39.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.7Water Quality 86Health 76.1

County Report Card

About Henrico County, Virginia

Below the National Median

Henrico County receives a composite score of 39.2, placing it below the national benchmark of 50.0. While it has strong economic pockets, the overall profile highlights diverse regional challenges.

Lagging Behind the Virginia Average

Henrico's score of 39.2 sits below the 50.9 state average for Virginia. It competes well in health and income but struggles in areas like safety and school performance.

Robust Incomes and Reliable Utilities

The county features a high income score of 89.7, driven by a median household income of $86,397. Water quality and health services also score high at 86.0 and 76.1 respectively.

Safety and Schooling Hurdles

The safety score of 11.3 and school score of 34.6 represent significant areas for improvement. Environmental risk is also a concern, as the county scores only 16.6 in that dimension.

Best for Professionals Seeking High Salaries

Henrico is a strong fit for established professionals who value healthcare access and high earning potential. Residents must balance these economic gains against lower scores in local safety and education.

Score breakdown

Tax60.3Cost8.1Safety11.3Health76.1Schools34.6Income89.7Risk16.6Water86Weather63
🏛60.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠8.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼89.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡11.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓34.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
16.6
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
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨19.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱56.3
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Henrico County

Whether buying or refinancing in Henrico County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Henrico County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henrico County

via TaxByCounty

Henrico moderately above national median

Henrico County's effective tax rate of 0.724% runs about 8% higher than the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Homeowners pay $2,416 annually on a median property value of $333,600, about 10% above the national median home value.

Henrico ranks above Virginia average

Henrico's 0.724% effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of Virginia's more tax-heavy counties. The median tax bill of $2,416 runs 23% above the state median of $1,960, though this reflects both the higher rate and stronger property values.

Henrico modestly heavier than Hanover

Henrico's 0.724% rate runs slightly above Hanover County's 0.672%, and both counties' residents pay similar annual taxes—$2,416 for Henrico versus $2,506 for Hanover. Henrico is significantly heavier than nearby Henry County at 0.502%, making it one of the region's pricier jurisdictions.

Henrico median home costs $2,416 yearly

A homeowner with Henrico's median property value of $333,600 pays roughly $2,416 annually in property taxes. Tax amounts remain consistent between mortgaged ($2,397) and unmortgaged ($2,461) properties, indicating relatively uniform treatment.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Henrico homeowners paying above-average Virginia taxes should periodically verify their property assessments against comparable recent sales. An appeal could reduce your burden if your home's assessed value doesn't align with current market conditions.

Cost of Living in Henrico County

via CostByCounty

Henrico Balances Income and Housing Costs

At 20.5%, Henrico County's rent-to-income ratio sits between national affordability (under 15%) and stress zones, reflecting housing costs that demand meaningful household income. With a median household income of $86,397—15% above the national median—Henrico residents have stronger financial footing than average Americans.

Moderate Housing Pressure in Virginia

Henrico's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's pricier housing markets. The county's proximity to Richmond's economic center and suburban appeal have kept both rents and home values elevated relative to rural alternatives.

Richmond's Affordable Urban Alternative

Henrico's median rent of $1,474 nearly matches Hanover's $1,496, but Henrico residents earn less ($86,397 vs. $109,504), making housing proportionally more burdensome. Compared to Isle of Wight County ($1,313 rent, $96,118 income), Henrico offers slightly higher rents but lower home values ($333,600 vs. $333,600).

Housing Takes 20% of Income

Henrico renters spend $1,474 monthly against a median income of $86,397, claiming 20.5% of earnings for rent alone. Homeowners face comparable costs at $1,483, while median home values of $333,600 sit within reach for dual-income or higher-earning households.

Henrico Offers Suburban Proximity with Costs

If you're relocating to the Richmond region, Henrico delivers urban amenities with a 20.5% rent-to-income ratio—reasonable but not cheap. Compare it against outer suburbs like Hanover (16.4% ratio) or rural areas further out for more breathing room in your housing budget.

Income & Jobs in Henrico County

via IncomeByCounty

Henrico's strong income above national average

Henrico County's median household income of $86,397 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 16%, positioning the county in America's upper-income tier. The county's proximity to Richmond's diverse economy drives this above-average earnings power.

Henrico outperforms Virginia average

At $86,397, Henrico's median household income runs $11,440 above Virginia's state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $50,277 also exceeds the state average of $39,155 by 28%.

Mid-tier earner among Virginia's wealthy

Henrico's $86,397 median income ranks below Hanover County ($109,504) and James City County ($107,046), but surpasses Isle of Wight County ($96,118) and significantly outdistances Henry County ($48,445). The county represents a balanced mix of suburban and urban economic opportunity.

Housing costs manageable for most

Henrico's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% indicates moderate housing affordability pressures, though still within reasonable bounds for the median household. Median home values of $333,600 remain accessible for dual-income households earning above the county median.

Leverage Henrico's solid income foundation

Henrico households earning $86,000+ have capacity to invest 10-15% of gross income into retirement and brokerage accounts for long-term wealth building. Consider homeownership equity growth and tax-advantaged investment vehicles to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Safety in Henrico County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Activity Levels in Henrico County

Henrico's total crime rate of 2670.2 per 100K residents is higher than the national average of 2385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 95.8.

Assessing Henrico Within Virginia Borders

The county's safety score of 95.8 is lower than the Virginia state average of 97.3. Total crime here exceeds the state average by nearly 1,000 incidents per 100K people.

Suburban Crime Trends Near Richmond

Data from four reporting agencies shows a total crime rate of 2670.2, reflecting the density of the Richmond suburbs. This rate is significantly higher than more rural neighboring counties but typical for high-traffic commerce centers.

Violent Crime Stays Below National Norms

Henrico reports a violent crime rate of 205.6, which is lower than both the state average of 229.7 and the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is high at 2464.6 per 100K residents.

Vigilance Against Property Theft

Because property crime drives the local rate at 2464.6 incidents per 100K, home and vehicle security are paramount. Secure all entry points to help bring these suburban numbers closer to the state average.

Health in Henrico County

via HealthByCounty

Henrico keeps pace with America's health

At 77.2 years, Henrico's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 75.5 years. The county's 15.4% poor/fair health rate runs slightly below the national average, pointing to a generally well-managed health profile.

Henrico outperforms Virginia on longevity

Henrico's 77.2-year life expectancy surpasses Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by 2.1 years. The 15.4% poor/fair health rate also beats Virginia's overall health reporting, reflecting better-than-average county outcomes.

Competitive with Hanover, outpaces Isle of Wight

Henrico's 77.2-year life expectancy trails Hanover County's 77.9 years slightly but exceeds Isle of Wight's 76.8 years. Henrico's 6.8% uninsured rate sits between Hanover's 5.6% and state average of 7.9%.

Strong provider access across specialties

Henrico offers 105 primary care providers and 422 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both well above state needs. Only 6.8% lack insurance, ensuring most residents can afford care when providers are available.

Secure coverage before health strikes

Though Henrico's 6.8% uninsured rate is better than state average, thousands remain vulnerable to medical debt. Check healthcare.gov or Virginia Medicaid to confirm your coverage and protect your family's health security.

Schools in Henrico County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Expansive Suburban School Network

Henrico County boasts a massive educational infrastructure with 83 public schools serving 51,136 students. This system is comprised of 46 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 10 high schools, along with 15 specialized facilities. Two districts coordinate this large-scale operation, making it one of the most robust systems in the state.

Competitive Results Across a Large System

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average exactly. Henrico operates with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,899, which is more efficient than the state average of $7,941. With a composite school score of 51.7, the county manages a diverse array of schools and programs.

Henrico County Public Schools Leads the Region

Henrico County Public Schools is the primary district, overseeing 80 schools and 50,389 students. The county does not offer any charter schools, relying instead on its vast network of traditional public and alternative education programs. This large district size allows for specialized high school centers and diverse magnet-style opportunities.

Dynamic Suburban and Rural Environments

The vast majority of Henrico's schools are located in suburban settings, with only five classified as rural. Schools are substantial in size, averaging 741 students, and Highland Springs High leads the way with 2,089 students. Several other high schools, including Deep Run and Glen Allen, also exceed 2,000 students each.

Vast Choices for Richmond Area Families

Henrico County offers an unparalleled variety of school sizes and neighborhood types for potential home buyers. From high-enrollment suburban high schools to specialized alternative programs, the district provides options for every type of learner. Researching specific school zones is a vital step when exploring the diverse real estate market here.

Disaster Risk in Henrico County

via RiskByCounty

Henrico Faces Virginia's Highest Risk Level

With a composite risk score of 83.40, Henrico ranks as relatively moderate but represents the highest-risk county in Virginia in this analysis. This score significantly surpasses both the national average and all other Virginia counties examined.

Tops Virginia's Disaster Risk Rankings

Henrico's 83.40 score is 2.5 times higher than Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the riskiest county in the state by a substantial margin. Every major hazard category contributes to this elevated exposure.

Far Riskier Than All Surrounding Counties

Henrico's 83.40 dwarfs the risk profiles of nearby Hanover (53.50) and James City (53.34) counties to the west and south. This makes Henrico the clear outlier in central Virginia's risk landscape.

Earthquakes, Floods, and Hurricanes Converge

Earthquake risk leads at 93.45—the highest in Virginia—while flood exposure reaches 85.37 and hurricane risk stands at 81.81. Tornadoes add another substantial threat at 80.98, creating a multi-hazard danger zone.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Not Optional Here

Every Henrico homeowner should carry separate earthquake and flood insurance immediately—standard policies exclude both, yet both present urgent threats. Review and increase your coverage limits now; this county's risk profile demands maximum preparation.

Weather & Climate in Henrico County

via WeatherByCounty

Henrico Features a Warm Mid-Atlantic Climate

With an annual average of 58.3°F, Henrico is warmer than the majority of U.S. counties. The climate is characterized by significant humidity and distinct seasonal changes.

Ranking Among Virginia’s Warmer Counties

Henrico sits 2.4 degrees above the state average temperature of 55.9°F. Its annual precipitation of 45.5 inches is almost identical to the state average.

Warmer Than Hanover but Cooler Than Hopewell

Henrico’s 58.3°F average is warmer than Hanover County but cooler than the 60.8°F recorded in Hopewell. It shares a similar rainfall pattern with most of its neighbors.

Significant Heat Days and Light Winter Snow

The county endures 44 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures peaking at 79.0°F. Winters are mild, producing only 8.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for High Summer Cooling Demands

High-efficiency air conditioning is essential for the frequent 90-degree days in summer. Winter preparations are minimal as January averages remain above freezing at 37.5°F.

Soil Quality in Henrico County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Virginia acidity in Henrico

Henrico County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.18, slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.23. This level stands nearly 1.3 points below the national median of 6.5. Local gardeners often find that adding lime is necessary to balance the soil for traditional lawn and garden health.

A light and workable mix

The soil includes 59.9% sand and 25.5% silt, creating a relatively light texture that is easy to till. With clay at just 14.6%, the soil lacks the heavy stickiness found in the western parts of the state. This composition allows for excellent root penetration for a variety of plant species.

Moderate water capacity and nutrients

Organic matter content measures 1.67%, trailing the Virginia average of 2.90% by a notable margin. The available water capacity of 0.133 in/in sits just below the state benchmark of 0.143. These numbers suggest a moderate ability to hold onto rainfall and nutrients during the peak growing season.

Effective drainage for development

The high sand and silt components typically facilitate good drainage across the county landscape. Farmers and builders benefit from this composition, as it rarely holds excess water for long periods. Careful management is still required to prevent erosion in areas with steeper slopes.

Garden success in zone 7b

Sitting in zone 7b, Henrico offers a robust environment for summer squash, okra, and flowering perennials. Your garden will thrive with the addition of organic mulch to boost the current 1.67% organic matter level. This climate and soil combination is perfect for a long, productive summer harvest.

Lawn Care in Henrico County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Henrico

Henrico County earns a lawn difficulty score of 56.3, outperforming both the national median and the Virginia state average. Hardiness Zone 7b offers a long growing season that supports a variety of grass species. While the score is favorable, local climate extremes still demand a smart maintenance plan.

Thriving Through Summer Heat

Henrico faces 44 extreme heat days per year, which is considerably higher than the state average of 28. With 4399 growing degree days and 45.5 inches of rain, your grass grows vigorously but requires plenty of water to offset the high July temperatures. Vigilant irrigation is the key to preventing summer dormancy.

Correcting Acidic Soil Structure

The soil pH of 5.18 is quite low, requiring regular lime treatments to reach the ideal range for grass health. Your soil is composed of 59.9% sand and 14.6% clay, providing decent drainage but limited nutrient retention. Adding organic compost can help improve the soil's ability to hold water and fertilizers.

Short Spells of Drought Stress

Henrico has experienced only three weeks of drought over the past year, though the entire county is currently listed as abnormally dry. This lower historical drought frequency gives you a break compared to western Virginia neighbors. Even so, practicing water conservation now will protect your lawn if a longer dry spell develops.

Planting for a Long Season

Tall Fescue is the standard for Zone 7b, but Bermuda grass is a strong alternative for handling the county's 44 heat days. Plan to seed after the last frost on April 7 or in the late summer before the first frost on November 4. This wide window gives you ample time to establish a resilient lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henrico County's county score?
Henrico County, Virginia has a composite county score of 39.1 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 Henrico County rank among counties in Virginia?
Henrico County ranks #114 among all counties in Virginia 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Henrico County is $2,416, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Henrico County a tax score of 60.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henrico County?
The median household income in Henrico County, Virginia is $86,397 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henrico County earns an income score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henrico County, Virginia a good place to live?
Henrico County scores 39.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #114 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Henrico 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 Henrico County with other counties side by side.