CountyScore

Henderson County

Texas · TX

#166 in Texas
61
County Score

County Report Card

About Henderson County, Texas

A Strong National Performer

Henderson County's composite score of 70.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle echelon of American counties for livability. Its strong showing reflects a well-balanced profile focused on affordability and tax efficiency.

Among Texas's Best Counties

Henderson ranks above Texas's state average of 66.8 with a score of 70.4, solidifying its place among the state's more livable counties. This standing is driven largely by its tax advantages and housing costs.

Unbeatable Tax and Housing Combo

Henderson boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.981% and a cost score of 78.4, with median home values of just $189,600. Combined with median rent of $978/month, it delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious residents.

Lower Incomes and Missing Data

Henderson's income score of 25.1 is the lowest in this group, with median household income at $63,955, suggesting limited job growth or lower-wage employment. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable for a complete picture.

For Cost-Conscious Rural Dwellers

Henderson suits retirees, remote workers, and families relocating for affordability over opportunity. With minimal tax burden and rock-bottom housing costs, it's a haven for those who've secured income elsewhere.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.7Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth51.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.1Risk15.5WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Henderson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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61
Median income: $53,044
Richmond County
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61
Median income: $53,197
Whiteside County
Illinois
61
Median income: $64,536
Johnson County
Iowa
61
Median income: $74,721

Deep Dives

Henderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henderson County

via TaxByCounty

Henderson ranks among nation's lowest

At 0.981%, Henderson County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 25th percentile—a genuine bargain for property owners. The median tax of $1,859 on a $189,600 home is one of the lowest in the country.

Texas's most tax-friendly county

Henderson County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among the eight counties profiled here at just 0.981%, significantly below Texas's 1.276% state average. Its median property tax of $1,859 is the lowest in this group and 15% below the state median of $2,193.

Clear winner for tax relief

Henderson County's 0.981% rate beats all regional peers: Hemphill (1.164%), Hill (1.234%), and Hopkins (1.073%) all charge measurably more. This makes Henderson the most affordable option for property owners in East Texas.

What $189,600 home costs yearly

A median-priced Henderson County home carries $1,859 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $2,670 with a mortgage. At roughly $155 per month, it's among the lowest property tax burdens in Texas.

Even low taxes warrant review

Even with Henderson County's favorable rates, homeowners should verify their assessed values are accurate—errors happen regardless of tax rate. A quick comparison to recent comparable sales in your area can reveal if you're paying more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henderson County

via CostByCounty

Henderson balances tight income with modest rents

Henderson County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above national norms, and income here ($63,955) trails the national median ($74,755) by 14%. The trade-off: rents are among Texas's most reasonable at $978 monthly.

Right in line with Texas affordability

Henderson's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio nearly mirrors Texas's 18.1% state average, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's housing spectrum. Rents at $978 monthly are just 1.5% above the state median, reflecting East Texas's stable rural economy.

Competitive with Hopkins, cheaper than Hays

Henderson's $978 rent is comparable to Hopkins County ($1,038) and Hill County ($929), but far below Hays ($1,417). Homeowners here pay $809 monthly—among the lowest in this group and well below Hays's $1,787.

Housing costs $1,787 of $63,955 income

Renters spend 18.4% of the median $63,955 income on rent alone, while homeowners allocate 12.7% to mortgage costs. Combined, housing consumes roughly 31% of household income—manageable, though leaving less room for other expenses.

East Texas offers rural stability

Henderson appeals to those seeking affordable small-town life: $189,600 homes and $978 rents without Texas's booming-city price tags. Just note that median income here is notably lower, so prioritize jobs or retirement income before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Henderson County slightly trails national median

Henderson County's median household income of $63,955 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,800, or 14.4%. However, the county remains a solid middle-income community relative to the broader American landscape.

Just slightly above Texas average

Henderson County's median household income of $63,955 edges just 1.3% above Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it near the middle of the state's income distribution. Per capita income of $33,734 remains close to the state average of $33,197.

Lower end of regional income spectrum

Henderson County's $63,955 median household income falls below nearby Hays County ($85,827) and Hood County ($86,802), though it's comparable to Hill County ($63,147) and Hopkins County ($64,725). The county represents a more rural, traditionally agricultural economic base.

Housing costs moderately manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% means housing consumes roughly 1 in 5.4 dollars of gross income, slightly above the national comfort threshold. Median home values of $189,600 remain within reach for many households, though rising property costs warrant budget planning.

Strategic financial planning builds stability

Henderson County households earning near the median should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring employer retirement benefits to secure long-term financial health. With housing costs at 18.4% of income, disciplined budgeting can unlock funds for wealth-building investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Henderson County

via HealthByCounty

Henderson County health lags nationally

Henderson County's 72.0-year life expectancy falls 2.5 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 21.7% of residents report poor or fair health. These figures signal persistent health challenges that demand attention.

Below-average health across Texas

At 72.0 years, Henderson County's life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Texas counties, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by 2.3 years. The 22.4% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 19.8%, straining the county's healthcare system.

Henderson struggles against peers

Henderson County's 72.0-year life expectancy trails Hays County (79.4 years) by 7.4 years and Hood County (76.0 years) by 4 years. With 22.4% uninsured and only 36 primary care providers per 100K, the county faces compounded access and coverage challenges.

Doctor shortage meets coverage crisis

Henderson County has just 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 67 mental health providers per 100,000, among the lowest in the comparison. The 22.4% uninsured rate means a significant share cannot reliably reach even these limited providers.

Insurance is your first step to care

With limited providers and high uninsured rates, getting covered is critical in Henderson County. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the county health department to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans designed for your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henderson County

via RiskByCounty

Henderson sits solidly above national risk

Henderson County's composite risk score of 84.54 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, meaningfully higher than the national average. This elevated exposure reflects the east Texas county's vulnerability to severe weather and flooding.

Higher-risk than most Texas counties

With a score of 84.54 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Henderson ranks among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's position in east Texas exposes it to hazards that exceed typical statewide exposure.

Most threatened county in east Texas cluster

Henderson County's 84.54 score exceeds nearby Hopkins County (71.22) and Hill County (72.96), making it the highest-risk county in its region. Only Hays County and Hidalgo County statewide face greater overall composite risk.

Tornadoes and floods are your chief dangers

Tornado risk stands at 93.54, the second-highest statewide, while flood risk reaches 72.87, creating a one-two punch of severe weather threats. Wildfire risk of 75.48 adds a third significant hazard to the county's profile.

Strengthen tornado and flood protections

With tornado risk above 93 and flood risk above 72, Henderson residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance plus separate flood coverage and storm shelters. Ensure your policy covers wind damage from severe storms and verify flood coverage extends to your property's actual risk zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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