countyscore
46.2
County Score
Health 88.1Income & Jobs 81.4Lawn Care 67.3

County Report Card

About Barry County, Michigan

Slightly Below National Median

Barry County earns a composite score of 46.2, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. The county struggles to maintain national averages due to infrastructure and housing costs.

Near the Michigan Average

With a score of 46.2, Barry County sits right near the Michigan state average of 47.1. Its profile is typical for the region, balancing high income with high expenses.

Strong Health and Income

Health is a standout feature with a score of 88.1, one of the best in the state. The Income Score of 81.4 also reflects a prosperous workforce with a median household income of $77,873.

Water and Cost Pressures

The Water Score is very low at 14.0, indicating a potential weakness in local utilities. High housing costs also weigh on the profile, resulting in a Cost Score of only 29.0.

Great for Health-Conscious Professionals

Barry County is best for families and professionals who value high-end health services and have the income to afford local housing. While utility infrastructure is a concern, the economic base remains strong.

2040608010030.52949.788.129.781.4541452.1Tax30.5Cost29Safety49.7Health88.1Schools29.7Income81.4Risk54Water14Weather52.146.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Barry County DNA

Foverall

How Barry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Barry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (88.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.5-21.5
Cost
29-19
Safety
49.7
Health
88.1+38.099999999999994
Schools
29.7-24.3
Income
81.4+30.400000000000006
Risk
54
Water
14-44
Weather
52.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Barry County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$243,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$955/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$243,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,873/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

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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Nearby counties

Eaton County
Michigan
39.7
Ionia County
Michigan
50.7
Calhoun County
Michigan
28.9
Kalamazoo County
Michigan
31
Allegan County
Michigan
40.2
Kent County
Michigan
36.8
Clinton County
Michigan
33.8
Ingham County
Michigan
37.9

Deep Dives

Barry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barry County

via TaxByCounty

Barry taxes slightly above national median

Barry's 1.110% effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the 53rd percentile. At $2,706 in annual median taxes, the county's burden nearly matches the national median of $2,690.

Very close to Michigan's average rate

Barry's 1.110% effective rate sits just 0.06 percentage points below Michigan's 1.166% average, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state. The median tax of $2,706 is $604 above the state median, reflecting higher home values.

Nearly identical to Allegan County's burden

Barry (1.110%) and Allegan County (1.133%) are southwest Michigan neighbors with nearly identical tax rates, sitting slightly below the state average. Both communities offer comparable tax burdens for homeowners.

What your $243,700 home costs

The typical Barry County homeowner with a $243,700 property pays around $2,706 annually in taxes. Over 30 years, that amounts to approximately $81,180.

Growing counties warrant regular assessments

Barry County's middle-of-the-road tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate individual assessments; development and changing market values affect specific properties differently. Request a recent assessment review from your local assessor and compare to recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barry County

via CostByCounty

Barry combines higher income with affordability

Barry County renters spend 14.7% of income on housing, below Michigan's 16.3% average and well within the 30% affordability zone. With a median household income of $77,873—second only to Allegan in this sample—Barry households enjoy both strong earning power and reasonable housing costs.

Strong income supports premium housing costs

Barry County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks favorably against Michigan's 16.3% average, anchored by median household income of $77,873 that sits near the top of this county sample. Though median rent of $955 exceeds state averages, Barry households earn enough to absorb it comfortably.

Premium costs matched by premium incomes

Barry's $955 monthly rent and $243,700 median home value run 15–25% above most neighboring counties, yet incomes of $77,873 are second only to Allegan's $80,255. This income advantage transforms what might seem costly into genuinely affordable housing.

Housing claims moderate share of earnings

Renters pay $955 monthly while homeowners spend $1,095, with homes valued at $243,700 and median income at $77,873. Together, housing consumes roughly 15% of income whether renting or owning, a healthy proportion that leaves room for savings.

Southwest Michigan prosperity and stability

Barry County attracts households with strong income and willingness to invest in housing—homeowners and renters alike find their earnings stretch effectively here. Relocating professionals will recognize Barry's economic stability as a long-term foundation for financial planning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barry County

via IncomeByCounty

Barry income exceeds national average

Barry County's median household income of $77,873 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,118—placing it solidly above the national benchmark. This 4% advantage reflects the county's strong manufacturing base and proximity to growth markets.

Top-tier Michigan county income

At $77,873, Barry ranks well above Michigan's county average of $64,304, sitting in the state's top quarter. Its per capita income of $39,955 also surpasses the state average of $35,451, indicating broadly distributed prosperity.

Second-strongest in southwest region

Barry's $77,873 median income ranks just behind Allegan County ($80,255), positioning it as a co-leader in southwest Michigan. Together with Allegan and Antrim, Barry represents the state's strongest-earning region.

Strong income with manageable housing

Barry's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% is well below affordability thresholds, and its median home value of $243,700 is easily supportable by median incomes. Households enjoy substantial room to build savings and invest.

Capitalize on above-average earning power

With income above both state and national averages, Barry households should aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies. Max out retirement contributions, diversify investments, consider real estate opportunities, and plan for multi-generational financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barry County

via CrimeByCounty

Barry County Provides a Secure Environment

Barry County reports a total crime rate of 1,132.9 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.2. It remains much safer than most counties across the United States.

Ranking High for Safety in Michigan

The county’s safety score of 98.2 is better than the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,132.9 is also notably lower than the state-wide average of 1,371.8. Barry County is a safe choice for Michigan residents.

Comparing Safety with Allegan County

Barry County’s crime rate of 1,132.9 is significantly lower than neighboring Allegan County’s 1,766.4. It maintains a more rural safety profile while still being close to major population centers. Local law enforcement keeps crime levels well-controlled compared to surrounding areas.

Low Rates for Violent Offenses

The violent crime rate in Barry County is 209.3 per 100K, well below the national 369.8. Property crime is 923.6 per 100K, which is also significantly lower than the national average. The data reflects a community where serious safety concerns are rare.

Maintaining a Safe Home in Barry

Home security systems and neighborhood watch habits are effective ways to prevent property crime. While theft is low in Barry County, staying vigilant helps protect your assets. Simple security measures go a long way in this peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Barry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive County-Wide System

Barry County supports 8,178 students across 21 public schools and five districts. This diverse system includes 10 elementary schools, four middle schools, and five high schools.

Competitive Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county's 84.3% graduation rate outperforms the Michigan state average of 82.5%. Education here is delivered efficiently, with per-pupil spending at $6,967, which is slightly below the state's average expenditure.

Leading Districts in Thornapple and Hastings

Thornapple Kellogg School District is the county's largest, serving 3,138 students, followed closely by Hastings Area School District with 2,550. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with no charter schools.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

Barry County offers variety, with eight schools in town settings and 13 in rural areas. Thornapple Kellogg High School is the largest in the county with 982 students, providing a vibrant suburban-style high school experience.

Discover Great Schools in Barry County

Whether you prefer a town-centered school or a rural campus, Barry County’s five districts offer excellent choices for families. Look for homes in the Thornapple Kellogg or Hastings districts to access the county's most popular schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barry County

via RiskByCounty

Barry approaches national risk baseline

Barry County scores 45.99 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating that approaches but remains slightly below the national average. The county faces moderate disaster exposure in select hazard categories.

Slightly below Michigan's state average

Barry's composite risk score of 45.99 sits modestly below Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it among the state's mid-range risk counties. Tornado and flood hazards drive much of the county's exposure.

Riskier than regional peers overall

Barry scores 45.99, substantially exceeding Alpena at 28.34 and markedly higher than Antrim at 25.76. The county carries elevated risk compared to most surrounding counties.

Tornadoes and floods dominate exposure

Barry faces tornado risk of 72.07 and flood risk of 58.87—both well above state averages and the county's primary concerns. Earthquake risk of 35.11 adds a third significant hazard to residents' awareness.

Flood and wind coverage both essential

Barry residents should secure flood insurance given the county's 58.87 flood risk score, particularly those in flood-prone areas. A robust homeowners policy with adequate wind and tornado coverage is critical for the county's 72.07 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Barry County

via WaterByCounty

Barry County Records High Violation Count

Barry County earns a Grade F with 35 drinking water health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 213.7 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the Michigan average of 35.7. This indicates widespread challenges in maintaining safe drinking water standards across the county.

Watershed Assessment Data N/A

There is currently no attainment or impairment data available for Barry County in the federal ATTAINS database. These water bodies have not yet been evaluated under the current §303(d) reporting cycle. The lack of federal data means that impairment causes for local streams remain unclassified.

Thousands of Quality Readings Logged

Barry County has 26 monitoring sites that have produced 6,247 water quality measurements. Data collection is primarily concentrated on physical and microbiological characteristics. While these efforts are consistent, they cover a relatively small number of sites compared to other Michigan counties.

Thornapple River Below Historical Mean

The Thornapple River near Hastings is currently flowing at 273 cubic feet per second, which is only 79% of its long-term mean. This lower-than-average discharge for the 385-square-mile drainage area can affect water temperature and ecological health. Low flows often mean less dilution for any contaminants entering the stream.

Priority Water Testing Recommended

With a Grade F and 35 violations, residents should be proactive about testing their home water supply. The below-average flow of the Thornapple River further suggests that source water may be more concentrated with local runoff. Investing in robust filtration and following all local health department advisories is essential.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barry County

via WeatherByCounty

A Moderately Cool Midwestern Climate

Barry County has an average annual temperature of 47.5°F, which is about 6 degrees cooler than the national median. Its climate is humid and sees more precipitation than many of its neighboring counties.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Barry County is warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It is also significantly wetter, receiving 39.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to the state average of 34.5 inches.

Consistent With Southern Michigan

Barry County's 47.5°F average is nearly identical to Bay County's, though Barry receives significantly more annual precipitation. It is slightly cooler than Allegan County to the west, which averages 48.3°F.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 10 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures peaking at an average of 70.5°F. Winter brings 68.0 inches of snow and a seasonal average temperature of 25.7°F.

Focus on Moisture Management

With nearly 40 inches of annual precipitation, basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance are critical. The 10 days of 90°F heat make central air conditioning a necessary comfort for most residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barry County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Mollisols in Barry County

Barry County is home to Mollisols, a soil order often associated with high fertility and grassland ecosystems. The average pH of 5.60 is slightly higher than the Michigan average, though it remains below the national 6.5 median. This taxonomic classification marks it as some of the better agricultural land in the state.

Productive Sandy Loam Texture

The dominant texture is a sandy loam, consisting of 57% sand, 22.8% silt, and 9.5% clay. This specific mix is highly prized by farmers for its perfect balance of drainage and workability. It resists compaction while providing a stable home for root systems.

Consistent Yields on Leaner Organic Matter

At 8.77%, Barry's organic matter is lower than the state average but remains four times higher than the national average. The available water capacity is 0.173 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.202. Despite these slightly lower numbers, the Mollisol structure ensures high productivity.

Reliably Well-Drained Landscapes

Barry County soils are classified as 'Well drained' and belong to Hydrologic Group A. This means water infiltrates easily, making the land ready for planting shortly after spring rains. This drainage profile is ideal for residential building and intensive farming alike.

Abundance in Hardiness Zone 6a

Zone 6a provides Barry County with a robust growing season that supports everything from corn to delicate perennials. The sandy loam texture is perfect for deep-rooted vegetables and flower gardens. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard farm and enjoy the benefits of Mollisol soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barry County

via LawnByCounty

Barry County is a lawn grower's paradise

With a high score of 67.3, Barry County is much easier for lawn care than the state average of 60.1. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, it offers a long growing season and ideal conditions for premium turf.

High rainfall and long summers

Barry receives an impressive 39.6 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 34.4. While it faces 10 extreme heat days, the 2,536 growing degree days ensure the grass has plenty of energy to recover.

Well-drained sandy loam is ideal

The soil is a desirable sandy loam with 57.0% sand and 9.5% clay, providing a great balance of drainage and structure. A pH of 5.60 is slightly acidic, so a light lime application will help reach the perfect 6.0 range.

Healthy recovery after summer dry spells

The county experienced 20 weeks of drought this past year, but currently reports no abnormally dry conditions. Because the soil is well-drained, lawns can recover quickly from dry periods if supplemental water is provided.

Plant for a long, productive season

With a frost-free window from May 3rd to October 12th, you have plenty of time for seeding. Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here and can produce a thick, professional-looking carpet given the abundant rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barry County's county score?
Barry County, Michigan has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Barry County rank among counties in Michigan?
Barry County ranks #46 among all counties in Michigan 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 Barry County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Barry County is $2,706, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Barry County a tax score of 30.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barry County?
The median household income in Barry County, Michigan is $77,873 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barry County earns an income score of 81.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barry County, Michigan a good place to live?
Barry County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Barry 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 Barry County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.