countyscore
61.7
County Score
Safety 92.1Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.5

County Report Card

About Henderson County, Illinois

Strong National Standing

Henderson County earns a 61.7 composite score, easily surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score highlights a robust quality of life that is competitive on a national scale.

Consistent State Leader

The county's 61.7 score places it well above the Illinois average of 52.8. Henderson provides a balanced rural lifestyle that avoids many of the pitfalls found in urban centers.

Safety and Pristine Infrastructure

The area shines with a safety score of 92.1 and an excellent water quality score of 86.0. It also manages environmental hazards well, reflected in its strong 82.5 risk score.

Property Tax and Schools

Taxation remains a hurdle with a score of 7.8, driven by a 1.676% effective rate. School performance also lags slightly with a score of 49.0, suggesting room for improvement in local education metrics.

Reliable Rural Living

Henderson County is best for those seeking a safe, environmentally stable community with clean water. It is a solid choice for individuals who prioritize peace of mind and natural resources over school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax7.8Cost66Safety92.1Health75Schools49Income56.4Risk82.5Water86Weather55
🏛7.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Henderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henderson County

via TaxByCounty

Henderson County's Tax Rate Below National Median

At 1.68%, Henderson County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. This means homeowners here enjoy tax burden slightly lighter than the typical American household.

Henderson Rates Below Illinois Average

Henderson County's effective tax rate of 1.68% falls below the Illinois state average of 1.83%, ranking it in the lower half among 102 Illinois counties. At $1,703 median annual property taxes, residents pay notably less than the state's typical household.

Competitive Rates Within Region

Henderson County's 1.68% rate sits comfortably between regional extremes: above the lowest-taxed Hamilton (1.35%) and Hardin (1.18%), but below the highest Henry (1.98%). It offers moderate affordability within west-central Illinois.

Median Home Costs About $1,703 Yearly

On a median home value of $101,600, Henderson County homeowners pay approximately $1,703 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,957 when including additional assessments.

Challenge Assessments to Reduce Taxes

Numerous Henderson County homeowners have been overassessed and could reclaim savings through formal appeals. If your home's assessed value seems inflated compared to similar properties in your neighborhood, an appeal is worth pursuing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henderson County

via CostByCounty

Henderson County's rent-to-income ratio edges upward

At 15.2%, Henderson County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national 30% affordability standard and Illinois's 14.7% state average—just barely. While still affordable by national measures, renters here face slightly tighter housing cost pressures than the typical Illinois resident.

Above-average rents, slightly above state norm

Henderson County's $834 median rent is nearly equivalent to the state's $837 average, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeding the statewide 14.7%. The county ranks among Illinois's pricier rental markets relative to income.

Notably pricier than most nearby counties

Henderson County's $834 median rent tops all comparison counties except Iroquois ($793)—running $268 higher than Hamilton and dramatically higher than Hardin's $342. Renters here pay a visible premium compared to surrounding areas.

Rent claims 15.2% of household income

With median household income of $65,651, residents pay $834 monthly in rent, consuming a larger-than-ideal share of budgets. Homeowners spend $648 monthly on properties valued near $101,600, providing a moderate ownership alternative.

Budget-conscious renters, compare carefully

Henderson County's rents are higher than most neighboring Illinois counties, so comparison shopping is essential before relocating. If affordability is your driver, examine nearby options like Hamilton or Hardin before committing to this market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Henderson income trailing national median

Henderson County's median household income of $65,651 falls roughly $9,100 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 12% gap positions Henderson slightly above some peer rural counties but still below the national benchmark.

Just below Illinois state average

Henderson's $65,651 trails the state average of $68,580 by about $2,929, ranking it firmly in Illinois's middle tier. The county reflects typical small-town and agricultural economic patterns across the state.

Middle ground among regional peers

Henderson ($65,651) sits between Hancock County ($65,044) and Henry County ($69,912), anchoring the middle of the regional income distribution. The county's position reflects a typical mix of farming, small manufacturing, and service sectors.

Housing costs climbing; rents stressed

Henderson's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% meets the threshold for housing stress, signaling that renters are spending a significant portion of income on shelter. Median home values of $101,600 require discipline from would-be buyers.

Manage housing costs to build wealth

With per capita income of $32,763, Henderson households must prioritize housing affordability to save and invest. Exploring down-payment assistance programs and refinancing options can free capital for longer-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henderson County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Standing for Henderson

Henderson County boasts a safety score of 99.8, positioning it as one of the most secure counties in the nation. Its crime rate of 125.5 per 100,000 is nearly 20 times lower than the national average.

Henderson Surpasses Illinois Safety Averages

The county significantly outperforms the state average safety score of 98.7. Its crime rate sits well below the state average of 835.0, reflecting a consistently peaceful local community.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

With four agencies reporting data, Henderson shows a much lower incident rate than many of its Midwestern neighbors. This transparency across agencies reinforces the county's reputation for high security.

Violent Crime is Nearly Nonexistent

Violent crime is extremely rare here, at just 15.7 per 100,000 residents. Property crime represents 109.8 incidents per 100,000, which remains far below the national property crime benchmark.

Preserving Your Home's Security

Residents can help maintain these low crime rates by staying vigilant and participating in neighborhood watch programs. Simple upgrades like video doorbells offer extra assurance in this high-safety environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henderson County

via HealthByCounty

Henderson County matches U.S. longevity standards

Henderson County residents live to 77.3 years, outpacing the national average of 76.4 by about a year. With only 17.0% reporting poor or fair health versus the U.S. rate of 17.3%, health outcomes here align well with national norms.

Exceeds Illinois on life expectancy

At 77.3 years, Henderson surpasses Illinois's 76.0-year average and ranks among the state's healthier counties. Its 6.0% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 6.3%, providing reasonable health security.

Strong performer in regional health standings

Henderson's 77.3-year life expectancy matches Hancock County and trails only Henry County's 77.4 and Jasper County's 77.8 among peers. Its uninsured rate of 6.0% is competitive with neighboring counties.

Mental health access strong, primary care scarce

Henderson offers an unusual profile: 82 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting robust psychiatry and counseling services, but only 16 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest in its region. Residents may struggle to find family medicine physicians despite strong psychiatric support.

Secure coverage for comprehensive care access

With lower primary care availability, having health insurance in Henderson County ensures you can access mental health services and navigate care coordination effectively. Check healthcare.gov for plans and take advantage of your county's strong psychiatric services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Rural Learning Centers

Henderson County hosts 744 students within a single school district that manages four distinct campuses. The landscape includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, along with an early childhood center. This structure provides a centralized educational hub for the entire county's student population.

Above-Average Spending on Local Students

The county invests $9,577 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Illinois state average of $9,250. Although the graduation rate of 82.0% trails the national benchmark of 87.0%, the school score of 54.9 remains competitive with state levels. The higher-than-average spending reflects a local commitment to supporting its student body.

Unified Education at West Central CUSD 235

West Central CUSD 235 is the primary educational provider, serving the county's total enrollment of 744 students. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning all public education is facilitated through this single, community-focused district. This ensures that students stay with the same peer group from preschool through high school graduation.

An Entirely Rural Education Experience

Schooling in Henderson County is 100% rural, with all four campuses situated in non-urban settings. The average school size is 186 students, emphasizing a quiet and focused learning environment. The largest campus is West Central Elementary with 308 students, while the Early Childhood center serves just 53 preschoolers.

Find Your Rural Retreat Near Local Schools

For families seeking a truly rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational investment, Henderson County is an ideal destination. The county's single-district model simplifies the home search, as all residents feed into the same quality schools. Start your search for a home in this peaceful, dedicated school community today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henderson County

via RiskByCounty

Henderson County's modest risk profile

Henderson County scores 17.53 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits substantially below Illinois' state average of 54.46. Your county faces roughly one-third the statewide average natural disaster risk, positioning it among America's safer regions. This favorable standing reflects below-average exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Well below-average risk in Illinois

Henderson County ranks among Illinois' safest counties by composite score, placing it in the bottom fifth of state hazard exposure. At 17.53, your county's risk score is less than one-third the state average of 54.46, indicating substantially lower vulnerability than most Illinois communities. This protective position reflects consistently low or moderate scores across flood, tornado, and seismic hazards.

Safer than most nearby counties

Henderson County's 17.53 risk score places it between Hardin County (8.30), the region's safest, and Hancock County (31.08) to the east. Compared to Henry County (57.09) and especially Jackson County (87.12), Henderson offers dramatically better protection—roughly one-third and one-fifth the risk respectively. This variation underscores how county borders can separate significantly different disaster environments.

Low hazards with two focuses

Flooding ranks highest at 24.71, reflecting Henderson's proximity to river systems and floodplains that warrant flood insurance and awareness during wet seasons. Tornadoes present the second-largest hazard at 28.59, a springtime threat common across Illinois that requires seasonal preparedness and reliable weather monitoring. All other hazard types score below 28, indicating relatively low secondary risks.

Practical protection steps

Flood insurance is strongly recommended for Henderson County properties, especially those in mapped flood zones or near streams—standard homeowners policies provide zero flood coverage. Establish a tornado safety plan: identify shelter areas, test communication methods twice yearly, and stay alert during spring thunderstorm season. Review your homeowners policy annually to ensure replacement cost coverage keeps pace with home values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henderson County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical continental climate near national medians

At 51.9°F, Henderson County is just slightly cooler than the national median of 53°F. This area experiences the full range of four distinct seasons.

Slightly cooler than the average Illinois county

The annual temperature of 51.9°F trails the Illinois state average of 52.8°F by almost a full degree. This cooler profile is typical for the northwestern part of the state.

One of the drier counties in the region

Henderson's 37.2 inches of annual precipitation is well below the state average of 41.7 inches. It is notably drier than nearby Hancock County to the south.

Cold winters and three weeks of extreme heat

The county sees 21 extreme heat days annually and averages 16.9 inches of snow. January is cold, with an average temperature of just 24.0°F.

Prepare for cold snaps and moderate snowfall

Keep snow removal tools ready for the 16.9-inch annual average. Home insulation should be rated for the 24.0°F January lows and 76.2°F July highs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henderson County

via SoilByCounty

Henderson's Near-Neutral Soil

Henderson County features a soil pH of 6.48, placing it almost perfectly in line with the national median of 6.5. This pH level is higher than the state average of 6.39, making it highly versatile for a wide range of plants. The chemical balance here supports efficient nutrient absorption without heavy modification.

A Silty Western Foundation

The county's soil composition is 65.0% silt, 21.2% clay, and 13.8% sand. This high silt content gives the soil a silky feel and provides a strong ability to hold onto vital minerals. It offers a stable medium for roots, though it requires management to prevent erosion on sloped land.

Above Average Water Storage

While the 2.41% organic matter is below the state average of 2.94%, it remains higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.208 in/in, surpassing the state's average of 0.204 in/in. This soil is naturally equipped to sustain plants through the drier parts of the Illinois summer.

High-Quality Growing Ground

Henderson County earns a soil score of 77.3, outperforming the Illinois state average of 73.6. Although dominant drainage classes aren't specified, the high score indicates the soil is fundamentally productive and manageable for agriculture. It provides a reliable base for both farming and residential development.

Hardiness in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for robust harvests of corn, soybeans, and cool-season vegetables. The balanced pH makes it especially easy to grow legumes and leafy greens that struggle in more acidic soils. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard garden or an orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henderson County

via LawnByCounty

Illinois Top-Tier Lawn Growing

Henderson County is a premier spot for lawn care with a difficulty score of 78.7, far exceeding the state average of 69.8. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate provides a balanced environment that makes it one of the easiest places in the country to maintain turf.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rain

The county experiences only 21 extreme heat days, keeping grass from burning out during the peak of summer. With 37.2 inches of annual precipitation, the region stays within the sweet spot for natural hydration without excessive runoff.

Ideal Soil for Prime Grass

The average soil pH of 6.48 is nearly ideal for all common turfgrass species, ensuring maximum fertilizer efficiency. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the mix of 21.2% clay and 13.8% sand provides a standard texture for the region.

Managing Moderate Dry Cycles

Despite the high overall score, the county has endured 23 weeks in drought over the past year. Current conditions are improving with 0% severe drought, but you should still practice water conservation to stay ahead of future dry spells.

Early Starts for Lush Lawns

The last spring frost arrives early on April 8, giving you a head start on the growing season compared to most of the state. Take advantage of the long window before the October 29 frost to establish a thick, resilient carpet of Kentucky bluegrass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson County's county score?
Henderson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 61.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Henderson County rank among counties in Illinois?
Henderson County ranks #16 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Henderson County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Henderson County is $1,703, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Henderson County a tax score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henderson County?
The median household income in Henderson County, Illinois is $65,651 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henderson County earns an income score of 56.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henderson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Henderson County scores 61.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Henderson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Henderson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.