countyscore
38.8
County Score
Schools 64.3Income & Jobs 50.7Lawn Care 47.5

County Report Card

About Henderson County, Texas

Trailing National Quality Benchmarks

Henderson County holds a composite score of 38.8, which falls short of the 50.0 national median. While it provides certain economic advantages, it ranks in the lower half of counties nationwide. This score reflects significant challenges in infrastructure and health outcomes.

Slightly Below the Texas Average

At 38.8, Henderson County is just under the Texas state average of 41.9. It performs predictably for a rural-adjacent Texas county but lacks the high-end scores of the state's top-tier regions. It remains a middle-of-the-pack option within the state landscape.

Affordable Housing and Low Taxes

The county's strengths lie in its financial accessibility, with a cost score of 42.0 and a tax score of 39.6. With an effective tax rate of only 0.981%, it is one of the more tax-friendly areas in the region. Housing is also relatively attainable with a median value of $189,600.

Critical Gaps in Health and Risk

The health score is a concerningly low 17.0, and the environmental risk score sits at 15.5. Water quality is also a struggle, scoring only 20.4 on the composite index. These figures suggest that the county's low costs come with significant infrastructure and wellness trade-offs.

A Budget-Friendly Choice with Caveats

Henderson County is best for retirees or budget-conscious residents who prioritize low taxes and cheap land. It is less ideal for those requiring advanced medical care or high-quality public water systems. Growth in these sectors would be necessary to raise its overall profile.

2040608010039.64237.21764.350.715.520.435.2Tax39.6Cost42Safety37.2Health17Schools64.3Income50.7Risk15.5Water20.4Weather35.238.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 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 Water Quality (20.4/100), though Schools (64.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.6-12.399999999999999
Cost
42
Safety
37.2-17.799999999999997
Health
17-33
Schools
64.3+10.299999999999997
Income
50.7
Risk
15.5-31.5
Water
20.4-37.6
Weather
35.2-20.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$189,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$978/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,955/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.7

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

Navarro County
Texas
30.3
Freestone County
Texas
39.4
Van Zandt County
Texas
41.4
Kaufman County
Texas
29.4
Anderson County
Texas
41
Smith County
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29.6
Rains County
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48.2
Ellis County
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30.8

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 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

Safety in Henderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores for Henderson

Henderson County earns a safety score of 97.7, comfortably exceeding the national total crime rate benchmark. With 1,446.3 crimes per 100K, the county remains significantly safer than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Secure Standing in the Lone Star State

This score of 97.7 places Henderson County slightly above the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Local agencies report a total crime rate that is nearly 30% lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100K.

Consistent Safety Across East Texas

Henderson County tracks favorably against neighboring East Texas counties, benefiting from a robust network of 22 reporting agencies. Its crime rate of 1,446.3 per 100K reflects a regional standard for rural and lakeside safety.

Low Violent Crime Risk

Property crime accounts for 1,143.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 302.6 per 100K. Residents primarily deal with theft-related issues rather than violent encounters, which stay below the national average.

Securing Your Lakeside Property

While the county is generally safe, protecting lakeside properties with motion sensors and cameras is a wise investment. Proactive security measures help maintain the peace in this East Texas community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Henderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Network Serving 11,000 Students

Henderson County supports 31 public schools across eight districts, providing a comprehensive 14 elementary and 7 high school options. Total enrollment has reached 11,155 students across the region.

High Graduation and Competitive Scores

An impressive 96.1% graduation rate puts Henderson County well above the state and national averages. The county achieves a 56.5 school score, outperforming the state average of 55.3 despite spending $6,894 per pupil.

Athens and Brownsboro Lead Growth

Athens ISD is the largest district with 3,099 students, followed closely by Brownsboro ISD. The county relies exclusively on traditional districts, as there are no charter schools in operation.

A Predominantly Rural Education Landscape

With 22 schools in rural settings, the average enrollment is a manageable 372 students. Athens High School is the largest facility with 928 students, offering a mid-sized campus feel.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

Henderson County offers families the benefit of rural serenity paired with academic outcomes that beat state benchmarks. Start your home search near these top-rated rural and town districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Henderson County

via WaterByCounty

Persistent Compliance Challenges in Henderson County

Henderson County receives an F grade due to 167 health violations recorded over a five-year period. While its rate of 128.9 per 100,000 residents is below the state average of 581.9, the sheer volume of violations is concerning.

Watershed Health Data Currently Unavailable

Federal §303(d) assessments do not currently cover Henderson County’s water bodies. As a result, there is no data on impaired waters for this reporting cycle.

Over Twelve Thousand Measurements Track Quality

Monitoring efforts are active at 28 sites, yielding 12,777 measurements over the past five years. Data collection emphasizes physical properties, inorganics, and nutrient levels across the county.

Trinity River Flowing Below Normal Mean

The Trinity River at Trinidad currently flows at 2,980 cfs, representing 63% of its long-term mean of 4,732 cfs. This major waterway drains a 8,538-square-mile area of East Texas.

Filtration Advised Due to Low Grades

Given the F grade for drinking water compliance, residents should consider using certified water filters to reduce exposure to potential contaminants. Testing private wells can help mitigate risks from frequent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henderson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Southern Climate

Henderson County averages 65.5°F, which is warmer than the national median. It receives a robust 44.8 inches of annual rainfall.

The Definition of Texas Average

The county's 65.5°F average perfectly matches the statewide temperature mean. It is wetter than the state average, receiving 13 inches more rain than the norm.

The Heart of East Texas

Henderson is slightly warmer than its neighbor Harrison. Both counties share high annual rainfall and the humid conditions of the piney woods region.

Steady Heat and Mild Winters

Summers average 82.4°F with 92 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are mild at 48.1°F, though specific local snowfall data is not currently recorded.

Rainwater and Heat Management

Maintain air conditioning to handle 92 days of extreme heat. With 44.8 inches of rain, ensure proper roof and gutter maintenance to prevent moisture damage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henderson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic East Texas Profile

Henderson County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.90, which is notably lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH contrasts sharply with the state's typically alkaline average of 7.09.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The profile is 54.1% sand, 20.4% silt, and 18.5% clay. This sandy structure ensures the soil is easy to till but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching during rainy seasons.

Nutrient and Water Management

Organic matter levels are 1.25%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is also lower than the Texas average, suggesting a need for frequent watering.

Restricted Subsurface Flow

The county falls into hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates despite the high sand content. This can lead to unexpected surface ponding during the intense storms common in East Texas.

Ideal Zone 8b Orchards

Zone 8b is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and peaches. The climate and soil combination create an ideal environment for East Texas timber and commercial fruit production.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henderson County

via LawnByCounty

Henderson's High Potential for Greenery

Henderson County is a Texas outlier with a relatively high lawn difficulty score of 47.5, approaching the national average of 50.0. This Zone 8b region offers some of the most favorable conditions in the state for maintaining a lush green space.

Abundant Rain Supports Turf Growth

The county receives a generous 44.8 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 13 inches more than the Texas average. Despite 92 days of heat above 90°F, the moisture levels help maintain a steady mowing schedule between March and November.

Acidic and Sandy Foundation

The soil is acidic at 5.90 pH, sitting just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turf. With a high sand content of 54.1%, you should focus on adding organic matter to improve water retention.

Brief Droughts and Severe Spells

Water conservation remains important as 47.0% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought. Henderson has spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year, suggesting that temporary dry spells can still stress your lawn.

Optimal Timing for East Texas

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are excellent choices for these acidic, sandy soils and moist conditions. Aim to seed or sod in late March once the threat of the last frost on March 18 has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson County's county score?
Henderson County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.8 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 Texas?
Henderson County ranks #153 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Henderson County is $1,859, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Henderson County a tax score of 39.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henderson County?
The median household income in Henderson County, Texas is $63,955 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henderson County earns an income score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henderson County, Texas a good place to live?
Henderson County scores 38.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #153 in Texas. 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.