Barbour County
AL · Pop. 24,757 · Suburban County
Barbour County, Alabama covers 885 square miles with a population of 24,757 and a density of 28 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on cotton, hay, peanuts. The median home price is $110,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.38%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F and average winter lows of 34°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Medical Center Barbour is 14.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 90.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 222-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.38% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $110,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 90.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 21.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Barbour County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Barbour County?
- Barbour County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F, and average winter lows of 34°F. The established crops are cotton, hay, peanuts.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $110,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.38%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 90.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Medical Center Barbour is 14.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Alabama Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Alabama
All Alabama countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Barbour County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.