countyscore
46
County Score
Property Tax 95.2Cost of Living 86Water Quality 54.1

County Report Card

About Barbour County, Alabama

Well below national livability standard

Barbour County scores 46.0, falling 4 points below the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the lower third nationally. Its income score of just 6.4 reflects one of the most economically disadvantaged populations in the country.

Struggles even by Alabama standards

Barbour ranks below Alabama's state average of 52.9, struggling across multiple dimensions of livability. It represents one of the state's most economically challenged counties.

Affordability and low taxes are bright spots

Housing is exceptionally affordable with median home values of just $109,900 and rents at $644/month—the lowest in this group. Tax burden is reasonable at 95.2, offering financial breathing room on property taxes.

Income, health, and schools severely lagging

Median household income of $44,290 is 34% below the state norm, health outcomes score just 20.0, and schools are among Alabama's weakest at 12.9. Safety (23.0) and water quality (54.1) also present concerns.

Only for those with minimal economic needs

Barbour suits retirees living entirely on fixed income with no dependents, or those with deep community ties. Young families and job-seekers should pursue counties with stronger economic fundamentals.

Score breakdown

Tax95.2Cost86Safety23Health20Schools12.9Income6.4Risk51.9Water54.1Weather33.4
🏛95.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.5
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Barbour County

Whether buying or refinancing in Barbour County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Barbour County with Lake County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
Florida
Median income: $69,956
46
Franklin County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,470
46
Oceana County
Michigan
Median income: $63,624
46
Madison County
Missouri
Median income: $58,435
46
Monmouth County
New Jersey
Median income: $122,727
46
Warren County
New York
Median income: $78,239
46
Chilton County
Alabama
Median income: $61,873
45.9
Dale County
Alabama
Median income: $53,955
45.9

Nearby counties

Quitman County
Georgia
60
Henry County
Alabama
55.9
Clay County
Georgia
56
Bullock County
Alabama
52.6
Stewart County
Georgia
58.6
Russell County
Alabama
55
Pike County
Alabama
47.3
Dale County
Alabama
45.9

Deep Dives

Barbour County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barbour County

via TaxByCounty

Barbour's rate is high, but burden remains modest

Barbour County has Alabama's second-highest effective tax rate at 0.378%, yet homeowners still pay just $415 annually—a fraction of the national median of $2,690. The discrepancy reflects Barbour's low median home values of $109,900, placing it near the bottom nationally for property values.

Second-highest tax rate in Alabama

At 0.378%, Barbour County ranks second among Alabama's 67 counties for property tax rate, exceeding the state average of 0.339% by nearly 1 percentage point. This elevated rate, combined with modest home values, produces a median tax of $415—below the state median of $511.

Higher rates in rural southeast Alabama

Barbour's 0.378% rate is notably higher than neighboring Houston County but reflects typical tax pressures in rural southeastern Alabama. The county's $109,900 median home value is among the region's lowest, meaning the higher rate burden falls on less valuable properties.

Budget around $415 on a typical Barbour home

A homeowner with a $109,900 property in Barbour County pays approximately $415 annually in property taxes. Mortgage-paying residents may see $585 annually in escrow, while those owning free-and-clear typically pay roughly $289.

Challenge your assessment in a declining market

Barbour's rural economy means property values have shifted significantly; if your home was last assessed years ago, it may be overvalued today. An appeal based on recent comparable sales could help bring your assessment—and tax bill—down to market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barbour County

via CostByCounty

Barbour offers nationally low housing costs

Renters in Barbour County spend just 17.4% of their income on housing, beating the national average of 18% and the state average of 18%. However, the county's median household income of $44,290 falls far below the national median of $74,755, indicating rural economic challenges alongside affordable housing.

Alabama's most affordable county

Barbour County ranks as the state's most affordable housing market, with the lowest median rents and home values across Alabama. The county's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this group, making it ideal for cost-conscious households.

Cheapest rents and homes in the region

Barbour's median rent of $644 is the lowest among all eight counties, undercutting even rural Bibb ($802) and Bullock ($635) counties. Its median home value of $109,900 makes homeownership accessible, though the county's low incomes mean housing savings don't always offset wage disadvantages.

Rock-bottom costs, limited income opportunities

Renters pay just $644 monthly and homeowners $632, costs that consume less than 20% of the county's $44,290 median income. While housing affordability shines, the underlying income challenge means residents stretch thin on other essentials despite low rent burdens.

Ideal for remote workers with fixed income

Barbour County's $644 median rent and affordable home values make it perfect for remote workers or retirees with income independent of local job markets. If you can earn elsewhere, Barbour's housing costs offer substantial savings; however, job-seekers should explore other Alabama counties first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barbour County

via IncomeByCounty

Barbour lags significantly behind national average

Barbour County's median household income of $44,290 trails the national median of $74,755 by $30,465—a 41% gap that places it among lower-income counties nationwide. This substantial shortfall reflects structural economic challenges and limited job opportunities in the region.

Below state average, among Alabama's poorest

At $44,290, Barbour's median household income falls 18% below Alabama's already-modest state average of $54,196. The county ranks among Alabama's most economically stressed regions, competing with other rural counties for limited employment and economic development resources.

Shared struggles with rural Alabama counties

Barbour's $44,290 income mirrors challenges faced by Bullock County ($36,723) and Butler County ($44,881), forming a cluster of economically stressed rural counties. Unlike the wealthier coastal and suburban regions, Barbour lacks the diversified job base necessary to support higher household earnings.

Rents affordable, but wages remain strained

Barbour's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% remains reasonable, and median home values of just $109,900 make homeownership theoretically accessible. However, the underlying income challenge means many households live paycheck-to-paycheck despite lower housing costs, limiting discretionary spending and emergency savings.

Prioritize emergency savings before investing

For Barbour households earning $44,290 annually, wealth-building begins with financial stability—establish a three-month emergency fund before pursuing investment accounts. Low-cost community development resources, microfinance programs, and employer 401(k) matching (if available) offer starting points for building assets despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barbour County

via CrimeByCounty

Barbour County Beats National Averages

Barbour County reports a total crime rate of 1965.7 per 100K, keeping it below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance results in a solid safety score of 96.9 for the region.

Competing Closely With State Averages

The county's safety score of 96.9 sits just below the Alabama state average of 97.3. While total crime is higher than the state average of 1731.0, the violent crime rate of 321.6 remains comparable to the state's 312.6.

Comparing Rates to Bullock and Butler

Barbour’s crime rate of 1965.7 is higher than Bullock’s 1365.2 but remains much lower than Butler County’s 2866.0. These figures place Barbour in the middle of the pack for its immediate region.

Property Concerns Outweigh Violent Crimes

The local property crime rate of 1644.1 is roughly five times the violent crime rate of 321.6. Although violent crime is lower than the national average, residents should remain aware of property-related risks.

Enhance Your Residential Security

Investing in a home security system can provide critical protection against property crimes. Simple upgrades like reinforced door frames and window sensors add a significant layer of defense for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Barbour County

via HealthByCounty

Barbour faces significant health challenges

At 72.7 years, Barbour's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 73.4 years, and 28.4% of adults report poor or fair health—far above national norms. These gaps signal underlying barriers to care, chronic disease burden, or socioeconomic factors that affect daily wellness across the county.

Among Alabama's lowest-performing health counties

Barbour's 72.7-year life expectancy sits slightly above Alabama's 72.1 state average, but the 28.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state. With 12.1% uninsured—above the state's 11.1% average—a significant share of residents lack stable healthcare coverage.

Struggling compared to surrounding rural counties

Barbour's 72.7-year life expectancy falls behind counties like Talbot and Russell nearby, and the 28.4% poor/fair health rate is concerning. With just 40 primary care providers and 29 mental health providers per 100K, residents face real gaps in accessing preventive and behavioral health services.

Insurance gaps compound limited provider access

Barbour's 12.1% uninsured rate means roughly 2,400 residents lack health coverage, facing barriers to routine care and emergency services. With only 40 primary care and 29 mental health providers per 100K, residents often must travel significant distances for specialist consultation or mental health support.

Take action: Get covered and stay healthy

In Barbour County, 12.1% of residents lack insurance—leaving families exposed to medical debt and delayed care that compounds health problems. Contact the Alabama Medicaid office or visit Healthcare.gov to enroll in coverage; many plans are free or low-cost for eligible families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Barbour County

via SchoolsByCounty

Virtual and Physical Learning Hubs

Barbour County features nine public schools serving a total of 7,004 students across two districts. The infrastructure is unique, combining four elementary and three high schools with a significant virtual presence. This mix allows the county to provide education to a broad range of students both in-person and online.

Educational Challenges and Lean Funding

Barbour County reports an 85.3% graduation rate, which is below both state and national averages. The per-pupil expenditure is notably lean at $3,173, representing less than half of the Alabama state average. These funding levels correlate with a school composite score of 42.8, trailing the national median of 50.0.

Eufaula City Leads in Enrollment

Eufaula City is the county's primary district, educating 6,289 students across six schools. This includes the massive Alabama Virtual Academy, which serves 3,901 students and makes up a significant portion of the county's total enrollment. The Barbour County district remains smaller, serving 715 students across three schools.

Rural Roots and Digital Classrooms

Seven of the county’s schools are located in rural settings, while two serve the town of Eufaula. The Alabama Virtual Academy at Eufaula is the largest entity by far, though physical schools like Eufaula High serve a more traditional 717 students. This creates a dual feel of quiet, rural education and large-scale digital learning.

Settling in Historic Barbour County

Families looking for a blend of traditional town life and flexible learning options often consider the Eufaula area. The presence of a major virtual academy provides unique educational flexibility for residents. Explore homes in the region to find a community that fits your family's educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barbour County

via RiskByCounty

Barbour at lower-than-average risk nationally

Barbour County's composite risk score of 48.12 ranks it as Relatively Low compared to national averages. The county avoids extreme exposure to most major hazards, though tornado and hurricane risks remain noteworthy.

Among Alabama's safest counties

Barbour's 48.12 score sits notably below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. This central-eastern location keeps it beyond the coast's hurricane reach and away from Alabama's most seismically active zones.

Barbour safer than most nearby counties

Barbour (48.12) has lower risk than neighboring Blount County (68.48) and Autauga County (57.57), though it faces similar tornado exposure. Its relative safety makes it an attractive comparison point within the region's mid-risk landscape.

Tornadoes and hurricanes are primary concerns

Tornado risk of 78.63 and hurricane risk of 79.97 represent Barbour's highest hazard exposures, reflecting the county's inland position within Alabama's storm-prone corridor. Flood risk of 50.76 remains moderate and manageable with proper planning.

Prioritize storm and wind protection

Barbour residents should ensure their homeowners insurance includes wind and hail coverage for tornado events, and consider a safe room or basement shelter. Flood insurance is advisable for properties in or near mapped floodplains, though risk is lower than coastal areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barbour County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic deep south heat

Barbour's 66.2°F average temperature reflects a hot, humid climate that is much warmer than the typical U.S. county. It remains firmly in the subtropical climate category.

Surpassing the state heat average

This county is a consistent heat leader in Alabama, exceeding the state average of 63.2°F by 3 degrees. It experiences some of the most intense summer conditions in the region.

Extreme heat outpaces neighbors

With 90 days of extreme heat, Barbour is significantly hotter than neighboring Bullock, which only sees 54 such days. This creates a much more demanding environment for cooling systems.

Ninety days of extreme summer heat

Summers sizzle with a July average of 82.2°F and a staggering 90 days above 90°F. Snow is rare, occurring at an average of only 0.5 inches per year.

Strategies for a long cooling season

Homeowners should prepare for prolonged cooling seasons and ensure irrigation is ready for the 54.3 inches of annual rain. High-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity rather than a luxury here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barbour County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Southeast Acidic Soils

Barbour’s soils follow the state trend with an average pH near 5.21, which is notably more acidic than the national 6.5 average. These conditions require careful management for pH-sensitive crops like legumes.

A Mosaic of Soil Textures

Specific sand, silt, and clay data for Barbour is not currently available in the central database. Farmers in this region often navigate a transition from sandy coastal plains to heavier inland loams.

Focusing on Organic Enrichment

With a state average organic matter of 1.74%, Barbour gardeners should focus on building soil health to beat the 2.0% national average. Higher organic levels will improve the state's typical water capacity of 0.138 in/in.

Managing Runoff in Barbour

Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the region's rolling topography necessitates erosion control measures. Understanding your specific hydrologic group is the first step in successful land management.

Diverse Harvests in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b supports a wide range of crops from peanuts to watermelons. The long, hot summers provide the thermal units necessary for bountiful harvests in this historic agricultural hub.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barbour County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Barbour County

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.5, Barbour County is tougher to manage than the state average of 29.5. The Zone 8b climate requires a focus on heat endurance and consistent irrigation. You will find that maintaining a lush lawn here requires more effort than the national median.

Enduring Extreme Summer Heat

Barbour County endures 90 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 64 days. While the 54.3 inches of rain falls within a healthy range, the high temperatures quickly evaporate soil moisture. Your mowing schedule must remain flexible to avoid stressing grass during peak heat weeks.

Building a Better Soil Base

Localized soil data is missing for Barbour County, but testing is essential for a healthy lawn. High heat days can impact soil microbial activity, so adding organic matter is often beneficial. Check your local pH levels to ensure they stay within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Severe Drought Hits Barbour County

Currently, 100% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions (D2+). Over the past year, the county spent 26 weeks in drought, making water conservation a top priority. Use mulching mowers to return clippings to the lawn, which helps retain precious moisture.

Best Grasses for High Heat

Bermuda grass is an ideal choice for Barbour County due to its excellent heat and drought tolerance. Plan to seed after the last frost on March 13 to give your lawn plenty of time to establish. Early spring planting ensures the root system is ready for the intense 90-degree days ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barbour County's county score?
Barbour County, Alabama has a composite county score of 46 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 Barbour County rank among counties in Alabama?
Barbour County ranks #55 among all counties in Alabama 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 Barbour County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Barbour County is $415, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Barbour County a tax score of 95.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barbour County?
The median household income in Barbour County, Alabama is $44,290 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barbour County earns an income score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barbour County, Alabama a good place to live?
Barbour County scores 46/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Barbour 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 Barbour 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.