countyscore
45.9
County Score
Property Tax 77.7Cost of Living 70.6Weather & Climate 63.1

County Report Card

About Barry County, Missouri

Trailing the National Median

Barry County scores a 45.9 on the composite index, falling below the national median of 50.0. The score is bolstered by low costs but hampered by safety and environmental concerns.

Below Missouri Average Levels

The county's 45.9 score sits below the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it offers tax advantages, it struggles to match the statewide marks for public safety and schools.

Low Taxes and Cheap Housing

The county shines with a tax score of 77.7, thanks to a low 0.571% effective tax rate. This is paired with a strong cost score of 70.6, keeping median rents at an affordable $750.

Safety and Environmental Risks

A safety score of 18.7 and a risk score of 24.9 are the county's most significant hurdles. These numbers suggest a need for improved emergency services and better disaster preparedness.

Perfect for Tax-Averse Residents

Barry County is an attractive destination for those seeking some of the lowest property taxes in the state. It is best suited for residents who are comfortable managing their own risk in exchange for lower costs.

2040608010077.770.618.730.639.129.124.952.163.1Tax77.7Cost70.6Safety18.7Health30.6Schools39.1Income29.1Risk24.9Water52.1Weather63.145.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 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 Property Tax (77.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (18.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.7+25.700000000000003
Cost
70.6+22.599999999999994
Safety
18.7-36.3
Health
30.6-19.4
Schools
39.1-14.899999999999999
Income
29.1-21.9
Risk
24.9-22.1
Water
52.1
Weather
63.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$750/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,611/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.2

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
Compare Barry County with Chilton County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Stone County
Missouri
52.2
Carroll County
Arkansas
45.1
Lawrence County
Missouri
45.6
Benton County
Arkansas
38.7
McDonald County
Missouri
44.7
Newton County
Missouri
42.6
Christian County
Missouri
38.5
Taney County
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42.2

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 County offers the region's lowest rate

Barry County's effective property tax rate of 0.571% ranks among the lowest in the nation, significantly below the national median of 0.863%. Homeowners here enjoy one of the country's lightest property tax burdens.

Well below Missouri's typical burden

At 0.571%, Barry County ranks in the lowest fifth of Missouri's 114 counties, well below the state average of 0.733%. Despite having above-median home values, Barry County homeowners pay just $988 annually—one of the lowest median taxes in the state.

Lowest rate among all eight profiled counties

Barry County's 0.571% rate is the clear winner in this cohort, beating even Benton County's 0.557%—actually, Benton edges it out by just 14 basis points. Still, Barry offers significantly lower taxes than northern counties like Atchison (1.171%) and Audrain (0.875%).

Among the lowest bills in Missouri

With median home values of $172,900 and a 0.571% rate, Barry County homeowners pay approximately $988 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, the amount rises slightly to $1,091.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, overassessment happens. Review your assessment annually against recent local sales to confirm your home's value is accurate and potentially unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barry County

via CostByCounty

Barry's rent burden edges above state norm

Barry County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio runs above Missouri's state average of 15.6% and well above the national median, squeezed by incomes 24% below the national average. Renters here face a tighter squeeze than their rural Missouri peers.

Barry ranks in the less affordable tier

Barry County sits among the more expensive Missouri counties for renters, with a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio that trails affordable leaders like Atchison and Andrew. The combination of lower-than-average incomes and higher-than-average rents creates affordability pressure.

Barry's rents climb despite moderate home values

Barry's $750 median rent sits above Atchison ($595) and Audrain ($698) but trails Adair ($782), while median home values of $172,900 suggest market stability. The county balances higher rents with substantial owner costs, creating challenges for renters on modest incomes.

Owners fare better than renters in Barry

Renters allocate $750 monthly while homeowners pay $724—an unusual advantage for owners—with median home values at $172,900 supporting appreciation potential. The $56,611 median household income means renters dedicate 16% of earnings to housing, while owners gain equity.

Barry appeals to first-time homebuyers

If you're ready to transition from renting to owning, Barry offers home values under $175,000 with owner costs nearly matching rent—a rare arbitrage opportunity. Relocating families with $55,000+ household incomes should prioritize homeownership here rather than renting to maximize wealth-building.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barry County

via IncomeByCounty

Barry trails far behind national median

Barry County's median household income of $56,611 lags the national median of $74,755 by $18,144. This substantial gap reflects a local economy with limited high-earning opportunities compared to national averages.

Below Missouri's state average

At $56,611, Barry County's median household income falls $2,892 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county underperforms most of Missouri, ranking among the state's lower-income communities.

Middling income for the region

Barry's $56,611 median income positions it between lower-earning Audrain at $56,232 and higher-earning Atchison at $59,260. The modest spread reflects mixed economic conditions across the broader region.

Housing costs manageable but rising

Barry's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs reasonable for renters, though it edges toward higher end relative to neighbors. The median home value of $172,900, however, consumes a larger share of income than in more affordable counties like Atchison.

Strategic investing despite modest income

Barry County households earning $56,611 can still build meaningful wealth through consistent investing in employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds. Even modest monthly contributions compound substantially over decades, turning income limitations into long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barry County

via CrimeByCounty

Barry County Near National Norms

Barry County reports a total crime rate of 2,152.7 per 100K, which is slightly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 96.6.

Close to State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 96.6 is just a fraction below the Missouri state average of 97.0. However, its total crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,926.2.

Safer Option in Southwest Missouri

Barry County is safer than neighboring Barton County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,713.4. Local agencies work to keep the area competitive with state safety norms.

Focus on Property Crime Rates

Property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 1,982.7 per 100K, which is near the national average. Violent crime is relatively low at 170.0 per 100K residents.

Secure Your Outdoor Equipment

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and storage sheds. Simple camera systems can provide an extra layer of protection for rural properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Barry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Barry

Barry County supports a large student population of 5,576 across 19 public schools and seven districts. The system is well-distributed with nine elementary schools, three middle schools, five high schools, and two specialized programs. This extensive network provides localized schooling for many small communities throughout the county.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficient Funding

Barry County achieves a 90.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. The county spends $6,415 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $6,334 despite the national trend toward higher spending. With a school score of 52.4, the county performs right at the Missouri state average.

Monett and Cassville Lead the Way

The Monett R-I district is the largest, serving 2,314 students, while Cassville R-IV follows closely with 1,908 students. Together, these two districts manage 10 of the county's 19 schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation, but the county does host one special education school.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach

The county features an even split between 10 schools in town locales and 9 in rural settings. The average school size is 310 students, with Cassville High being the largest at 636 students. This locale mix ensures that even rural residents have access to well-resourced town centers for middle and high school.

Connect with Thriving School Communities

With seven different districts to choose from, families can find a school environment that fits their specific needs. Both Monett and Cassville offer robust educational infrastructure that serves as a draw for new residents. Consider these areas for your next home to take advantage of the county's solid academic record.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barry County

via RiskByCounty

Barry faces above-average disaster risk

Barry County's composite risk score of 75.06 ranks in the Relatively Low category but sits 48% above Missouri's state average of 50.56. This elevated exposure reflects significant threats from multiple hazard types affecting your region.

Barry ranks among Missouri's riskier counties

Barry County places in the upper tier of natural disaster risk statewide, with hazard exposure that exceeds most Missouri communities. Only the state's highest-risk counties carry comparable composite scores.

Highest risk in your immediate region

Barry County's 75.06 score substantially exceeds nearby Benton County (66.83) and significantly outpaces lower-risk neighbors to the north. Your county occupies the highest-risk position in the southwestern corner of Missouri's county cluster.

Tornadoes and floods dominate threats

Tornado risk leads Barry County's hazard profile at 85.02, making it one of the highest tornado-exposed areas in Missouri. Flood risk ranks second at 79.42, and wildfire exposure (67.56) also poses significant concern—combine these and Barry faces complex, overlapping threats.

Flood and windstorm coverage non-negotiable

Barry County residents must secure both flood insurance (not included in standard policies) and windstorm coverage to address your county's top two hazards. Invest in a safe room or basement shelter rated for extreme winds, and maintain emergency supplies for extended displacement.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Barry County

via WaterByCounty

Barry County Maintains Average Water Compliance

Barry County holds a C grade for drinking water, with 3 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 13.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the state average of 81.5, suggesting better-than-average system management. However, any health violation indicates a need for continued oversight.

Watershed Impairment Status is Currently Unknown

Water bodies in Barry County have not been formally assessed in the most recent federal §303(d) cycles. With no ATTAINS data available, the county lacks a federal baseline for water body impairment or restoration needs. This makes local monitoring and volunteer data even more critical for watershed protection.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 20 Sites

Barry County features a high density of monitoring, with 5,183 measurements recorded at 20 different sites. The data covers nutrients, physical properties, and biological indicators, representing one of the more scrutinized watersheds in the region. This large result count provides a high-resolution look at local water chemistry.

Flat Creek Flow Drops to 20% of Mean

The Flat Creek gauge below Jenkins reports a current discharge of 60 cfs, which is only 20% of its historical mean. Normally, this creek flows at roughly 303 cfs, supporting a 274 square mile drainage area. Current conditions indicate a period of hydrological stress for the local stream system.

Monitor Nutrients During Low Flow Periods

Extensive monitoring data highlights nutrient levels as a key metric for Barry County's water health. With streamflow at just 20% of typical levels, these nutrients can become more concentrated and lead to water quality issues. Residents should remain aware of their water's C grade and support efforts to reduce runoff into Flat Creek.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barry County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Barry County averages 56.1°F annually, exceeding both the national median and the Missouri state average. It is a wet region, receiving 46.9 inches of rain each year.

A Warm Southern Ozark Climate

The county is 1.2 degrees warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. Its position in the southwest corner ensures a milder and more humid climate than northern Missouri.

The Humid Southwest Comparison

Barry is slightly cooler than Barton County but much wetter than central counties like Benton. It experiences significantly less snow than its neighbors to the north.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

Winter is relatively gentle with only 6.7 inches of annual snow and a January average of 33.9°F. However, summers bring 31 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F.

Planning for Rain and Humidity

With nearly 47 inches of annual precipitation, residents should focus on property drainage and moisture control. The 31 days of extreme heat require efficient air conditioning systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Barry County

Barry County’s soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.62, falling well below both the national median of 6.5 and the state average. This level of acidity suggests a need for lime if growing pH-sensitive crops in this region.

Workable Silt-Heavy Blends

The soil blend contains 19.7% sand, 57.5% silt, and 15.2% clay. This lighter clay content helps with drainage and workability, though the high silt levels require careful management to prevent erosion on slopes.

Superior Organic Matter

Barry County stands out with a high organic matter content of 5.20%, which is well above the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the Available Water Capacity is lower than the state average at 0.143 in/in, meaning the soil dries out faster.

Navigating Subaqueous Terrain

The drainage is classified as subaqueous, suggesting the landscape retains significant moisture in low-lying areas. Growers should be mindful that while the soil holds less water internally, the terrain may stay wet longer.

Warm-Season Zone 7a Planting

Located in the warmer Zone 7a, Barry County is perfect for heat-loving plants like sweet potatoes and okra. Use that high organic matter to your advantage by starting a robust compost-fed vegetable garden this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barry County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battles for Barry County Lawns

Barry County faces a more difficult lawn care environment with a score of 52.0, well below the Missouri state average of 63.7. The transition into hardiness zone 7a brings more heat and environmental stress than the northern part of the state.

High Rainfall and Heat Cycles

The county receives a heavy 46.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average. However, the 4040 growing degree days and 31 extreme heat days mean grass grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing to stay healthy.

Acidic Soil Challenges

The soil pH here is quite low at 5.62, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. This acidity can lock out nutrients, so most homeowners will need to apply lime to bring the soil into a more hospitable balance for grass.

Tackling Severe Drought

Barry County is currently struggling, with 78.4% of the area in severe drought and a history of 34 drought weeks in the past year. Water conservation is critical here; consider drought-tolerant warm-season grasses to survive these intense dry periods.

Warm-Season Grasses are Best

In zone 7a, Bermuda or Zoysia grass can handle the high heat and lower pH better than cool-season varieties. Wait until after the April 14th frost to seed, and prioritize soil testing to address the high acidity early in the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barry County's county score?
Barry County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Missouri?
Barry County ranks #73 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Barry County is $988, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Barry County a tax score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barry County?
The median household income in Barry County, Missouri is $56,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barry County earns an income score of 29.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barry County, Missouri a good place to live?
Barry County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Missouri. 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.