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Henderson County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#34 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.1
County Score
Property Tax 83.6Weather & Climate 76.6Income & Jobs 60.6

County Report Card

About Henderson County, North Carolina

Approaching National Performance Benchmarks

Henderson County earns a composite score of 48.1, putting it just shy of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that Henderson ranks among the top half of North Carolina counties for overall livability.

Leading Above the State Average

Henderson's composite score of 48.1 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 44.7. The county represents one of the stronger performers in the state's western region.

Excellent Taxes and Health Services

Henderson boasts an elite tax score of 83.6 with a very low effective tax rate of 0.524%. Strong income and health scores of 60.6 and 57.2 suggest a prosperous population with access to quality care.

High Prices and Environmental Risks

Housing affordability is a concern with a cost score of 26.4, as median home values reach $317,800. Additionally, the risk score of 16.2 reflects susceptibility to environmental hazards that residents must prepare for.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Henderson County is ideal for families and retirees who prioritize low tax burdens and excellent health outcomes. Those moving here should be prepared for higher home prices compared to the state average.

Score breakdown

Tax83.6Cost26.4Safety35.5Health57.2Schools47.5Income60.6Risk16.2Water51.5Weather76.6
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤76.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.9
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

Polk County
North Carolina
52.6
Buncombe County
North Carolina
41.4
Transylvania County
North Carolina
56.4
Rutherford County
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Greenville County
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Pickens County
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McDowell County
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Haywood County
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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 claims NC's lowest tax rate

Henderson County's 0.524% effective rate ranks in the 15th percentile nationally and is 26% lower than the US median of 0.703%. Despite median homes valued at $317,800—above the national average—Henderson residents pay just $1,667 annually, making this mountain county a national standout for tax efficiency.

Henderson leads NC in tax savings

At 0.524%, Henderson carries North Carolina's lowest effective tax rate, 25% below the state average of 0.701%. Among all 100 NC counties, Henderson ranks first for tax favorability.

Henderson lowest in the eight-county sample

Henderson's 0.524% rate is significantly lower than all neighbors in this comparison, including nearest competitor Haywood (0.601%) and distant Guilford (0.883%). The gap between Henderson and highest-rate Halifax (1.135%) represents a 117% difference in effective tax burden.

Henderson homeowner annual tax bill

Despite the highest median home value in this sample at $317,800, Henderson residents pay approximately $1,667 annually in property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the total typically reaches about $1,682.

Verify your valuation even here

Henderson's favorable tax climate makes accurate assessments even more crucial—individual overvaluations stand out against the county norm. Request a property tax appeal if you believe your assessment exceeds fair market value for your home.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henderson County

via CostByCounty

Henderson edges into affordability concern

Henderson County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the 20% warning threshold, with median rent of $1,120/month and median household income of $67,623. The county hovers at the boundary of healthy housing burden.

Slightly above NC's affordability line

Henderson's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, making it a pricier county relative to state norms. Median rent runs $182 above the state median of $938, reflecting mountain-region desirability.

NC's priciest rental market in group

Henderson's $1,120 median rent is the highest among all eight comparison counties, topping even Guilford and Haywood. This premium reflects the county's status as a mountain destination with strong retiree and remote-worker demand.

Homeownership unlocks better value

Renters pay $1,120/month while homeowners spend $973/month—a $147 monthly savings that highlights the rental market's premium. At $317,800, Henderson's median home value is the highest in our analysis, yet mortgages remain cheaper than rents.

Henderson: buy or bring higher income

Henderson County's mountain charm commands top-dollar rents—at 19.9% of income, renters are dangerously close to affordability crisis. Consider ownership if you can qualify, or ensure your remote income substantially exceeds the $67,623 median to avoid housing stress.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Henderson approaches national income levels

Henderson County's median household income of $67,623 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $7,100, but represents solid middle-class earning power well above state average. The county ranks in the upper tier of American counties and demonstrates strong economic performance for its size.

Henderson ranks among state's top earners

At $67,623, Henderson County's median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by 11%, placing it solidly in the upper third of the state's 100 counties. The county's per capita income of $38,976 is the highest among all eight counties profiled here, reflecting exceptional individual earning capacity.

Henderson leads all peer counties profiled

Henderson's $67,623 median household income surpasses all comparable counties in this analysis, including Harnett ($69,012), Guilford ($66,027), and Haywood ($61,001). The county's high per capita income of $38,976 signals both robust household earnings and strong individual wage opportunities across sectors.

Rent affordable, housing premium priced

Henderson households spend just 19.9% of income on rent, leaving comfortable room for savings and other expenses. However, the median home value of $317,800 is the highest among all profiled counties, creating a significant affordability challenge for homebuyers relative to income, though appreciation potential is strong.

Henderson: maximize investment opportunities

Henderson's above-average income and favorable rent ratios position households to aggressively build wealth through 15–20% retirement savings, investment accounts, and real estate appreciation. Families here should explore multiple investment vehicles—401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts—to capitalize on sustained earning power and grow assets toward seven-figure net worth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Henderson County: A National Safety Leader

Henderson County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.6, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1498.2 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights the county as one of the safer regions in the United States.

Leading the State in Safety

With a safety score of 97.6, Henderson County outshines the North Carolina state average of 96.8. The local crime rate of 1498.2 is also much lower than the state average of 2,050.0. It ranks as a top-tier destination for those prioritizing a low-crime environment in North Carolina.

Neighboring Counties Show Higher Crime

Henderson County is considerably safer than neighboring Haywood County, where the crime rate reaches 1983.9. It also maintains a lower crime volume than Hertford County, which sits at 1470.0. The area stands out as a pocket of relative peace compared to its regional peers.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

The violent crime rate in Henderson is exceptionally low at 132.2 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime also stays low at 1366.0, compared to the US average of 2,015.7. These figures indicate that residents face minimal risk of serious crime in their daily lives.

Maintaining Your Secure Home Environment

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but staying vigilant remains important for homeowners. Utilizing smart home cameras can help you monitor your property and contribute to overall neighborhood security. Keeping your home well-lit at night is a simple and effective deterrent for any potential trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henderson County

via HealthByCounty

Henderson leads on life expectancy

At 77.4 years, Henderson County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Just 15.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%.

A North Carolina health champion

Henderson's 77.4-year life expectancy significantly exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year state average—among the best in the state. However, its 13.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 12.5%.

Top-tier provider access

Henderson offers 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 275 mental health providers per 100,000, providing strong healthcare infrastructure. This robust network supports the county's excellent health outcomes.

13.6% of Henderson residents uninsured

Despite abundant providers, about 1 in 7 Henderson residents lack health insurance coverage. This gap means some miss preventive care even in a county with exceptional healthcare resources.

Bridge the coverage gap today

Visit nchealthplans.gov to compare plans or call 1-855-408-1010 for free help enrolling. Henderson's excellent providers are best accessed with coverage in place.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Excellence in a Thriving School System

Henderson County features 25 public schools and a total enrollment of 13,614 students across three districts. This robust infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 6 high schools.

Regional Leaders in High School Graduation

The county achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average of 88.0% and the national average of 87.0%. Academic performance is strong, with a school score of 53.7 that beats the state median.

Henderson County Schools Serves the Majority

Henderson County Schools is the primary district, managing 23 schools and 12,896 students. Two charter schools, including FernLeaf Community Charter, offer alternative educational paths for over 700 local students.

A Predominantly Suburban Learning Experience

Education here typically happens in suburban settings, which account for 18 of the 25 schools. The average school size is 545 students, with North Henderson High serving as the largest campus with 1,146 students.

Join a High-Achieving Education Community

With a 92% graduation rate, Henderson County is a top destination for education-focused home buyers. Explore residential options near North Henderson or West Henderson High to secure a place in these sought-after districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henderson County

via RiskByCounty

Henderson County ranks above-average nationally

Henderson's composite risk score of 83.78 exceeds the national median and earns a Relatively Moderate rating, indicating elevated disaster exposure. Residents face measurably higher natural hazard risk compared to typical U.S. counties.

Among North Carolina's higher-risk counties

At 83.78, Henderson ranks in the upper third of North Carolina's counties, well above the state average of 66.72. The county's mountain location and proximity to multiple hazard zones drive this elevated composite score.

Riskiest in its immediate region

Henderson (83.78) substantially exceeds neighboring Polk, Transylvania, and Buncombe counties in composite risk, making it one of the mountain region's most hazard-exposed areas. Only Guilford County (93.45) elsewhere in the state carries comparable risk.

Earthquakes and floods compound mountain risks

Henderson faces earthquake risk of 84.61 and flood risk of 84.00—both significantly elevated due to its Blue Ridge location. Tornado risk (80.57) adds a third serious threat to this multi-hazard environment.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Henderson's earthquake (84.61), flood (84.00), and tornado (80.57) risks demand robust insurance: verify earthquake coverage, secure separate flood insurance, and ensure wind protection. Foundation reinforcement and proper drainage infrastructure provide critical physical protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henderson County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild national outlier

Henderson County’s 55.5°F annual average temperature is slightly above the national median but cool for the Southeast. The elevation provides a temperate refuge from the typical Southern heat.

Cool and exceptionally wet

The county is cooler than the 59.3°F state average but significantly wetter, receiving 54.8 inches of rain annually. This is over three inches more than the typical North Carolina county receives.

Wetter and snowier than the Piedmont

Henderson experiences 7.9 inches of annual snow, far exceeding the 1-2 inches seen in neighboring Gaston. It also records only 9 extreme heat days, compared to the 35+ seen in lower-elevation neighbors.

Gentle summers and snowy winters

July averages 73.5°F with only 9 days reaching 90°F, while January stays cold at 36.9°F. The 7.9 inches of annual snowfall makes this one of the state's more active winter weather zones.

Rain and snow protection

Residents need heavy-duty rain gear and proper drainage for 54.8 inches of annual precipitation. Winter tires are also recommended to navigate the 7.9 inches of snow that fall on the county's mountain roads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henderson County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Acidic Mountain Soils

Henderson County soil has a pH of 5.07, which is slightly more acidic than the North Carolina average of 5.14. Despite being well below the national median of 6.5, the county boasts a high soil score of 40.4. This indicates a robust growing environment compared to many of its state neighbors.

A Silty, Productive Texture

The soil is a balanced mix of 50.2% sand, 31.7% silt, and 14.3% clay. The high silt content gives the soil a silky feel and improves its ability to hold nutrients and moisture compared to sandier coastal soils. This texture is highly prized for its versatility in both agriculture and landscaping.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Henderson stands out with 6.35% organic matter, exceeding the state average of 5.12% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.148 in/in, this soil is naturally fertile and excellent at supporting plant life through dry spells. It is among the more productive soils in the region.

Superior Moisture Management

While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high organic matter and silt levels suggest excellent water retention. The 50.2% sand content ensures that the soil still breathes, preventing the stagnation often found in heavy clay soils. This makes the ground resilient for both farming and residential development.

The Heart of Apple Country

Located in Zone 7b, Henderson is world-renowned for its apple orchards and thriving nurseries. The high organic matter supports everything from rhododendrons to berries and cool-season vegetables. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-dense mountain soil with very little supplemental feeding.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henderson County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growing in the Blue Ridge

Henderson County features a strong difficulty score of 57.9, making it significantly easier to manage than the national average. Situated in Zone 7b, it benefits from a more temperate climate that favors many popular grass varieties.

High Rainfall and Low Heat

With 54.8 inches of annual precipitation, Henderson is one of the wettest counties in the region, providing ample natural irrigation. Only 9 days per year see temperatures hit 90°F, which keeps cool-season grasses from scorching during the summer months.

Amending Acidic Mountain Soil

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.07, requiring a dedicated liming program to reach the preferred 6.0-7.0 range. A balanced mix of 50.2% sand and 14.3% clay suggests a soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.

Resilience Amid Current Shortages

Henderson saw 19 weeks of drought last year, but currently faces 100% severe drought conditions. Utilizing rain barrels can help capture the county's high average rainfall to bridge the gaps during these dry periods.

Seeding for Success in 7b

Tall Fescue is the most reliable choice for Henderson lawns, offering year-round green in this climate. The growing window opens after the April 17 frost and continues until the first freeze around October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson County's county score?
Henderson County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 48.1 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 North Carolina?
Henderson County ranks #34 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Henderson County is $1,667, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Henderson County a tax score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henderson County?
The median household income in Henderson County, North Carolina is $67,623 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henderson County earns an income score of 60.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henderson County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Henderson County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in North Carolina. 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.

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