countyscore
46.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 65.8Soil Quality 62

County Report Card

About Henderson County, Kentucky

Henderson County Trailing the National Median

Henderson County earns a composite score of 46.2, falling slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it struggles in certain dimensions, it maintains vital infrastructure that supports daily life.

Working Toward the Kentucky Average

The county's overall score of 46.2 sits below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. Local leaders have clear benchmarks to improve upon to reach the performance levels of neighboring counties.

Reliable Resources and Strong Schools

Water quality is a major asset here, earning a top-tier score of 86.0. Education also performs well, with a school score of 55.2 providing a solid foundation for local families.

Navigating Safety and Environmental Risks

Public safety and environmental risk both score low at 26.9, impacting the overall livability index. These scores suggest that community security and natural disaster preparedness require focused investment.

A Choice for Infrastructure-Focused Families

Henderson County suits residents who prioritize reliable utilities and decent schools. While safety and economic metrics are lower, the $794 median rent offers an accessible entry point to the region.

20406080100475426.950.255.233.426.98660.6Tax47Cost54Safety26.9Health50.2Schools55.2Income33.4Risk26.9Water86Weather60.646.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Henderson County DNA

Foverall

How Henderson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Henderson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (26.9/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47
Cost
54
Safety
26.9-28.1
Health
50.2
Schools
55.2
Income
33.4-17.6
Risk
26.9-20.1
Water
86+28
Weather
60.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$165,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$794/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,239/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Vanderburgh County
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33.2
Posey County
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60.5
Union County
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60.1
Warrick County
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Webster County
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McLean County
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Daviess County
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Spencer County
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Deep Dives

Henderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henderson County

via TaxByCounty

Henderson County taxes well below national median

Henderson County's 0.878% effective rate and $1,455 median property tax both fall well short of national norms—the national median tax is $2,690 on homes worth $281,900. Even though Henderson's rate sits slightly above the national average, the county's lower home values keep actual tax bills manageable.

Above-average taxes for Kentucky

At 0.878%, Henderson County has the highest effective property tax rate among the eight counties profiled here, and well above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $1,455 exceeds the state median of $1,093, making Henderson one of Kentucky's higher-taxed counties.

Highest tax rate in the region

Henderson's 0.878% rate stands notably above all nearby counties: Henry County (0.821%), Harrison County (0.679%), and Hart County (0.750%). For homeowners in this region, Henderson represents the higher end of the tax spectrum.

Median home comes with steep tax bill

A typical Henderson County home valued at $165,700 generates $1,455 in annual property tax—among the highest in the region. With a mortgage, total taxes reach $1,734 per year; without one, homeowners pay $1,155 annually.

Review your assessment carefully

Given Henderson's above-average tax rate, homeowners should especially scrutinize their assessed values against recent comparable sales. An appeal to the county assessor could yield meaningful savings, particularly for properties assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henderson County

via CostByCounty

Henderson County slightly outpaces state average

Renters in Henderson County spend 16.4% of their income on housing, slightly better than Kentucky's 17.0% state average and closer to the national affordability benchmark. Median rent of $794 runs above the state average of $771, but median household income of $58,239 provides some cushion, though it remains 22% below the national figure.

Competitive affordability across Kentucky

Henderson County ranks in the upper half of Kentucky counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just shy of the state mean. This moderate performance reflects balanced conditions—neither particularly tight nor unusually loose.

Mid-range costs in the eight-county set

Henderson County's $794 rent sits between Harrison County ($755) and Henry County ($871), while its median home value of $165,700 falls below Harrison but above Hart and Jackson. For renters, Henderson offers moderate pricing; for homebuyers, it's mid-tier.

Renters feel more pressure than owners

Renters pay $794 monthly while homeowners pay $876, a gap reflecting current market dynamics in Henderson. On a $58,239 income, renters spend 16.4% on housing versus homeowners at roughly 18%, suggesting renting may be the better value here.

Henderson offers balanced regional choice

Henderson County works well for households earning $58,000 to $65,000 and comfortable with modest housing-to-income ratios. Compare it against Harrison (cheaper, similar income) and Henry (pricier, similar income) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Henderson trails U.S. income levels

Henderson County's median household income of $58,239 falls about 22% below the national median of $74,755. However, the per capita income of $32,803 exceeds the national average, suggesting strong individual earning power despite lower household totals.

Slightly above Kentucky average

Henderson County households earn $58,239, about 4% more than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks in the middle range of Kentucky counties by median household income.

Mid-pack income among region

Henderson County's $58,239 trails Harrison ($63,205) and Hickman ($63,750) but leads Hopkins ($57,610) and Hart ($49,653). The county sits squarely in the middle of its peer group.

Housing costs require attention

At 16.4% of median income, Henderson County's rent-to-income ratio is manageable but warrants budget planning. A median home value of $165,700 represents about 2.8 times median household income, requiring substantial down payments or longer mortgage terms.

Balance housing and retirement savings

Henderson County residents should prioritize building emergency funds alongside homeownership goals, given moderate housing costs. Explore first-time homebuyer programs and employer retirement plans to maximize wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Henderson Below National Average Crime Rates

Henderson County reports a safety score of 97.2, reflecting a more active crime landscape than some of its rural neighbors. Its total crime rate of 1,775.7 per 100K remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Crime Rates Exceed State Average

The county's crime rate of 1,775.7 is more than double the Kentucky state average of 786.2. This pushes Henderson's safety score below the statewide average of 98.8.

A More Active Safety Profile

Henderson faces higher crime rates than nearby Hopkins County, which reports a rate of 886.8. Local officials from two agencies manage a more complex public safety environment here.

Property Concerns Drive Local Data

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,570.2 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 205.5. While violent rates are below the national average, property incidents drive the local safety landscape.

Prioritize Home and Property Security

Given the higher property crime rates, investing in a home security system is a smart move for Henderson residents. Always lock your vehicles and keep valuables out of sight to deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Henderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Infrastructure in Henderson County

Henderson County operates 13 public schools serving a large student population of 6,955. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools and two middle schools, along with two high schools and an alternative facility. This single-district system manages a robust network designed to support a wide range of learner needs.

Strong Investment and Competitive Graduation

Henderson County invests $7,808 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $6,894. The county maintains a graduation rate of 90.0%, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0% but trailing the state average of 93.8%. A school score of 55.3 matches the state median, indicating a solid return on local educational spending.

Henderson County District Authority

The Henderson County district oversees all 13 schools and the total student enrollment of 6,955. There are no charter schools in the area, ensuring that all public funding supports the local district's comprehensive programs. This unified structure allows for large-scale extracurricular activities and diverse academic pathways.

Suburban Focus and Large-Scale High Schools

Nine of the county's schools sit in suburban locales, with four schools serving rural areas. Henderson County High School is a massive centerpiece with 1,958 students, while Bend Gate Elementary offers a more typical primary experience for 425 students. With an average school size of 535, the county provides a classic, resource-rich suburban educational experience.

Moving to Henderson County Schools

Families looking for a suburban feel with rural accessibility will find Henderson County an ideal match. The district's above-average per-pupil spending supports a variety of programs at schools like Spottsville Elementary. Start your home search here to secure a spot in this well-funded Kentucky district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henderson County

via RiskByCounty

Henderson County significantly exceeds state risk

Henderson County's composite risk score of 73.16 earns a Relatively Low rating but dramatically exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21—a 65% higher exposure. The county faces notably elevated multi-hazard risk compared to most of the commonwealth.

Among Kentucky's highest-risk counties

Henderson County ranks in the upper tier of Kentucky's 120 counties for natural disaster risk. Its Relatively Low rating reflects meaningful exposure to earthquakes and floods that dwarf hazards in safer regions.

Distinctly riskier than surrounding areas

Henderson County's 73.16 score far exceeds nearby Harrison County (33.78) and Hart County (41.13), making it the highest-risk county in the immediate region. The elevated earthquake risk (92.94) and flood exposure (74.94) drive this disparity.

Earthquake and flood risks dominate

Earthquake risk peaks at 92.94—among the state's highest—with flood risk following at 74.94, reflecting Henderson County's proximity to the Ohio River and seismic fault zones. Tornado risk (56.49) adds a third significant threat.

Essential: flood and earthquake insurance

Henderson County residents must prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if in mapped risk zones and should strongly purchase earthquake coverage—both perils are routinely excluded from standard homeowners policies. Don't delay securing these critical protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Henderson County

via WaterByCounty

Henderson County Maintains Grade A Water

With zero health violations in five years, Henderson County maintains a perfect drinking water record. The county's 0.0 violation rate sits well below the state average of 35.7 and the national average.

Local Water Bodies Pass Federal Inspection

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle reports that 0% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. The single assessed water body successfully meets all Clean Water Act §303(d) standards.

Extensive Monitoring Across Sixteen Sites

Sixteen different monitoring sites have logged 6,403 measurements over the past five years. Technicians focus on nutrients and organic compounds, providing a comprehensive data set for local water managers.

Green River Flow at Record Lows

Current discharge at Spottsville is 1,330 cfs, which is only 9% of the long-term mean of 15,091 cfs. This significant drop affects a massive drainage area of over 9,000 square miles.

Monitor Nutrients and Low Flow

Excellent compliance records are bolstered by heavy monitoring of nutrients and organics. However, the current 9% streamflow level suggests residents should be aware of potential changes in water taste or odor as the river level drops.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henderson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm river valley climate patterns

Henderson County averages 56.9°F annually, making it warmer than the typical American county. This humid subtropical region experiences higher-than-average humidity levels due to its proximity to the Ohio River.

Warmer than the average Kentucky county

The local annual temperature of 56.9°F sits above the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. While warmer, the county receives 46.8 inches of rain, which is drier than the state average of 50.6 inches.

Drier than southern neighbor Hopkins

Henderson is nearly 3 degrees cooler annually than Hopkins County to its south. It also receives about 5 inches less rainfall than Hopkins, making it one of the drier spots in the western Kentucky region.

Steamy summers and light snow

Residents face 39 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated during the 76.3°F summer months. Winter is relatively mild with 6.5 inches of annual snow and a January average of 33.3°F.

Manage summer heat and humidity

Efficient air conditioning is essential to handle the 39 days of extreme heat and 77.6°F July peaks. Keep a light snow shovel ready for the 6.5 inches of annual accumulation that typically occurs between December and March.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henderson County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil Along the Ohio

Henderson County achieves a strong soil score of 62.0, well above the state average. Its pH of 6.05 is significantly more neutral than the Kentucky average of 5.80, making it very friendly for diverse agriculture.

The Silt-Rich River Valley

Silt makes up a massive 64.4% of the soil profile, creating a silky texture that is easy for roots to penetrate. With 20.8% clay and 13.8% sand, this mix provides a stable structure for heavy farming equipment and home gardens alike.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity is a high 0.198 in/in, which is among the best in the state. While organic matter is 2.12%—lower than the state average—the high water retention ensures plants stay hydrated during humid Kentucky summers.

Heavy Soil Management

Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt concentration often indicates moderate to slow drainage. Farmers in this river-adjacent county should be mindful of water table levels during peak rainy seasons.

Prime Growth in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of crops, from corn and soybeans to backyard peaches. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the most consistent water-storing soils in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henderson County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in Henderson County

Henderson County scores a 65.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, landing almost exactly on the Kentucky state average of 66.3. As a Zone 7a region, it is more hospitable for lawns than the national average of 50.0. Residents here can expect a standard level of effort to keep their turf green and healthy.

Warm Summers and Active Mowing

With 39 extreme heat days per year, Henderson is significantly warmer than the state average. This heat, paired with 4,281 growing degree days, leads to rapid grass growth but also increases heat stress. The 46.8 inches of annual precipitation helps offset this, providing a good baseline for moisture.

Ideal Soil Chemistry for Grass

The soil pH in Henderson County is 6.05, which sits perfectly at the start of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The texture is dominated by 20.8% clay and a low 13.8% sand content, which means the ground holds nutrients well. This foundation requires fewer amendments than many other Kentucky counties.

Managing Dry Soil Pockets

While the county saw 6 weeks of drought last year, currently 18.5% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. This suggests that summer heat is beginning to outpace recent rainfall. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth during humid nights.

Seeding for Success in Henderson

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or even Bermuda grass do well in this Zone 7a environment. With the last spring frost on April 9 and the first fall frost on October 29, you have a generous window for establishment. Aim to seed in late September to take advantage of cooling temperatures and autumn rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson County's county score?
Henderson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Kentucky?
Henderson County ranks #111 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Henderson County is $1,455, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Henderson County a tax score of 47/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henderson County?
The median household income in Henderson County, Kentucky is $58,239 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henderson County earns an income score of 33.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henderson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Henderson County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #111 in Kentucky. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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