Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (known as kala azar) is associated with low socioeconomic status, and patients are among the poorest. In Sudan visceral leishmaniasis is one of the most important infectious diseases with an estimated 20,000 cases annually; 80% in Gedaref State. The social, economic, and behavioral factors play an important role in establishing both individual and population-wide vulnerability to the disease. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional community based study was conducted at Barbar Elfugara village to determine the socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors among head of the households regarding infection with VL. A sample size of 224 heads of households was determined using statistical formula. Data were collected using questionnaire, observation check list and reviewing records. SPSS was used for analyzing data and chi-square test for the association between different variables. Results The main risk factors of kala azar were gender {males were affected more than twice females (24.4%:9.1%)}; the age group {<20 yrs (42.9%)}. Other factors were illiteracy (30.1%), occupation mainly farmers (28.2%), poverty (39.1%), large families (31%) and living in one house room (45.5%). The results showed that the respondents were highly aware of kala azar (97.3%), the majority (90.8%) believed that kala azar is transmitted by an insect but only (55.5%) of them were aware of the sand fly. The respondents showed poor knowledge of breeding sites (25.5%) and biting time (34.5%). Consistent use of insecticide treated nets and sleeping inside habit were strongly protective (P=0.01) (P=0.00). Conclusion The study showed that the low socioeconomic status and poor knowledge of KA transmission are the major risk factors for KA infection in the area.