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Barra, United Kingdom

Scotland · United Kingdom

Barra is a small town in Scotland, United Kingdom with a population of 1,078. Elevation: 545 ft (166 m). Average temperature: 48°F (9°C).

Data updated June 2026

4.1 /5.0
A Great
1,078 Population 2,344/sq mi density
545 ft Elevation 166 meters
48°F Avg Temperature 9°C
55.4 in Annual Rain
Europe / London Timezone
$49,944 Median Income
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.3 / 5.0
$49,944 median income, 4.8% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.9 / 5.0
$249,800 home value, $1,249/mo rent
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
50.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Barra, United Kingdom

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Full City Profile

About Barra

Barra

Barra is an island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, and the second southernmost inhabited island there, after the adjacent island of Vatersay to which it is connected by the Vatersay Causeway.

People

Population1,078
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density2,344/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%

Economy

B
Median Income$49,944
Per Capita$49,944
Unemployment4.8%

Housing

B+
Home Value$249,800
Rent$1,249
Ownership63.0%
Housing Units431

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain55.4 in/yr
Sunny Days235/yr
Elevation545 ft (166 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+50.0%
High School+84.0%

Community

Population1,078
Population Density2,344 / sq mi
Elevation545 ft (166 m)
Coordinates56.9804°, -7.4573°
TimezoneEurope/London
Country🇬🇧 United Kingdom
State / ProvinceScotland
Average Temperature48°F (9°C)
January Average42°F (5°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)
Annual Precipitation55.4 inches (1,407 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$49,944
Median Age40.6 years

About Barra

Barra is a small town in United Kingdom (Scotland) with a population of 1,078. The city sits at an elevation of 545 feet (166 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 48°F (9°C). Temperatures range from 42°F in January to 55°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 55.4 inches. The timezone is Europe/London.

Barra has a population of 1,078 with a density of 2,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average).

Population

1,078
Total Population
2,344
People / sq mi
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above United Kingdom avg
0.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.0%
15% above United Kingdom avg
Other Languages 10.0%

Social Characteristics

Barra vs United Kingdom Average

The median household income in Barra is $49,944, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,944 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 98 business establishments. 24.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Barra vs United Kingdom

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$49,944
34% below United Kingdom avg
Per Capita Income$49,944
Avg Weekly Wage$960

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.8%
32% above United Kingdom avg
Establishments (County)98

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit18.0%
Work from Home24.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Barra is $249,800, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,249 (7% above the national average of $1,163). 63.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 431 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$249,800
11% below United Kingdom avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,249
7% above United Kingdom avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership63.0%
Owner-Occupied63.0%
Renter-Occupied37.0%
Housing Units431

Property Tax

Barra experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 235 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 55.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 545 feet.

Temperature

42°F Jan (5°C) 55°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average47.6°F
12% below United Kingdom avg
January Average42°F (5°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)
Sunny Days235 days/yr

Geography

Elevation545 ft (166 m)
Area0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²)
Population Density2,344/sq mi
Coordinates56.9804°N, 7.4573°W
TimezoneEurope/London

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 55.4"
46% above United Kingdom avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Oct) 6.38"
Driest Month (May) 2.56"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Aug 4, 2017.

Aug 4, 2017 31 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M3.8 106 km
May 3, 1998 Scotland, United Kingdom M3.5 134 km
Jan 23, 2011 28 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M3.5 103 km
Aug 17, 1994 40 km SE of Portree, United Kingdom M3.2 106 km
Jan 26, 1990 34 km N of Isle of Islay, United Kingdom M3.0 123 km
May 18, 2013 27 km NE of Tobermory, United Kingdom M2.9 108 km
Jun 8, 2006 35 km ENE of Portree, United Kingdom M2.9 125 km
Jul 26, 1992 45 km E of Portree, United Kingdom M2.8 133 km
Aug 27, 1992 33 km NNE of Isle of Islay, United Kingdom M2.7 134 km
Mar 7, 1998 13 km E of Oban, United Kingdom M2.7 148 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
720 HEBRIDES (SCOTLAND) Questionable Earthquake 97 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (5°C) 6.1 in
February 41°F (5°C) 4.4 in Coldest
March 42°F (6°C) 4.8 in
April 44°F (7°C) 3.0 in
May 49°F (9°C) 2.6 in Driest
June 52°F (11°C) 2.9 in
July 55°F (13°C) 3.6 in
August 56°F (13°C) 4.2 in Warmest
September 53°F (12°C) 5.4 in
October 50°F (10°C) 6.4 in Wettest
November 45°F (7°C) 6.2 in
December 43°F (6°C) 6.0 in

Barra has a seasonal temperature swing of 14°F / from 41°F in February to 56°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 55.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (6.4") and May the driest (2.6").

View full weather details →
50.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 48% above the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+50.0%
48% above United Kingdom avg
High School+84.0%
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density2,344/sq mi
Total Area0.5 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit18.0%
Work from Home24.0%

Colleges & Universities in Barra

Institution Type Founded Website
UHI Outer Hebrides - Barra Campus University

Schools in Barra

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Eoligarry School
Castlebay School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Barra

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Barra

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Barra Heritage & Cultural Centre
Kildonan Museum

Libraries in Barra

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Castlebay Community Library0.0

Hotels in Barra

5 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Castlebay Hotel
Craigard Hotel
Heathbank Hotel
Isle of Barra Hotel
Polochar Inn

Restaurants in Barra

2 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cafe Kisimul
Restaurant at Castlebay Hotel

Cafes in Barra

7 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ardmhor Coffee
Barra Airport Cafe
Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath
Macroon's Tea Room
Tartan Tables Cafe
The Deck
Vatersay Hall Cafe

Castles in Barra

1 castles within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kisimul Castle

Clinics in Barra

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Castlebay Medical Practice

Gas Stations in Barra

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

A&C Maclean

Banks in Barra

1 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Royal Bank of Scotland

Golf Courses in Barra

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Barra Golf Club

Airports Near Barra

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Barra AirportBRRMedium Airport
Benbecula AirportBEBMedium Airport
Tiree AirportTREMedium Airport

Post Offices in Barra

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Castlebay Post Office
Vatersay

Churches & Religious Organizations in Barra

4 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Cuier Church
Our Lady Star of the Sea
Saint Barr's
St Vincent de Paul R.C. Church

Quick Facts

Timezone
Europe/London

🇬🇧 About United Kingdom

Capital London
Population 66,488,991
Area 244,820 km²
GDP (USD) $3,420,796,653,789
GDP per capita $49,944
HDI 0.940
Life expectancy 81.2 years
Internet users 96.3%
Urban population 83.2%
Currency GBP (Pound)
Languages English
Calling code +44
TLD .uk
Driving side left

Public Holidays in United Kingdom

14 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 2 January 2 January
Mar 17 Saint Patrick's Day Saint Patrick's Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
May 4 Early May Bank Holiday Early May Bank Holiday
May 25 Spring Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday
Jun 15 World Cup Bank Holiday World Cup Bank Holiday
Jul 13 Battle of the Boyne Battle of the Boyne
Aug 3 Summer Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday
Aug 31 Summer Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday
Nov 30 Saint Andrew's Day Saint Andrew's Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 St. Stephen's Day Boxing Day

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Frequently Asked Questions About Barra

What is the population of Barra?

Barra has a population of 1,078 residents and is located in United Kingdom. The population density is 2,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is Barra expensive to live in?

The median household income is $49,944, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $249,800 (11% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,249 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Barra?

Barra has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 235 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 55.4 inches.

How is the job market in Barra?

Barra has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 98 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Barra?

The median home value in Barra is $249,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,249. The homeownership rate is 63.0%.

How are the schools in Barra?

50.0% of adults in Barra hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school.

What are the demographics of Barra?

90% of residents speak only English at home. 21.4% of residents have a disability.

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