Barry County's income levels are lower than those of the state, region, and neighboring counties. Educational attainment is not as high as other parts of southwest Missouri. Unemployment rates in the county roughly mirror those of the state as a whole. Nevertheless, rates of teenage pregnancy remain significantly high. Reported child abuse is low in the county, while a high number of Barry County residents participate in the WIC program.
Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and death in the county.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death and fourth leading cause of hospitalization. Accidental death rates are relatively high in the county, mainly due to automobile accidents. Health Resources Barry County benefits from both its location near regional medical centers and its own local health resources. Barry County residents can easily access major medical services in Springfield, Joplin, and Northwest Arkansas. The county also has local hospitals in Monett, Cassville, and Aurora.