countyscore
48
County Score
Schools 65.8Cost of Living 62.3Disaster Risk 59.7

County Report Card

About Barber County, Kansas

A Balanced National Standing

Barber County sits right at the national median with a composite score of 50.1. This indicates that the county's quality of life is perfectly aligned with the middle of the pack for U.S. counties.

Meeting the Kansas Standard

At 50.1, the county slightly edges out the Kansas state average of 49.5. It offers a stable alternative to more volatile or expensive urban centers in the state.

Affordable Housing and Decent Schools

With a cost score of 72.8 and a median home value of just $92,700, housing is very accessible here. The county also maintains respectable educational standards, evidenced by a school score of 65.8.

Low Income and High Tax Burden

The county struggles with economic indicators, posting a low income score of 32.0 and a tax score of 7.9. An effective tax rate of 1.663% can make it difficult for residents to build wealth quickly.

Best for Value-Seeking Homeowners

Barber County is perfect for those who want to own a home for under $100,000 without sacrificing school quality. It suits residents who can look past high property tax rates in exchange for significantly lower mortgage payments.

20406080100662.356.344.665.839.559.732.750.8Tax6Cost62.3Safety56.3Health44.6Schools65.8Income39.5Risk59.7Water32.7Weather50.848/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Barber County DNA

Foverall

How Barber County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Barber County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (62.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6-46
Cost
62.3+14.299999999999997
Safety
56.3
Health
44.6
Schools
65.8+11.799999999999997
Income
39.5-11.5
Risk
59.7+12.700000000000003
Water
32.7-25.299999999999997
Weather
50.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Barber County?

Many homeowners in Barber County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,926/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Barber County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barber County

via TaxByCounty

Barber taxes run above average

Barber County's effective tax rate of 1.663% exceeds the national median of 1.4%, placing it in the upper quartile for property tax burden nationwide. Despite this higher rate, residents pay only $1,542 annually—43% below the national median of $2,690—due to substantially lower home values typical of rural Kansas.

Among Kansas's highest rates

Barber County ranks in the upper tier of Kansas's 105 counties with an effective rate of 1.663%, well above the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $1,542 falls below the state median of $1,943, reflecting Barber's low median home value of just $92,700.

Higher rate, lower bills than Allen

Barber County's 1.663% rate edges above Allen County's 1.652%, but Barber residents actually pay less annually ($1,542 vs. $1,659) because Barber homes are worth significantly less ($92,700 vs. $100,400). This illustrates how rates and home values both shape your actual tax bill.

Your Barber County tax bill

A homeowner with a $92,700 property in Barber County pays approximately $1,542 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related taxes, the bill rises to about $1,818, or falls to $1,188 without mortgage provisions.

Appeal an unfair assessment

Even in lower-value counties, assessed values can drift above market reality, especially after appraisals lag behind property condition changes. Barber County homeowners should review their assessments against recent comparable sales—successful appeals commonly save 10-15% on annual bills.

Income & Jobs in Barber County

via IncomeByCounty

Barber County income gap widens nationally

Barber County's median household income of $57,615 sits 23% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest-earning counties in the nation. The significant gap reflects the county's agricultural focus and limited urban job centers.

Below Kansas state average

Barber County's median household income of $57,615 falls $6,813 short of the Kansas state average of $64,428. Despite this, the county's per capita income of $34,620 actually exceeds the state average of $34,748, suggesting more equitable income distribution.

Among region's lower earners

Barber County's $57,615 median income matches Allen County ($57,618) and trails Brown County ($58,886) and Bourbon County ($67,555). The western Kansas location places Barber County in a region where agriculture dominates employment and wages.

Rent absorbs more of income

Barber County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is among the highest in this group, indicating housing costs consume more of household earnings here. However, the median home value of $92,700 remains the most affordable in the region, enabling homeownership even at lower income levels.

Start small, build steadily

Barber County households earning $57,615 can begin building wealth by setting aside $576-$864 monthly in savings or investment vehicles. Local financial institutions and agricultural extension services often offer resources tailored to rural residents seeking to grow their financial security.

Safety in Barber County

via CrimeByCounty

Barber County Is exceptionally Secure

Barber County reports a total crime rate of 1,004.6 per 100K, less than half the national average. This exceptionally low crime level earns the county a safety score of 98.4.

A Top Performer for Kansas Safety

With a safety score of 98.4, Barber County outperforms the state average of 98.0. Three agencies coordinate to monitor and maintain this high level of public safety.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Barber County is significantly safer than Barton County, where the crime rate is nearly double at 1,994.0. It offers a much more peaceful environment than the higher-rate counties in the region.

Violent Crime Is Rarely Reported

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 98.0 per 100K residents. Property crime accounts for 906.6 incidents per 100K, though this remains well below national norms.

Preserve Safety Through Basic Vigilance

The low crime rates make this one of the safest counties to live in. Simple measures like neighborhood watch groups and perimeter lighting help maintain this secure atmosphere.

Weather & Climate in Barber County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot, dry, and distinctly southern

Barber County’s 57.9°F average temperature is significantly higher than the national median. With only 27.9 inches of rain, the climate is much drier than the more humid regions to the east.

Leading the state in summer heat

At 57.9°F, Barber County is much warmer than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. It records 79 days of extreme heat annually, nearly double the frequency seen in eastern Kansas counties.

Hotter and drier than central Kansas

Barber County is significantly warmer than Barton County, which averages only 54.3°F. It also sees 79 extreme heat days, far surpassing the 70 days recorded in its neighbor to the north.

Dominant summers and mild winters

Summer defines the year here with a July average of 82.0°F and frequent 90-degree days. Winters are relatively mild for Kansas, with a January average of 34.1°F and modest snowfall of 11.7 inches.

Optimize for extreme summer cooling

Given the 79 days of extreme heat, homeowners should invest in heavy-duty cooling systems and sun protection. Water conservation is also key during the dry months where rainfall averages just 27.9 inches.

Soil Quality in Barber County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mollisols of Barber County

Barber County features a pH of 6.90, which is higher than both the national median and the state average. These soils belong to the Mollisol taxonomic order, known for their deep, dark, and fertile topsoil. This slightly alkaline environment is characteristic of the region's semi-arid prairie history.

Sandy Loam Textures for Fast Drainage

The soil composition is nearly half sand at 48.3%, paired with 33.4% silt and 17.1% clay. This clay loam texture provides a gritty feel and allows for much easier workability compared to the clay-heavy east. It is a well-aerated soil that prevents waterlogging.

Lower Organic Matter Requires Management

At 1.39%, the organic matter in Barber County is significantly lower than the Kansas average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in also trails the state average, meaning moisture evaporates more quickly here. Growers often use mulching or cover crops to help preserve precious soil moisture.

Efficient Drainage and Rapid Runoff

The county is characterized by 'Well drained' soil belonging to Hydrologic Group B. This means the soil has a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet, making it excellent for most building and farming applications. You won't often find standing water lingering on these sandy plains.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 7a

Barber County sits in Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season for heat-loving plants like peppers and okra. The well-drained clay loam is perfect for species that dislike 'wet feet' or stagnant roots. It’s a great environment for a productive, sun-drenched garden.

Lawn Care in Barber County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Turf Conditions in Barber

Barber County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 49.8, slightly below the national average. Situated in Zone 7a, the environment is harsher than the Kansas state average of 59.1, requiring more intentional care. Homeowners here must battle higher heat and lower moisture than their eastern counterparts.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

The county faces 79 extreme heat days per year, which is 21 days more than the state average. Combined with a lower annual precipitation of 27.9 inches, turfgrass here often suffers from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Mowing schedules must be adjusted frequently to account for the rapid 4,649 growing degree days.

Sandy Clay Loam with Rapid Drainage

Soil here is classified as well-drained clay loam with a high sand content of 48.3%. The pH is near neutral at 6.90, which is ideal for nutrient uptake, but the rapid drainage means water disappears quickly. Homeowners will likely need to water more frequently than those in counties with heavier clay soils.

Adapting to Total County Dryness

With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry and 13 weeks of drought last year, water conservation is critical. Residents should transition to drought-tolerant grass varieties or utilize xeriscaping in low-traffic areas. Efficient drip irrigation or soaking hoses can help keep necessary turf alive while minimizing water waste.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Win the Season

Bermuda grass and Buffalograss are the best choices for Zone 7a because they thrive in 90-degree heat. Avoid major lawn projects before the last frost on April 13 or after the first fall frost on October 23. These warm-season grasses will go dormant earlier in the fall but survive the intense Barber County summer best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barber County's county score?
Barber County, Kansas has a composite county score of 48 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Barber County rank among counties in Kansas?
Barber County ranks #64 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Barber County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Barber County is $1,648, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Barber County a tax score of 6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barber County?
The median household income in Barber County, Kansas is $61,926 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barber County earns an income score of 39.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barber County, Kansas a good place to live?
Barber County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Barber County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Barber County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.