countyscore
37.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 80.7Weather & 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.

2040608010050.315.633.539.727.980.754.44968.2Tax50.3Cost15.6Safety33.5Health39.7Schools27.9Income80.7Risk54.4Water49Weather68.237.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Barrow County DNA

Foverall

How Barrow County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Barrow County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (80.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (15.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.3
Cost
15.6-32.4
Safety
33.5-21.5
Health
39.7-10.299999999999997
Schools
27.9-26.1
Income
80.7+29.700000000000003
Risk
54.4
Water
49-9
Weather
68.2+12.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$255,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,197/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$255,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,477/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

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Nearby counties

Jackson County
Georgia
47.5
Walton County
Georgia
45.8
Gwinnett County
Georgia
35.6
Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Clarke County
Georgia
29.3
Hall County
Georgia
39
Forsyth County
Georgia
58.5
Banks County
Georgia
43.3

Deep Dives

Barrow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Barrow County

via CostByCounty

Barrow maintains middle-class balance

Barrow County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably near the national average, underpinned by a median household income of $77,477 that exceeds the national median. At $1,197 in median rent, Barrow represents higher-cost Georgia housing supported by meaningfully higher wages.

Near-perfect Georgia average alignment

Barrow County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Georgia's state average of 18.6%, positioning it as a textbook Georgia market. The county's $77,477 median income is the second-highest in this dataset, nearly matching the national median income of $74,755.

Atlanta-area pricing and wages

Barrow County's $1,197 median rent and $255,200 median home value sit alongside Bartow County's comparable pricing, marking a clear divide from rural Southeast Georgia. With $77,477 median income, Barrow residents earn substantially more than rural counties, justifying higher housing costs.

Prosperity supports higher housing costs

Barrow County residents earning $77,477 median income allocate $1,197 monthly to rent—18.5% of gross household earnings, a sustainable proportion. Homeowners with $1,260 monthly mortgage costs on $255,200 median homes reflect a higher-income market comfortable with premium pricing.

Barrow is Atlanta's affordable suburb

If you're seeking North Georgia living without Atlanta's premium prices, Barrow County offers near-national-average affordability ratios with meaningfully higher incomes and home values. Compare Barrow's $255,200 homes to neighboring Bartow—both offer Atlanta-area access with balanced housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Barrow County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Rapidly Expanding System

Barrow County manages an extensive network of 16 public schools serving 14,882 students. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools to accommodate its significant population. This system is one of the larger regional districts, maintaining a high average school size of 930 students.

Efficient Achievement in a Large District

Barrow County maintains an 85.0% graduation rate, slightly below the state average of 88.1%. The district is notable for its efficiency, spending just $6,739 per pupil—well below the state and national averages—while maintaining a school score of 50.3. This highlights a system that manages a massive student body on a very lean budget.

One District for Nearly 15,000 Students

The Barrow County School District oversees all 16 schools and 14,882 students with no charter schools currently in operation. Apalachee High School and Winder-Barrow High School are the flagship institutions, both serving nearly 1,800 or more students each. The district's scale allows for specialized programs like the Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

The county features nine rural schools and seven town-based schools, offering different atmospheres for its diverse student body. Campus life here is characterized by large student populations, with the biggest high schools hosting over 1,700 students each. This scale provides students with extensive extracurricular options and a wide variety of peer groups.

Suburban Living with Extensive School Options

With 16 schools to choose from, families in Barrow County have numerous options for their children's education. Homes near the Winder and Bethlehem areas provide the closest access to the county's largest high schools and specialized academies. Real estate value here is often tied to the convenience and resources of this large, efficient school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barrow County

via RiskByCounty

Barrow faces above-average national risk

Barrow County scores 45.61 on the composite risk scale, rating relatively low but exceeding Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county experiences elevated exposure to tornado and earthquake hazards that push its overall vulnerability profile higher.

Barrow ranks in Georgia's higher-risk counties

At 45.61, Barrow ranks above the Georgia state average and in the upper-middle tier of risk among the state's 159 counties. Approximately one-third of Georgia communities face comparable or greater natural disaster exposure.

Riskier than Banks, safer than Bartow

Barrow's 45.61 score places it between safer neighbors like Banks (12.40) and higher-risk Bartow (65.27). The county faces notably higher exposure than Banks but somewhat less than Bartow's more volatile hazard mix.

Tornado and flood are primary threats

Barrow's highest risk score is tornado exposure at 66.38, substantially above state and national averages and representing the county's dominant hazard. Flood risk follows at 58.08; these two hazards drive Barrow's elevated composite score more than any other factors.

Tornado sheltering and flood coverage are critical

Barrow residents should ensure homeowners policies include wind and hail coverage to address the 66.38 tornado risk. Flood insurance is essential; at 58.08, Barrow faces substantially elevated flood exposure warranting separate coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or private providers.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Barrow County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance Risks in Barrow

Barrow County holds a "D" grade with 15 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 17.8 per 100,000 is much lower than the state average, though the grade reflects recurring compliance issues.

Barrow Streams Near State Average

About 45.5% of the 22 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards according to the 2022 cycle. Top causes of impairment include fecal coliform and poor bioassessment results for fish and invertebrates.

Steady Water Quality Monitoring Data

Four sites provide a decent monitoring footprint, with 1,529 measurements recorded in the last five years. The focus remains on physical properties, nutrients, and organics.

Mulberry Creek Flowing Below Mean

Mulberry Creek near Winder currently flows at 58 cfs, which is 41% of its long-term mean. This below-average flow may affect the dilution of pollutants within the watershed.

Protecting Your Home’s Water Supply

With nearly half of the watershed impaired, residents should be aware of fecal coliform levels in local creeks. Homeowners may also want to monitor the frequency of the 15 reported health violations to ensure tap water safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 37.2 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 #134 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 $2,124, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Barrow County a tax score of 50.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barrow County?
The median household income in Barrow County, Georgia is $77,477 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barrow County earns an income score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barrow County, Georgia a good place to live?
Barrow County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #134 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.