countyscore
53.1
County Score
Property Tax 89Water Quality 86Cost of Living 71.8

County Report Card

About Henderson County, Tennessee

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Henderson County earns a composite score of 53.2, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded rural profile with high personal financial benefits.

Leading the Tennessee Average

The county’s score exceeds the state average of 51.3, marking it as a preferred destination in the region. It successfully balances low taxes with solid environmental infrastructure.

Tax Advantages and Safe Water

A high tax score of 89.0 is driven by an effective rate of just 0.469%, keeping more money in residents' pockets. The county also features excellent water quality, scoring an 86.0 on the index.

Income and Health Score Gaps

While housing is affordable, the income score of 21.6 suggests that high-paying local jobs are limited. Healthcare outcomes also need improvement, as the health score currently sits at 23.5.

A Strong Choice for Stability

Henderson County is ideal for families and retirees seeking a stable, low-tax environment that outperforms state averages. It offers a high value for those who value safety and environmental quality.

Score breakdown

Tax89Cost71.8Safety31.6Health23.5Schools57Income21.6Risk36.9Water86Weather63.6
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.3
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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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 below national tax average

Henderson County's effective tax rate of 0.469% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.51%, offering relative tax relief. The median property tax of $732 on homes worth $156,000 represents just 27% of the national median of $2,690, benefiting from both lower rates and modest home values.

Low-tax county in Tennessee

Henderson County's effective rate of 0.469% falls below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, ranking among the state's more affordable counties. Its median annual tax of $732 is approximately 72% of the state median of $1,016, placing it in the lower-tax tier statewide.

Henderson among region's lowest taxers

At 0.469%, Henderson County's rate is lower than all neighbors except Hardin County (0.432%) and Hancock County (0.452%), making it one of the region's most tax-friendly options. It sits well below higher-taxing neighbors like Hawkins (0.563%) and Hamilton (0.669%).

Median home costs $732 yearly

A typical Henderson County home valued at $156,000 generates approximately $732 in annual property taxes at the 0.469% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($866), while those owning outright pay less ($676).

Verify your assessment for savings

Even in a low-tax county, Henderson homeowners benefit from confirming their assessments are accurate. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales could reveal overvaluation and unlock additional savings on already modest tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henderson County

via CostByCounty

Henderson near national housing norm

Henderson County renters spend 18.2% of income on rent, slightly above the national average of roughly 18%. Median household income of $53,471 trails the national median of $74,755 by a quarter, but housing costs remain manageable relative to earnings.

Better than most Tennessee counties

Henderson County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, but only marginally—placing it in the better half of state county rankings. The $812 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $860.

Mid-range costs and wages

Henderson's $812 rent ranks higher than Hawkins ($744) and Haywood ($725), while household income ($53,471) sits between Henry ($48,540) and Hawkins ($55,278). The county occupies comfortable middle ground regionally.

Ownership cheaper than renting

Renters spend $812 monthly while homeowners pay $592—a $220 gap favoring ownership on a median income of $4,456. After housing, renting households have roughly $3,600 for other needs, though ownership provides better cash flow.

Solid option for budget-conscious buyers

Henderson County offers slightly above-average affordability paired with reasonable wages—particularly attractive if you can buy rather than rent. The $220 monthly gap between renting and owning suggests that accumulating down payment savings here is achievable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Henderson County income moderately below national

Henderson County's median household income of $53,471 is 28% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic conditions common across West Tennessee. The income gap illustrates limited access to high-wage professional and technical jobs available in larger metro areas.

Close to Tennessee state average

Henderson County earns 9% below Tennessee's state median of $58,994, positioning it slightly below the state average. Per capita income of $27,722 trails the state average of $31,458, but the difference is modest, suggesting average earning patterns for rural Tennessee.

Upper-middle position regionally

Henderson County's $53,471 median income ranks above most comparable rural counties including Henry ($48,540), Hardeman ($46,173), and Haywood ($43,513), but trails Hawkins ($55,278) by approximately $1,800. The county represents a stable middle ground in rural West Tennessee's income spectrum.

Housing costs stay manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability threshold, making rent sustainable for most households. With a median home value of $156,000 and moderate household incomes, homeownership remains achievable with reasonable financial discipline.

Build on Henderson's stability

Henderson County residents should prioritize directing 5–10% of gross income into dedicated savings or retirement accounts, building a cushion for emergencies and retirement. Explore whether local employers offer matched 401(k) contributions or pension plans—even small matching contributions accelerate wealth accumulation over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Henderson County Among the Region's Safest

Henderson County boasts a strong safety score of 97.5, with a total crime rate of 1,612.5 per 100K. This is well below the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Outperforming Tennessee Safety Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,612.5 is lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. It also ranks slightly higher than the state's average safety score of 97.2.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Henderson County reports less crime than neighbors like Hardin (2,717.7) and Hardeman (2,010.2). Data from two reporting agencies confirm its status as a relatively secure regional hub.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is low at 287.3 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime follows a similar trend at 1,325.2 compared to the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Preserving Henderson County's Safety

Maintaining standard home security habits like locking gates and vehicles helps keep these low rates stable. Simple deterrents like porch lights and visible cameras remain highly effective in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henderson County

via HealthByCounty

Henderson County lags behind national health

At 71.7 years, Henderson County's life expectancy falls 4.7 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 23.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national 21%—chronic disease management remains a pressing challenge.

Below-average health rank statewide

Henderson County's 71.7-year life expectancy trails Tennessee's 72.4-year average by 0.7 years, placing it in the state's lower-performing tier. Its 23.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state experience, signaling higher chronic disease burden.

Mid-tier health outcomes in region

Henderson County's 71.7-year life expectancy outpaces Hancock, Hardeman, and Hardin but falls below Hamilton and Henry. Its 23.8% poor/fair health rate ranks middle-of-pack among the eight counties, similar to Henry (23.6%).

Moderate primary care, limited mental health

Henderson County has 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below-average—and just 57 mental health providers per 100,000, limiting behavioral health access. An 11.6% uninsured rate means coverage gaps further constrain care options for vulnerable residents.

Coverage bridges the provider gap

Henderson County's 11.6% uninsured rate compounds limited primary and mental health provider networks. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure coverage, ensuring you can access available providers and connect with telehealth resources when local options are scarce.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Henderson’s Robust School Network

Henderson County features 11 public schools with a total enrollment of 4,938 students. The landscape is dominated by elementary education, with 8 primary schools feeding into 1 middle school and 2 high schools. This ensures a strong start for the county's youngest learners across two local districts.

Outperforming State Averages

With a stellar 97% graduation rate, Henderson County significantly exceeds both state and national benchmarks. The school score of 55.4 is well above the national median, reflecting high academic quality. This success is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $6,141, slightly below the state average, demonstrating high efficiency.

Dual Districts in Henderson County

The county is divided between the Henderson County district (9 schools) and the Lexington district (2 schools). While the Henderson County district serves the majority of students, the Lexington district provides focused town-based education for nearly 900 students. No charter schools are currently operating in the area.

A Traditional Rural School Experience

Nine of the county's 11 schools are located in rural areas, offering a classic community-based education. The average school size is 449 students, with Lexington High School being the largest at 901 students. Many elementary schools, like Westover, serve large PK-8 populations, keeping students in one familiar environment for longer.

Choosing a Home for Education

Henderson County is an ideal choice for families seeking top-tier graduation rates and a rural atmosphere. With schools consistently outperforming national metrics, real estate in both Lexington and the outlying county remains in high demand. Start your home search here to secure a place in this high-achieving school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henderson County

via RiskByCounty

Henderson County above-average earthquake risk

Henderson County scores 63.10 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating and sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Earthquakes dominate at 92.62, making seismic hazard the county's defining natural disaster concern, while tornadoes (80.03) pose a secondary spring threat. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks remain moderate to low, making Henderson earthquake-centric.

High earthquake risk, moderate overall rank

Henderson County ranks mid-tier statewide for overall disaster risk but sits in the top tier for earthquake exposure, with a 92.62 score reflecting significant seismic vulnerability. Its tornado risk of 80.03 places it in the upper-middle range of Tennessee counties, while flood and wildfire risks lag well behind. Earthquakes account for the bulk of Henderson's natural disaster exposure.

Riskier than Hancock, less than Hardin

Henderson County's 63.10 score sits safely above Hancock County's exceptional 11.93 but below Hardin County's 70.71, positioning it as regionally moderate. Its 92.62 earthquake score nearly matches Haywood County's 94.94, making both counties seismic hot spots. Unlike Hardin, Henderson's tornado risk (80.03) is high but not extreme, giving it a more earthquake-skewed profile.

Earthquakes and tornadoes merit action

Earthquakes are your dominant hazard at 92.62, with moderate tremors occurring regularly from nearby fault systems and capable of damaging structures, especially older buildings. Tornadoes rank second at 80.03, creating seasonal spring risk from March through May. Floods and wildfires remain minimal concerns; your risk mitigation should focus on seismic and tornado resilience.

Bundle earthquake and windstorm coverage

Add earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy now—Henderson's 92.62 score demands this protection given the region's active fault systems and frequent tremor activity. Include windstorm/hail riders for tornado protection, especially important during spring months. Review your combined earthquake and tornado coverage annually to maintain adequate limits as your home's value appreciates.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henderson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and consistently wet

Henderson County averages 59.2°F annually, placing it among the warmer half of U.S. counties. Its 54.8 inches of annual rain is slightly below the state average but remains high by national standards.

Typical West Tennessee warmth

At 59.2°F, the county is about one degree warmer than the Tennessee state average. It ranks as a moderately warm county within the state's diverse climate profile.

A middle ground for temperature

Henderson is cooler than nearby Haywood County but slightly warmer than Henry County to the north. This central location in West Tennessee creates a balanced but warm regional climate.

Long summers and brief winters

The county averages 52 days of extreme heat above 90°F, making for a long and intense summer season. Snow is a rare sight, with the county receiving only 1.5 inches in an average year.

Focus on summer maintenance

With over 50 days of extreme heat, air conditioning maintenance is the most critical home task. Winter preparations are less about snow and more about managing the 54.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henderson County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Clay Loams and Alfisols

Henderson County is characterized by Alfisols with a dominant texture of silty clay loam. The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16, falling below the state average of 5.35.

A Dense, Clay-Rich Texture

The soil contains 49.2% silt and 33.8% sand, but its silty clay loam designation highlights the influence of its 17.1% clay. This mix provides strong nutrient retention but can be heavy and slow to dry.

Good Water Storage, Low Organic Matter

Available water capacity is 0.182 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.171. However, organic matter is low at 1.14%, so heavy feeding plants will need supplemental nitrogen and compost.

Slow Drainage and High Runoff Potential

The soil is moderately well-drained but belongs to hydrologic group D, the slowest category for water infiltration. This means the ground saturates quickly, making drainage management essential for gardening.

Zone 7b: A Long Summer Season

Henderson County's 7b zone offers a lengthy window for warm-weather crops like squash and peppers. Despite a lower soil score of 26.4, the high water capacity ensures your plants stay hydrated through the heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henderson County

via LawnByCounty

Henderson County's Grass-Growing Hurdles

Henderson County faces a lawn difficulty score of 37.3, which is lower than the Tennessee average of 48.0. In USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, the combination of high summer temperatures and acidic soil creates a moderate challenge for homeowners. Success requires a data-driven approach to soil management and irrigation.

Managing the Fifty-Day Heat Window

Residents must manage 52 extreme heat days each year, placing significant stress on non-native grass varieties. The 54.8 inches of annual rain is slightly above the state average, providing a good baseline of moisture if managed correctly. The growing season is active between the frost dates of April 5 and October 30.

A Silty Clay Loam Foundation

Henderson's soil is characterized as silty clay loam with a moderately well-drained profile. The pH stands at 5.16, meaning the soil is quite acidic and will likely need lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With 17.1% clay and 33.8% sand, the texture is well-suited for holding nutrients once the pH is balanced.

Responding to Seasonal Dryness

The county experienced 20 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, the entire county is abnormally dry. This consistent threat of dryness, combined with 52 days of 90°F heat, makes supplemental irrigation a necessity for green lawns. Prioritizing soil health can help the turf better withstand these frequent dry periods.

Best Practices for Zone 7b Turf

Given the 4,667 growing degree days, warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda are excellent choices for this climate. Aim to seed or sod in mid-April after the risk of frost has passed on April 5. Fall maintenance should be completed by late October before the first frost settles in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson County's county score?
Henderson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Tennessee?
Henderson County ranks #41 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Henderson County is $732, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Henderson County a tax score of 89/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henderson County?
The median household income in Henderson County, Tennessee is $53,471 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henderson County earns an income score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henderson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Henderson County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Tennessee. 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.