Barton
Missouri

What stands out

Three things set Barton County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is in the bottom 3% of American counties (61 Mbps), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and violent crime is in the top 9% of American counties (4.8 per 1,000). Within Missouri it ranks 9th of 115 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Barton County, Missouri. 11,683 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +72).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $48,105 a year, lower than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,856. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 88% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,080 a year.

Home

The median home costs $189K, cheaper than 68% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $614 a month. Property tax is 0.79% of home value, roughly $917 a year on that median home, lower than 56% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 91% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.2 years, longer than 54% of American counties. There are 12 active physicians in the county, about 10.3 per 10,000 people. 14.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 74% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 70 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 69 and lows near 47, warmer than 59% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 53 out of 100, riskier than 53% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 61 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.