Barry County's composite score of 76.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 54%, making it one of the strongest performers in this set and well above typical U.S. counties. Its multifaceted strengths create a compelling livability profile.
2 / 5
Among Missouri's Top Performers
At 76.9, Barry County surpasses Missouri's state average of 74.8 by nearly 2 points, positioning it as one of the state's better counties for overall livability. It ranks solidly in the upper tier statewide.
3 / 5
Taxes Lead; Housing and Values Follow
Barry's tax score of 86.2 reflects the lowest effective tax rate in this sample at just 0.571%, while its cost score of 84.0 supports median home values of $172,900 and rent of $750/month. These dual advantages create genuine financial breathing room.
4 / 5
Income Potential Remains Modest
Barry's income score of 20.3 and median household income of $56,611 indicate that earning power is the county's relative weak point, despite strong fiscal advantages. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors await measurement.
5 / 5
Best for Tax-Conscious Families Seeking Value
Barry County is ideal for families and retirees who value tax efficiency and affordable housing above higher incomes, making it appealing to those on fixed budgets or seeking financial independence. Its lowest-in-sample tax rate is a significant competitive advantage.
Barry County's composite score of 76.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 54%, making it one of the strongest performers in this set and well above typical U.S. counties. Its multifaceted strengths create a compelling livability profile.
Among Missouri's Top Performers
At 76.9, Barry County surpasses Missouri's state average of 74.8 by nearly 2 points, positioning it as one of the state's better counties for overall livability. It ranks solidly in the upper tier statewide.
Taxes Lead; Housing and Values Follow
Barry's tax score of 86.2 reflects the lowest effective tax rate in this sample at just 0.571%, while its cost score of 84.0 supports median home values of $172,900 and rent of $750/month. These dual advantages create genuine financial breathing room.
Income Potential Remains Modest
Barry's income score of 20.3 and median household income of $56,611 indicate that earning power is the county's relative weak point, despite strong fiscal advantages. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors await measurement.
Best for Tax-Conscious Families Seeking Value
Barry County is ideal for families and retirees who value tax efficiency and affordable housing above higher incomes, making it appealing to those on fixed budgets or seeking financial independence. Its lowest-in-sample tax rate is a significant competitive advantage.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Barry County's life expectancy of 74.5 years is nearly equal to the U.S. average of 74.4 years—statistically at parity. However, 21.7% of residents report poor or fair health, signaling that longevity alone masks underlying health challenges.
Barry slightly above Missouri average
Barry's 74.5-year life expectancy edges above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Its uninsured rate of 14.2%, however, exceeds the state average of 12.5%, leaving more residents without coverage.
Middle of the pack regionally
Barry's 74.5-year life expectancy falls between healthier counties like Andrew (78.5) and Adair (75.9) and struggling peers like Audrain and Atchison (both 73.9). Its 21.7% poor/fair health rate reflects moderate regional health challenges.
Moderate access, rising uninsured rates
Barry has 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a moderate level—but its 14.2% uninsured rate is among Missouri's highest, meaning many who need care lack coverage. Mental health providers are available at 119 per 100K, offering some behavioral health support.
One in seven Barry residents uninsured.
Barry's 14.2% uninsured rate is troubling—nearly one in seven residents lack coverage, above state and national averages. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and community health resources that can get you covered today.
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.