countyscore
53.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 61Property Tax 60.2

County Report Card

About Barren County, Kentucky

Competitive National Score

Barren County earns a composite score of 53.3, slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that remains competitive on a national scale.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 53.3 score falls short of the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While livable, it trails several of its neighboring high-performing counties.

Clean Water and Affordability

A top-tier Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 61.0 define the county's strengths. Median gross rents of $784 make it an accessible place to live.

Income and Environmental Risk

The Income Score of 12.8 reflects a median household income of $49,171. A low Risk Score of 32.1 also indicates a higher vulnerability to natural hazards compared to other regions.

A Value-Driven Community

Barren County is a good fit for residents seeking high-quality water and manageable living costs. It provides a traditional Kentucky lifestyle with great everyday value.

Score breakdown

Tax60.2Cost61Safety52.9Health41.8Schools59.4Income12.8Risk32.1Water86Weather59.8
🏛60.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.2
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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Nearby counties

Metcalfe County
Kentucky
64
Allen County
Kentucky
64.3
Edmonson County
Kentucky
65.5
Hart County
Kentucky
63.6
Monroe County
Kentucky
66.2
Warren County
Kentucky
41.8
Green County
Kentucky
68.3
Macon County
Tennessee
50.3

Deep Dives

Barren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Barren County

via TaxByCounty

Barren taxes moderate vs. nation

Barren County's 0.726% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.85%, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. The median annual property tax of $1,212 represents roughly 45% of the national median of $2,690, owing to lower home valuations.

Slightly above Kentucky average

Barren County's 0.726% effective rate marginally exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, positioning it in the moderate-to-upper range statewide. The median property tax of $1,212 tops the state median of $1,093 by just 11%.

Mid-range taxes for south-central region

Barren County's 0.726% rate falls between Allen County's lower 0.551% and Adair County's 0.684%, making it one of the pricier south-central jurisdictions. Warren County neighbors experience similar tax pressures.

What $166,900 home costs annually

A median Barren County home appraised at $166,900 carries roughly $1,212 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically face combined annual tax and insurance costs near $1,359.

Appeal if you're overvalued

Barren County homeowners should verify their assessment accuracy during the county's revaluation cycle, as small overassessments compound significantly over years. A successful appeal often returns $200–$400 annually to homeowners' pockets.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barren County

via CostByCounty

Barren faces Kentucky's affordability challenge

Barren County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is among Kentucky's highest, reflecting incomes of just $49,171 against rents that stretch household budgets significantly. This ratio exceeds the national comfort zone of 15-17%, signaling genuine housing stress for renters.

Strain evident in statewide rankings

Barren's 19.1% ratio ranks it among the state's least affordable counties, nearly 2 percentage points above Kentucky's 17.0% state average. Only a handful of Kentucky counties struggle more with housing affordability than Barren.

Higher rents, lower incomes

Barren's $784 median rent approaches Ballard's ($826) but homes are priced lower at $166,900 versus Ballard's $132,900, reflecting mixed market signals. Owner costs of $798 monthly compete with Ballard at $784, while incomes lag behind both neighbors.

Housing dominates the Barren budget

At $49,171 median income, renters paying $784 monthly dedicate 19.1% of earnings to rent alone, while homeowners allocate $798 or roughly 19.5% to mortgages. This leaves limited margin for healthcare, education, and emergencies in Barren households.

Barren requires income flexibility

Only relocate to Barren if your income significantly exceeds the county median or you can secure stable dual-income employment. Compare affordability with neighboring Adair and Allen before committing to a move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barren County

via IncomeByCounty

Barren County Income: 34% Below National

Barren County's median household income of $49,171 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $25,000, placing it among the nation's lower-income counties. This substantial gap reflects Barren's reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and rural service economy with limited high-wage employment.

Among Kentucky's Lower-Income Counties

At $49,171, Barren County ranks below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $6,700, positioning it in the lower third of the state's income distribution. Per capita income of $28,422 also falls slightly below the state average of $29,616.

Similar Challenges to Other Rural Counties

Barren County's income nearly matches Adair County ($50,316) and only marginally exceeds Bell County ($32,403), reflecting consistent economic strain across rural south-central Kentucky. The county significantly lags Anderson ($71,747) and Boone ($94,752).

Housing Costs Strain Household Budgets

Barren County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% approaches the affordability threshold, meaning residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing. While median home values of $166,900 remain somewhat affordable, income constraints limit wealth-building opportunities for many families.

Maximize Available Resources for Growth

Barren County residents should prioritize building an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing; explore all employer retirement benefits and government assistance programs. A financial advisor can help identify low-cost savings strategies and debt reduction plans tailored to modest-income households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barren County

via CrimeByCounty

Barren County Safety Scores Above Average

Barren County carries a safety score of 98.3, keeping it well within the safer half of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,062.6 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Barren to the Commonwealth

The county's crime rate of 1,062.6 per 100,000 residents is higher than the Kentucky average of 786.2. Consequently, its safety score of 98.3 is slightly below the state average of 98.8.

Activity Levels in South Central Kentucky

With four reporting agencies, Barren County provides a comprehensive look at local safety. While crime is higher than in some neighboring rural counties, it remains far below national levels.

The Property Crime Landscape

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics at 970.5 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is 92.1, which is slightly above the state average of 78.1.

Stay Alert and Secure

With property crime as the main concern, home security cameras can be a highly effective deterrent. Always secure your vehicles and home entrances to minimize the risk of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Barren County

via HealthByCounty

Barren life expectancy trails nation

Barren County residents live to 73.7 years, about 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.2 years. About 22.3% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 21%.

Above-average health status statewide

Barren's 73.7-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 1.5 years, ranking it in the upper half of state counties. The 22.3% poor/fair health rate is near the state average.

Excellent primary care access

Barren stands out with 70 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly more than most neighbors, including Adair (26) and Anderson (29). Mental health coverage is also strong at 244 providers per 100,000.

Uninsured rate slightly elevated

About 7.7% of Barren residents lack health insurance, the highest rate among these eight counties and 0.7 percentage points above Kentucky's 7.0% average. Despite strong provider supply, coverage gaps limit access for some residents.

Bridge Barren's coverage gap

The 7.7% of uninsured Barren residents have a clear path to coverage at kynect.ky.gov—the county's ample providers mean insurance translates directly to care. Medicaid expansion has made coverage affordable for most working families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Barren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Educational Landscape in Barren County

Barren County features a robust network of 20 public schools serving 8,024 students across three different districts. The county boasts a wide range of facilities, including 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools. This variety provides families with numerous academic options depending on their specific location.

Solid Performance and Strategic Investment

With a school score of 55.4, Barren County slightly edges out the state average for academic quality. The county invests $7,107 per pupil, which is higher than the state average and supports a 93.2% graduation rate. This level of funding helps sustain a high-performing system that matches state-wide success metrics.

Three Distinct Districts Serving the Community

The Barren County district is the largest, serving 5,224 students, followed by Glasgow Independent with 2,490 and Caverna Independent with 647. There are no charter schools in the county, as the three traditional districts provide comprehensive coverage. This multi-district structure offers localized governance for different parts of the county.

A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses

The county balances 11 rural schools with nine town-based schools, offering a diverse set of learning environments. Schools average 446 students, though sizes vary significantly, from Barren County High's 1,389 students to smaller specialized alternative programs. This mix ensures that both large-scale opportunities and smaller community schools are available.

Choose Your Perfect School District

Whether you prefer the independent city schools of Glasgow or the expansive Barren County district, this area offers plenty of high-quality options. Moving here means joining a community that values education and invests in its future. Browse local listings to find a home within your preferred school district boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barren County

via RiskByCounty

Barren County faces elevated natural disaster risk

Barren County scores 67.91 with a Relatively Low rating, exceeding the national average and signaling above-average exposure to multiple hazards. The county's tornado risk of 85.43 and flood risk of 67.78 make it notably more vulnerable than average U.S. counties.

Barren ranks in riskier half of Kentucky

With a composite score of 67.91, Barren County ranks above the state average of 44.21 and falls into Kentucky's higher-risk counties. The county faces substantially greater exposure to major natural disasters than most of its peers.

Barren's risk profile exceeds nearby counties

Barren County (67.91) carries notably higher risk than Anderson County (26.34) or Bath County (13.71) and substantially exceeds Allen County (33.33). Only Boone County (74.46) and Bell County (68.00) approach Barren's threat level in the state.

Tornadoes and floods are twin threats

Tornado risk at 85.43 ranks among Kentucky's highest, while flood risk of 67.78 places Barren in serious flood-prone territory. Earthquake risk at 77.35 adds a third significant concern to the county's natural hazard profile.

Tornado and flood insurance are critical

Barren County homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for both tornado and flood damage—standard homeowners policies exclude flood coverage, requiring a separate NFIP or private policy. Securing a family tornado safe room provides crucial backup protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barren County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Pocket in the Heartland

Barren County is a warm region of the country, boasting a 58.5°F annual average temperature. Its 53.8 inches of precipitation places it well above the national median for rainfall.

One of Kentucky's Warmest Counties

This county exceeds the state average of 56.2°F by over two full degrees. It also ranks high for precipitation, receiving 53.8 inches annually against a state average of 50.6 inches.

Hotter Than Its Surrounding Peers

Barren is notably hotter than neighboring Allen County, logging 55 extreme heat days compared to Allen's 27. It also sees less snow, averaging only 5.7 inches while neighbors to the south see slightly more.

Intense Summers and Gentle Winters

Summers are intense, featuring 55 days above 90°F and a July average of 78.4°F. Winters remain mild by Kentucky standards, with an average seasonal temperature of 39.1°F.

Preparing for High Cooling Costs

Residents should prepare for significant summer energy bills due to the high frequency of 55 extreme heat days. With 53.8 inches of rain, ensuring foundations are protected from water runoff is a top priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barren County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Plateau Identity

Local taxonomic and pH data are not currently listed for Barren County. This area represents a transition between Kentucky's central limestone plateaus and the more rugged southern terrain.

The Regional Texture Mix

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this region. Most local growers work with silty textures that offer good workability when moisture levels are managed correctly.

Aiming for Fertile Grounds

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently unlisted. Using the Kentucky state average of 3.55% organic matter as a baseline can help local gardeners set healthy goals for their soil.

Managing Water Runoff

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are missing from the current records. Homeowners should watch for standing water after storms to determine if their plot needs better drainage before planting.

A Garden for Zone 7a

Barren County falls in hardiness zone 7a, which supports a wide variety of crops and flowers. Dig in and start a backyard garden to take advantage of the long, productive growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barren County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenges of Barren County

Barren County’s lawn difficulty score of 50.2 sits right at the national median but well below the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Maintaining a green lawn here requires more effort and attention to detail than in most other parts of the state.

Managing Extreme Summer Heat

With 55 extreme heat days per year, Barren County is significantly hotter than the state average of 30 days. This heat, combined with 53.8 inches of annual rain, creates a high-stress environment that can trigger lawn diseases if not managed carefully.

Healthy Soil for Heat Resistance

While specific soil texture data is unavailable, the high number of heat days makes soil health critical for moisture retention. Adding organic matter like compost can improve the soil's ability to support grass through the 4547 growing degree days common here.

Surviving the Hotter Months

The county endured 7 weeks of drought last year, which is particularly tough on lawns when temperatures exceed 90°F so frequently. Although current conditions are stable, setting your mower to a higher height can help shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Turf

Because of the 55 annual heat days, heat-tolerant tall fescue blends are the best fit for this Zone 7a region. Aim to seed your lawn in the fall when the temperatures drop and the 4547 growing degree days have finished peaking.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barren County's county score?
Barren County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Barren County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Barren County ranks #91 among all counties in Kentucky 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 Barren County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Barren County is $1,212, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Barren County a tax score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barren County?
The median household income in Barren County, Kentucky is $49,171 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barren County earns an income score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barren County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Barren County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Barren 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 Barren 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.