countyscore
50.1
County Score
Cost of Living 72.8Schools 65.8Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax7.9Cost72.8Safety56.3Health44.6Schools65.8Income32Risk59.7Water32.7Weather50.8
🏛7.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Barber County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barber County

via CostByCounty

Barber County rents rise above comfort zone

Barber County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability threshold by a full percentage point, straining budgets despite modest rents. Households earning $57,615 devote $743 monthly to rent—a higher burden than the national average given lower local incomes.

Least affordable county examined

At 15.5%, Barber County's rent-to-income ratio tops the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 0.8 percentage points, signaling tighter housing affordability. The county's median rent of $743 runs slightly below state norms, yet paired with lower incomes, creates outsized housing pressure.

Barber rents lower but affordability squeezed

Barber's $743 rent undercuts Barton County's $742 by just $1 but strains budgets more severely due to slightly lower median income of $57,615. Both counties show elevated rent-to-income ratios (15.5% and 15.7%) compared to state averages, marking this region as more cost-burdened.

Barber County stretches to afford housing

Households earning $57,615 spend $743 monthly on rent (15.5% of income) or $700 on mortgages—the latter representing strong homeownership affordability. Median home values of $92,700 offer genuine bargains for buyers, though renters face above-average proportional costs.

Barber County favors homebuyers over renters

If you're relocating to Barber County, purchasing a home ($92,700 median) makes stronger financial sense than renting, given the county's rental affordability squeeze. Compare Barber's buyer-friendly prices against nearby Barton or less-strained counties before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Barber County

via HealthByCounty

Barber County health lags behind

Barber County residents live to just 74.2 years—nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 17.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces persistent challenges in longevity and daily wellness.

Below Kansas state benchmark

At 74.2 years, Barber County trails Kansas's average life expectancy of 75.4 years, ranking among the state's lowest-performing counties. This gap signals concentrated health risks requiring targeted intervention.

Among the lowest in region

Barber County's 74.2-year life expectancy ranks it below most adjacent counties, matching Allen at 74.5 but trailing Anderson (76.6) and Atchison (75.9). Provider scarcity is acute here: just 49 primary care and 49 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest mental health ratio in this group.

Thin provider network, moderate coverage

Barber County's 12.2% uninsured rate sits slightly above the state average, while provider density at 49 primary care and 49 mental health per 100K ranks among the state's lowest. Residents often travel far for specialty care, compounding treatment barriers in this rural county.

Ensure you're covered

With 12.2% uninsured and limited local providers, Barber County residents should prioritize coverage enrollment to avoid emergency-only care spirals. Kansas health programs and telehealth options can bridge access gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Barber County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Barber County

Barber County manages 694 students through a compact system of four public schools and two districts. The county maintains two elementary schools and two high schools, ensuring students stay in their local communities throughout their education. This small footprint reflects the county's focused approach to public instruction.

High Investment Yields Strong Results

Barber County invests $9,261 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $9,009. This investment pays off with a 90.0% graduation rate and a school score of 58.4, both of which beat national averages. Students here benefit from funding levels that are rare in many rural Kansas counties.

Focusing on North and South Barber Districts

Barber County North is the larger district with 478 students, while South Barber serves 216 students. Both districts operate without competition from charter schools, maintaining a 100% traditional public school enrollment. These districts serve as the cultural and social anchors for their respective parts of the county.

Purely Rural, Small-Scale Classrooms

All four schools in the county are situated in rural locales, providing a quiet learning environment. Medicine Lodge Grade School is the largest campus with 260 students, while South Barber's high school serves just 88 students. The average school size of 174 ensures that no student is just a number in the system.

Experience Personalized Rural Education

Barber County is a hidden gem for families seeking a safe, rural environment with well-funded schools. The small student-to-teacher ratios in Medicine Lodge and South Barber are major selling points for homebuyers. Invest in a community where every child receives the attention they deserve.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barber County

via RiskByCounty

Barber County's elevated wildfire risk

Barber County scores 40.33 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it near the national average despite Kansas's lower overall risk profile. The county's composite score masks a dramatic wildfire risk of 92.27, one of the highest in Kansas and a true concern for residents. This concentration of wildfire hazard distinguishes Barber County from its peer counties.

Wildfire hotspot in western Kansas

Barber County's composite risk of 40.33 exceeds the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its wildfire risk score of 92.27 ranks among the state's most extreme hazard concentrations, reflecting the county's geography and vegetation patterns in the Kansas panhandle. Tornado risk of 43.38 adds secondary but meaningful exposure.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Barber County (40.33) faces substantially higher composite risk than Allen County (15.27) and Anderson County (17.81) to the east. However, it's safer overall than Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40) despite sharing the wildfire exposure pattern. The western Kansas cluster shows dramatically escalating risk profiles moving south and west.

Wildfire is the defining threat

Barber County's wildfire risk score of 92.27 is extraordinarily high and demands serious preparation and awareness, especially during dry seasons. Tornado risk of 43.38 presents a secondary but still significant hazard requiring spring storm readiness. Together, these two hazards define the county's disaster risk landscape for most residents.

Wildfire defense is essential

Barber County residents should create defensible space around their homes by removing dead vegetation, trimming tree branches, and using fire-resistant materials where possible. Develop an evacuation plan including multiple routes out of your area, and maintain emergency supplies including important documents and medications. Review your homeowners insurance for wildfire coverage details and ensure your property address is clearly marked for emergency responders.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barber County's county score?
Barber County, Kansas has a composite county score of 50.1 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 #56 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 $1,542, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Barber County a tax score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barber County?
The median household income in Barber County, Kansas is $57,615 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barber County earns an income score of 32/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barber County, Kansas a good place to live?
Barber County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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