Barton County is at the center of America's Heartland where the Ozark Mountains meet the majestic golden prairie, you'll find an exciting environment for growth-minded businesses, all the comforts of home for growing families, and a rich experience of tourism attractions and special events.
Education is strong in Barton County with three top ranked school systems across the county and two State Universities, one Junior College, and two technical schools within driving distance. Shopping includes major retailers and small local retailers. Recreational facilities across the county include various parks, an aquatic park, and various nature hiking trails on the Prairie State Park reserve. There are regular community events across the County including the State of Missouri’s largest Free Fair every August held on the town square of the County Seat.
Barton County is close enough to urban benefits to stay connected, but just far enough away for small town safety, hospitality, and charm. Barton County’s crime rate index is only 140.6 compared to the national average of 446.1. Other quality of life measures for Barton County (based on an index of (100 = best) include:
- The Air Quality of Barton County is 69 verses national average of 33 (based on 100 = best)
- The Water Quality of Barton County is 62 verses national average of 49 (based on 100 = best)
- The Pollution Index is 98, verses national average of 53 (based on 100 = best).
- Barton County Student to Teacher ratio is 14.4, versus the national average of 17.7
- Better roads and smooth traffic results in an Average Commute Time for Lamar (County Seat) workers of 11.1 minutes, verses the national average of 19.1 minutes
Cost of Living: New home construction is 28.4% less expensive in Lamar/Barton County, compared to the national average. The property tax for Lamar/Barton County is only two-thirds of the national average.
Barton County Numbers:
| 1990 Census | 2000 Census | Spring 2010 Estimate | |
| Total Population | 11312 | 12541 | 12261 |
| Total Households | 4524 | 4895 | 5060 |
| 1990 Census | 2000 Census | Spring 2010 Estimate | |
| Average Income | $25,476 | $35,248 | $44,149 |
| Median Income | $19,963 | $29,324 | $38,031 |
| Per Capita Income | $10,283 | $13,758 | $18,445 |
| January | July | |
| Temperature | 31.5 Fahrenheit | 79.5 Fahrenheit |
| Precipitation | 1.94 in | 5.49 in |
Area Attractions:
- Prairie State Park - Experience a walk through prairie grasses that tower above your head with a chance to view bison and elk. Tallgrass prairie once covered more than a third of Missouri’s landscape. Today less than 1 percent remains. Prairie State Park, at nearly 4,000 acres, preserves Missouri’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie.
- Harry S Truman Birthplace - The Truman birthplace, which the family occupied until Harry was 11 months old, was built between 1880 and 1882. The Trumans purchased the 20- by 28-foot house as newlyweds in 1882 for $685. Visitors today can view its four downstairs rooms and two upstairs rooms, as well as the smokehouse, well and outhouse located in the back. The modest furnishings inside the house and the surrounding landscaping accurately represent a typical home of its style during the time the Trumans resided in Lamar. It has neither electricity nor indoor plumbing.
- Wyatt Earp - Wyatt Earp's first job was as the city's local constable in the 1870's. His first wife is buried in Howell Cemetery, just 6 miles north of Lamar.
- Lamar Aquatic Park - The Leisure Pool features 5600 square feet of zero grade entry, a 150-foot spiral slide, frog slide, floating alligator, floating raft, lily pads, sky shooter, raindrop toadstools, a large umbrella for adults and their little ones. Lounge chairs surround the deck. The Competition, or lap pool features 3200 square feet, six 25 meter lap lanes, water volleyball, water basketball and water polo. The Natatorium, or indoor facility, features 3500 square feet with two 25 meter lap lanes, water aerobics and water therapy classes. Other features are a large bathhouse, which includes a concession area, showers and lockers.
- Lamar Free Fair - Since 1944, bring the whole family for a great time at the fair. Enjoy the exhibits, the rides and games and all of the entertainment. Then you will be ready for all of the corn dogs, funnel cakes, popcorn, pizza, ice cream and other great food.
Served
The Barton County Community Development Corporation is dedicated to economic development in all of Barton County including Lamar, Golden City and Liberal. We also promote Missouri economic development efforts state wide.