Lamar County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas, in the Northeast Texas region. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,088. Its county seat is Paris. The county was formed by the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 17, 1840, and organized the next year. It is named for Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas. Lamar County comprises the Paris, TX micropolitan statistical area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 933 sqmi, of which 907 sqmi are land and 26 sqmi (2.8%) are covered by water.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Communities

Cities

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, 48,499 people, 19,077 households, and 13,468 families resided in the county. At the tabulation of the 2020 United States census, its population increased to 50,088. Among the population, its racial and ethnic makeup was 70.58% non-Hispanic white, 12.73% Black or African American, 1.50% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.95% Asian alone, 0.05% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0.24% some other race alone, 5.14% multiracial, and 8.81% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. In 2000, the racial makeup of the county was 82.46% White, 13.47% African American, 1.08% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 1.19% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. About 3.33% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race; from 2000 to 2020, the majority if its population remained predominantly non-Hispanic white against nationwide demographic trends of increased diversification.

Education

These school districts serve Lamar County: Until it closed in 2019, Roxton ISD included a part of the county. Roxton ISD consolidated into Chisum ISD after the 2018–19 school year. In addition, Paris Junior College serves the county, as per the Texas Education Code.

Politics

The majority-white population supported the Democratic Party well into the late 20th century, when it was nearly a one-party state, but in the early 21st century, most have shifted to the Republican Party. Lamar County is now represented in the Texas House of Representatives by Gary VanDeaver of New Boston.