Henry County's composite score of 72.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 23 points, placing it firmly in the top tier of American counties for overall livability. The score reflects a well-balanced combination of economic opportunity, affordability, and fiscal efficiency.
2 / 5
One of Alabama's stronger performers
With a composite score of 72.9, Henry County ranks above Alabama's state average of 70.8 by a meaningful margin. The county stands out as among Alabama's better communities for broad-based livability across multiple dimensions.
3 / 5
Strong tax base and decent incomes
Henry County scores 92.6 on taxes with an effective rate of 0.342%, and 84.4 on housing costs with median rents of $770/month and home values of $147,800. The income score of 22.6 is notably stronger than many peers, backed by median household income of $60,135.
4 / 5
Health and risk factors need attention
Henry County's health score of 59.8 and risk score of 58.0 represent its softer points compared to other dimensions. These areas suggest room for community investment in public health initiatives and safety measures.
5 / 5
Ideal for young families seeking balance
Henry County offers a sweet spot for families wanting affordable housing, reasonable incomes, and low taxes without sacrificing economic stability. This is a practical choice for people seeking small-town stability with modest growth potential.
Henry County's composite score of 72.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 23 points, placing it firmly in the top tier of American counties for overall livability. The score reflects a well-balanced combination of economic opportunity, affordability, and fiscal efficiency.
One of Alabama's stronger performers
With a composite score of 72.9, Henry County ranks above Alabama's state average of 70.8 by a meaningful margin. The county stands out as among Alabama's better communities for broad-based livability across multiple dimensions.
Strong tax base and decent incomes
Henry County scores 92.6 on taxes with an effective rate of 0.342%, and 84.4 on housing costs with median rents of $770/month and home values of $147,800. The income score of 22.6 is notably stronger than many peers, backed by median household income of $60,135.
Health and risk factors need attention
Henry County's health score of 59.8 and risk score of 58.0 represent its softer points compared to other dimensions. These areas suggest room for community investment in public health initiatives and safety measures.
Ideal for young families seeking balance
Henry County offers a sweet spot for families wanting affordable housing, reasonable incomes, and low taxes without sacrificing economic stability. This is a practical choice for people seeking small-town stability with modest growth potential.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Henry County's effective tax rate of 0.342% delivers savings that would astound homeowners in high-tax states. The median property tax of $506 is just 19% of the national median of $2,690, placing Henry County among America's most affordable tax jurisdictions.
Slightly above Alabama average
Henry County's 0.342% rate edges just above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, making it competitive within the state. At $506 median tax, it runs just slightly above the state median of $511.
Mid-range in the region
Henry County sits squarely in the middle of its regional peers, ranking between Houston County (0.300%) and Lauderdale County (0.375%). Its $506 median tax places it between Lawrence County ($459) and Lauderdale County ($697).
What $148K home costs yearly
A median Henry County home valued at $147,800 generates an estimated annual property tax of approximately $506. With mortgage-related costs factored in, annual payments can reach $642, but remain well below national norms.
Appeal your assessment today
Property tax assessments in Henry County often exceed fair market value, leaving many homeowners overpaying. Requesting a formal appraisal review and filing an appeal can reduce your tax burden significantly.
At 15.4%, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio significantly beats the national problem threshold and ranks well below the U.S. pattern of affordability stress. With a median household income of $60,135—just 20% below the national average—renters here experience reasonable housing burden despite modest wages.
Best affordability in this rural cluster
Henry County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Alabama's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 18.0%. This positions Henry as an outlier—a place where working families can realistically afford stable housing.
Henry leads neighboring county affordability
Henry County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio outpaces Houston County (18.9%) and Jackson County (18.5%), even though all three have comparable incomes. Henry's lower rents—$770 versus Houston's $905—explain this advantage.
Henry County's housing budget
Monthly rent of $770 consumes 15.4% of a typical Henry County household's $5,011 income, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $673 monthly on average, with median home values around $147,800—affordable options across the market.
A solid choice for rural Alabama living
Henry County offers some of Alabama's most balanced housing costs, making it ideal for families earning $55,000–$65,000 annually. The combination of reasonable rents and moderate home prices makes this county one of the strongest values in the region.
Henry County's median household income of $60,135 remains 19.5% below the national median of $74,755, but outpaces most of rural Alabama. The county still has a $14,620 gap to close to match U.S. income levels.
Upper-middle earner in Alabama
Henry County ranks above average statewide, with a median income $5,939 above Alabama's $54,196 average. Only about one-third of Alabama counties earn as much as Henry residents do.
Outearns most surrounding counties
Henry's $60,135 median surpasses Jackson County ($49,454) and Hale County ($41,325), placing it solidly in the upper tier of its rural region. This relative strength reflects a more diversified local economy.
Housing costs remain well within reach
At 15.4%, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alabama's most affordable, leaving households ample room for other expenses. A median home value of $147,800 is achievable for many working families.
Your income advantage compounds with planning
Henry County households earning $60,000+ can redirect the savings from affordable housing into retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Starting a Roth IRA or employer 401(k) now means decades of tax-advantaged growth toward long-term security.
Henry County residents have a life expectancy of 74.2 years, roughly 2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About one in four residents report poor or fair health, a rate better than many rural Alabama counties.
Above-average health for Alabama
At 74.2 years, Henry County exceeds Alabama's state average life expectancy of 72.1 years by 2.1 years. The county ranks in the upper half of Alabama counties for overall health outcomes.
Solid provider network compared to peers
Henry County has 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 73 mental health providers per 100K. While ahead of Hale County, it has fewer resources than Houston County's 82 primary care providers per 100K.
Uninsured rate barely moves the needle
About 11.3% of Henry County residents lack health insurance, virtually matching the state average of 11.1%. Healthcare access is more stable here than in neighboring counties, though gaps remain in provider availability.
Keep coverage strong and stable
Henry County's health gains depend on sustained insurance coverage. Review your current plan at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ensure your family has continuous access to care.
Henry County scores 42.05 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it safely below the national average. This southeastern Alabama county experiences fewer natural disaster threats than the typical U.S. county.
Among Alabama's lowest-risk counties
Henry County's 42.05 composite score falls 19.5 points below Alabama's state average of 61.54, ranking it among the state's safest regions. Only a select group of Alabama counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.
Moderate safety compared to nearby counties
Henry County (42.05) faces slightly higher risk than neighboring Hale County (39.09) but lower risk than Houston County (87.79). Regional variation is substantial, with Henry positioned as a safer alternative to its riskier southern neighbors.
Hurricane risk stands out dramatically
Hurricane risk dominates at 82.69, far exceeding other hazards and making it Henry County's most pressing natural disaster threat. Tornado risk (72.55) follows as a secondary concern, while flood risk remains manageable at 38.39.
Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable
Residents must prioritize homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage, as the 82.69 hurricane risk score demands serious preparation. Consider supplemental coverage for water damage, as hurricanes frequently bring flooding despite the county's moderate flood baseline.