16,583).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Lamar County, Mississippi?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Lamar County, Mississippi
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Lamar County, Mississippi is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Lamar County, Mississippi is calculated at 44.23, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Lamar County, Mississippi by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 71.37%
Black/African American Alone 21.56%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 3.64%
Two or More Races 2.16%
Asian Alone 0.95%
Some Other Race Alone 0.24%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.08%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Lamar County, Mississippi over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $69,106. This figure is based on a total of 25,053 households.

The distribution of household income in Lamar County, Mississippi across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 12.70%
$20,000 to $34,999 10.75%
$35,000 to $49,999 11.38%
$50,000 to $74,999 19.25%
$75,000 to $149,999 28.47%
$150,000 or more 17.45%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Lamar County, Mississippi, explore the data for: Hattiesburg (39402) ($71,254), Purvis (39475) ($66,857), and Sumrall (39482) ($62,701).


Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Lamar County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Lamar County, Mississippi is based on a total of 17,068 properties.

The property value distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 4.70%
$25,000 to $49,999 5.50%
$50,000 to $99,999 8.57%
$100,000 to $199,999 25.11%
$200,000 to $499,999 49.92%
$500,000 to $999,999 5.57%
$1,000,000 or more 0.64%

Educational Attainment in Lamar County, Mississippi (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Lamar County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Lamar County, Mississippi, totaling 43,814 individuals.

91.38% of Lamar County, Mississippi population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 33.24%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 8.62%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 26.86%
Some college or associate's degree 31.28%
Bachelor's Degree 20.17%
Graduate or professional degree 13.07%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Lamar County, Mississippi?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Lamar County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Lamar County, Mississippi shows that 12.8% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 8,192 individuals out of a total population of 64,188 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 29.7% for males and 17.1% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 20.1% of males and 14.0% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Lamar County, Mississippi, uninsured rates for children are 4.8% for males and 6.4% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.0% for males and 0.2% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 4.8% 6.4%
18-34 years 29.7% 17.1%
35-64 years 20.1% 14.0%
65+ years 0.0% 0.2%

Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Lamar County, Mississippi based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Lamar County, Mississippi shows that 98.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 64,062 individuals out of a total population of 65,081 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 96.4% were born in the United States, 0.5% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 0.8% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (506 individuals), while 1.6% are non-citizens (1,019 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 96.4%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.5%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.8%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 0.8%
Not a U.S. citizen 1.6%
Total U.S. Citizens 98.4%

Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Lamar County, Mississippi show that 89.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 26,931 workers out of a total workforce of 30,030 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (60 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (0.8%) and bicycling (0.0%).

5.1% of workers in Lamar County, Mississippi report working from home. An additional 4.2% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 89.7% 26,931
Public transportation 0.2% 60
Bicycle 0.0% 0
Walked 0.8% 242
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 4.2% 1,260
Worked from home 5.1% 1,537
Total Workers - 30,030

Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Lamar County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Lamar County, Mississippi totals 30,263 workers. Of these, 15,273 (50.5%) are male and 14,990 (49.5%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Lamar County, Mississippi is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 11,423 (37.7%) 9,582 (31.7%)
Private Non-Profit 378 (1.2%) 769 (2.5%)
Government (All Levels) 2,310 (7.6%) 3,705 (12.2%)
  • Local Government 735 1,631
  • State Government 1,163 1,790
  • Federal Government 412 284
Self-Employed 1,147 (3.8%) 737 (2.4%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Lamar County, Mississippi.


Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Lamar County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 3,596 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Lamar County, Mississippi.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,004 veterans (27.9% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 624 veterans (17.4%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Lamar County, Mississippi is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,004 27.9%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 624 17.4%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 576 16.0%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 561 15.6%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 324 9.0%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 206 5.7%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 178 4.9%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 75 2.1%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 37 1.0%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 9 0.3%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 2 0.1%
Total Veterans 3,596 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Lamar County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 18,012 families in Lamar County, Mississippi.

Of these families, 1,998 (11.1%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 5,486 families (30.5%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 10,528 families (58.4%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Lamar County, Mississippi is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,051 5.8%
50-74% of Poverty 337 1.9%
75-99% of Poverty 610 3.4%
100-124% of Poverty 598 3.3%
125-149% of Poverty 588 3.3%
150-174% of Poverty 990 5.5%
175-184% of Poverty 378 2.1%
185-199% of Poverty 509 2.8%
200-299% of Poverty 2,423 13.5%
300-399% of Poverty 2,817 15.6%
400-499% of Poverty 1,772 9.8%
500%+ of Poverty 5,939 33.0%
Total Families 18,012 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Lamar County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Lamar County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 25,053 total households in Lamar County, Mississippi. Of these, 2,522 households (10.07%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 1,725 (68.40%) have children under 18 years, while 797 (31.60%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Lamar County, Mississippi, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 537 (21.29%) 58 (2.30%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 160 (6.34%) 14 (0.56%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,006 (39.89%) 86 (3.41%)
Nonfamily Households 22 (0.87%) 639 (25.34%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Lamar County, Mississippi. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Lamar County, Mississippi is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.97%
5–17 years (children)18.60%
18–24 years (young adults)8.11%
25–34 years14.04%
35–54 years27.08%
55–64 years11.51%
65 years and over (seniors)14.69%

The racial and ethnic composition of Lamar County, Mississippi is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 71.37%, Black/African American Alone: 21.56%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 3.64%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Lamar County, Mississippi is $69,106. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Lamar County, Mississippi is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 12.70%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 10.75%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 11.38%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 19.25%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 28.47%, High Income ($150,000+): 17.45%.

Approximately 33.73% of households in Lamar County, Mississippi earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Lamar County, Mississippi is: Less than $25,000: 4.70%, $25,000-$49,999: 5.50%, $50,000-$99,999: 8.57%, $100,000-$199,999: 25.11%, $200,000-$499,999: 49.92%, $500,000-$999,999: 5.57%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.64%.

There are 17,068 owner-occupied housing units in Lamar County, Mississippi. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 6.21% of owner-occupied housing units in Lamar County, Mississippi are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 33.24% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Lamar County, Mississippi (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 8.62%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 26.86%, Some college or associate's degree: 31.28%, Bachelor's degree: 20.17%, Graduate or professional degree: 13.07%.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 91.38% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 12.8% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 8,192 individuals out of a total population of 64,188 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Lamar County, Mississippi. For young adults (18-34 years), 29.7% of males and 17.1% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 20.1% of males and 14.0% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Lamar County, Mississippi have uninsured rates of 4.8% for males and 6.4% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 0.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 98.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 65,081 people, 64,062 are U.S. citizens.

Lamar County, Mississippi has 506 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 0.8% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Lamar County, Mississippi is: 96.4% were born in the United States, 0.5% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s), 0.8% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 1.6% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 89.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 30,030 total workers, 26,931 use personal vehicles for their commute.

60 workers in Lamar County, Mississippi use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.2% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Lamar County, Mississippi include: 5.1% work from home, 0.8% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 4.2% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Lamar County, Mississippi. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Lamar County, Mississippi has 30,263 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 37.7% of male workers and 31.7% of female workers in this category.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, there are 2,310 male government workers and 3,705 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 7.6% of male workers and 12.2% of female workers.

Self-employment in Lamar County, Mississippi includes 1,147 males (3.8%) and 737 females (2.4%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 2,522 households (10.07% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 25,053 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Lamar County, Mississippi, 1,725 (68.40%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Lamar County, Mississippi include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,006 (39.89%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 537 (21.29%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Lamar County, Mississippi, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,596 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Lamar County, Mississippi. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Lamar County, Mississippi is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,004 veterans (27.9% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 624 veterans (17.4%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Lamar County, Mississippi provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 64.0% of all veterans in Lamar County, Mississippi. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 2,300 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 1,998 families (11.1% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 18,012 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Lamar County, Mississippi, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Lamar County, Mississippi has 5,486 families (30.5%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 2,176 families (12.1%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Lamar County, Mississippi, 1,051 families (5.8%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 10,528 families (58.4%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.