countyscore
37.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 82.3Weather & Climate 68.2Disaster Risk 54.4

County Report Card

About Barrow County, Georgia

Trailing the National Median Score

Barrow County scores a 37.2, placing it well below the 50.0 national median. High costs of living relative to local amenities weigh down the overall composite ranking.

Performance Below State Standards

At 37.2, the county lags behind the Georgia average of 46.7. While it has pockets of economic success, it struggles to maintain the same quality-of-life balance found elsewhere in the state.

Robust Household Incomes

Barrow County is an economic powerhouse for its residents, boasting an Income Score of 80.7. The median household income of $77,477 is one of the highest among the counties surveyed.

Rising Costs and Education Gaps

Affordability is a major challenge, with a Cost Score of only 15.6 and median rents hitting $1,197. The School Score of 27.9 also indicates that public education performance is not keeping pace with local growth.

The Verdict: For Established High-Earners

Barrow County attracts those with high earning potential who can afford the rising local cost of living. It is less suited for young families or those on a strict budget due to housing and education pressures.

2040608010052.11433.539.727.982.354.44968.2Tax52.1Cost14Safety33.5Health39.7Schools27.9Income82.3Risk54.4Water49Weather68.237.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Barrow County DNA

Foverall

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

Barrow County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (82.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.1
Cost
14-34
Safety
33.5-21.5
Health
39.7-10.299999999999997
Schools
27.9-26.1
Income
82.3+31.299999999999997
Risk
54.4
Water
49-9
Weather
68.2+12.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Barrow County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$294,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,318/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$294,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,653/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

per 100K

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

Washington County
Arkansas
Median income: $70,639
37.3
Riverside County
California
Median income: $93,074
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Logan County
Colorado
Median income: $51,829
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Palm Beach County
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Median income: $83,581
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Broome County
New York
Median income: $62,616
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Clatsop County
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Median income: $71,822
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Polk County
Florida
Median income: $65,978
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Floyd County
Georgia
Median income: $65,565
37.2

Nearby counties

Jackson County
Georgia
47.1
Walton County
Georgia
46.6
Gwinnett County
Georgia
36
Oconee County
Georgia
54.4
Clarke County
Georgia
29.2
Hall County
Georgia
38.9
Forsyth County
Georgia
58.5
Banks County
Georgia
43.5

Deep Dives

Barrow County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Barrow County

via TaxByCounty

Barrow County taxes below U.S. average

Barrow County's 0.832% effective rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.88%, landing in the lower-tax quartile nationwide. Its median tax of $2,124 on a $255,200 home remains significantly below the national median of $2,690, saving homeowners roughly $566 annually.

Near Georgia's statewide average rate

Barrow County's 0.832% rate is just 8% below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, positioning it close to typical statewide conditions. Its median tax of $2,124 exceeds the state median of $1,529 by $595, reflecting Barrow's higher median home values.

Mid-range taxes in North Georgia

Barrow County (0.832%) rates between Banks County (0.630%) and Bartow County (0.725%), reflecting moderate tax efficiency for the North Georgia region. With median homes valued at $255,200, Barrow appeals to buyers seeking suburban growth areas with reasonable tax rates.

Suburban home values, moderate taxes

A median $255,200 home in Barrow County generates roughly $2,124 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance, typical owners pay approximately $2,246 yearly, reflecting the county's suburban character and moderate tax environment.

Appeals make sense for higher-value homes

Barrow County homeowners with properties near $255,000+ should particularly scrutinize their assessments, as small rate errors compound with higher home values. A successful appeal on a quarter-million-dollar home could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barrow County

via IncomeByCounty

Barrow exceeds national average

Barrow County's median household income of $77,477 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $2,722, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier nationally. This achievement reflects robust employment opportunities driven by major regional employers and population growth.

Top 5% earner in Georgia

At $77,477, Barrow County's median household income ranks among Georgia's highest, exceeding the state county average of $60,488 by $16,989. The county ranks in the top 5% of Georgia's 159 counties for household earning capacity.

Strongest earner regionally

Barrow County's $77,477 median household income significantly outpaces all comparable counties, exceeding Banks County ($68,830) by $8,647 and Bartow County by a narrow $1,954. The county leads the examined region in household earning power.

Strong income supports housing

Barrow County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid housing affordability despite higher home values. With a median home value of $255,200, households earning near the county median can comfortably afford homeownership while building substantial equity.

Aggressive wealth-building strategy

Barrow County residents with above-median incomes should maximize 401(k) contributions, open HSAs, and invest in taxable accounts through regular automated transfers. This multi-account approach compounds growth and creates pathways to substantial net worth within 20-30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barrow County

via CrimeByCounty

Barrow County Outperforms National Averages

Barrow County holds a safety score of 97.6, demonstrating a high level of security for its growing population. The total crime rate of 1,551.0 per 100K is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Steady Presence in Georgia Safety

Barrow County’s safety score of 97.6 is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 97.8. While its crime rate of 1,551.0 is slightly above the state average of 1,412.9, it remains a safe suburban choice.

Barrow vs. Its Northern Neighbors

Barrow County is safer than neighboring Banks County, where the crime rate is significantly higher at 2,295.9 per 100K. This makes Barrow a relatively secure anchor in the region.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

Violent crime in Barrow is notably low at 181.3 per 100K, about half the national average of 369.8. Property crime at 1,369.7 is the primary concern for local law enforcement.

Safeguarding Your Barrow County Home

Homeowners should focus on securing valuables, as property-related incidents are the most common reports. Utilizing smart home technology can help maintain the county's strong safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barrow County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Subtropical Climate with Moderate Shifts

Barrow County averages 61.3°F annually, sitting roughly six degrees above the national median temperature. This indicates a temperate subtropical climate with moderate seasonal variation.

Representing a Middle-Ground Georgia Climate

The county is cooler than the Georgia average of 63.7°F, reflecting its higher elevation and northern latitude. It serves as a middle-ground climate for the state.

Typical Precipitation with Regional Variation

Barrow receives 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is just under the statewide average of 51.4 inches. It is slightly warmer than neighboring Banks County, which averages 60.1°F.

Four Distinct Seasons with Minimal Snow

Extreme heat is limited to 38 days a year, significantly lower than in South Georgia. The winter average of 45.0°F is cool enough to support 0.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Balanced Outdoor and Indoor Planning

This climate is ideal for those who enjoy seasonal changes without the extremes of the deep south. Homeowners should plan for moderate heating in winter and keep an umbrella for the 50.9 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barrow County

via SoilByCounty

Barrow's Soil Identity

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Barrow County are currently unavailable in the primary record. Local soils likely share the acidic characteristics of the region, sitting below the 6.5 national median pH.

Understanding Soil Texture

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for this county. Testing your soil for these components can help you understand how well it will retain nutrients and moisture.

Soil Health and Capacity

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for Barrow. You can use the state averages of 1.83% organic matter and 0.114 in/in water capacity as general benchmarks.

Managing Site Hydrology

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not currently available. Local observation remains key to determining how your specific property handles water and drainage.

Cultivating Success in Zone 8a

Barrow County falls in Hardiness Zone 8a, which is excellent for growing everything from berries to root vegetables. Your local climate provides a steady environment for a thriving backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barrow County

via LawnByCounty

Barrow County's balanced lawn environment

Barrow County offers a favorable lawn difficulty score of 50.5, essentially matching the national median of 50.0 and beating the Georgia average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, this area provides a relatively stable climate for maintaining a beautiful yard. Homeowners here have a significant advantage over those in the southern part of the state.

Mild summers and abundant rainfall

The county experiences 38 extreme heat days per year, which is far more manageable than the 65-day state average. Annual precipitation of 50.9 inches keeps the ground well-hydrated, though it is at the very top of the ideal range. With 4,868 growing degree days, grass growth is steady but rarely becomes overwhelming.

Laying the groundwork in Barrow

Local soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable, making a home soil test kit an essential first step. You should aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your selected grass type can thrive. Because rainfall is high, focus on improving soil structure to prevent compaction and ensure deep water penetration.

Facing seasonal drought challenges

Barrow County is currently 100% covered by severe drought and has spent 13 weeks in drought over the past year. During these dry periods, it is important to follow local water restrictions and focus on evening or early morning irrigation. This helps maintain your lawn's resilience without wasting precious water during the height of a drought.

Starting your Barrow County turf

Tall Fescue is a popular choice here due to the milder summers, though Zoysia also performs very well. Plan your planting for after the last spring frost on April 3 to avoid damaging young grass with a late freeze. Your growing season concludes around November 7, giving you plenty of time to establish a healthy lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barrow County's county score?
Barrow County, Georgia has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Barrow County rank among counties in Georgia?
Barrow County ranks #132 among all counties in Georgia 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 Barrow County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Barrow County is $2,307, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Barrow County a tax score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barrow County?
The median household income in Barrow County, Georgia is $80,653 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barrow County earns an income score of 82.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barrow County, Georgia a good place to live?
Barrow County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #132 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Barrow 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 Barrow County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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