Median Income
$70,594
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,600
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
316/100K
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,330
14% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.5%
73% higher than US avg
How Barrett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,938
Median Age27.9 yrs
Density460/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$70,594
Per Capita$33,041
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty21.5%
County GDP$592,751M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,600
Rent$1,330
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$262,478
Housing Units1,374
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent316/100K
Property4,140/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured23.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain54.1 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute33 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries73
Is Barrett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barrett receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Barrett has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barrett is $70,594, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 21.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barrett is $133,600, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,330 per month. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Barrett is below the national average at 316 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,140 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Barrett has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Barrett has a population of 2,938 with a density of 460 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age is 27.9 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (54.2%), with 15.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.3% of residents, while 25.7% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 75.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.9yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.3%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.7%
92% above US avg
The median household income in Barrett is $70,594, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,041 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,703, 19% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 124,542 business establishments, including 10,837 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,594 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,041 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,703 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $95,157 |
| Gini Index | 0.497 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.5% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 124,542 |
| County GDP | $592,751M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10,837 |
| Healthcare | 12,772 |
| Retail | 13,588 |
| Manufacturing | 4,091 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,819 |
| 238% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Barrett is $133,600, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,478, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 81.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,330 (14% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,374 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $11,819 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,600 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,478 |
| Median List Price | $270,995 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $270,995 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 24 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 81.5% |
| Price Drops | 61.2% |
| Inventory | 49 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,330 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,374 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,819 |
| 238% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.85% |
In Barrett, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 23.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717. The dentist ratio is 1:1,343. 91.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barrett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.9% |
| Uninsured | 23.5% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,717 |
| Dentists | 1:1,343 |
| Mental Health | 1:563 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 51.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,157/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12,772 |
Barrett has a violent crime rate of 316 per 100,000 residents, 17% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,140 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 527 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Barrett receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Barrett vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 316.1/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,140.2/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 527 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barrett has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 314 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 54.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.6°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 6.6 sq mi (17.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 460/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.8654°N, 95.0525°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harris County County |
| Nearest Airport | George Bush Intcntl/Houston (IAH) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.1"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
6.10"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0398 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.25 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.33 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Very High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
17 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
111 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
134 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
169 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
172 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
254 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
116 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
179 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
70 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
227 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
47 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
782 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 791 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF4 |
66 km |
8 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Sep 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
35 km |
3 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1968 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY ROAD (18,999 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
RILEY ROAD |
18,999 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
86 km |
| 1997 |
WILD COW BAY |
10,069 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
TXMCR-FY20-RX-W |
10,033 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
9,344 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 WILDFIRE |
9,076 |
96 km |
| 1986 |
STAR LAKE |
8,876 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
WF UNIT 1 1/2 |
8,840 |
85 km |
| 1997 |
GRIT ROAD |
8,599 |
95 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,539 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT1ARSON |
8,287 |
83 km |
| 1997 |
MCF WEST |
7,786 |
87 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
7,714 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
WF PERKINS BLOWOUT |
7,646 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
PERKINS |
6,969 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Barrett has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 54°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.1") and March the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Barrett. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barrett
What is the population of Barrett?
Barrett has a population of 2,938 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 460 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Barrett expensive to live in?
Barrett has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,594, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,600 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,330 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Barrett safe?
Barrett is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 316 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,140 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Barrett receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barrett?
Barrett has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Barrett?
Barrett has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,703. There are 124,542 business establishments in the area, including 10,837 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barrett?
The median home value in Barrett is $133,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,478. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,330. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $11,819.
How are the schools in Barrett?
Schools in Barrett score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Barrett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barrett?
The obesity rate in Barrett is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 19.2% of residents report depression. 23.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717.
What is transportation like in Barrett?
The average commute in Barrett is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barrett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barrett is 15.7% White, 54.2% Black or African American. 74.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.7% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 75.9% have health insurance coverage.