Cost of Living in Barry County, Missouri
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barry County ranks #2,006 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barry County, Missouri
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barry County
Affordability Verdict
Barry County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $750/month representing approximately 15.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barry County pay $750/month on average, compared to $724/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,029/year. With a median household income of $56,611, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Barry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hickory County where rent averages $699/month, Barry County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barry County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,321
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Barry County may be a stretch
Median home value is $172,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,380 vs. your max of $1,321.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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