countyscore
55.9
County Score
Property Tax 96.6Water Quality 86Cost of Living 72.3

County Report Card

About Henry County, Alabama

Henry County climbs above national average

With a composite score of 55.8, Henry County ranks solidly above the national median of 50.0 and in the middle-upper tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates balanced livability driven by low taxes and reasonable housing costs.

Middle of the pack, slightly ahead of peers

Henry County ranks around the middle of Alabama's 67 counties at a score 2.9 points above the state average of 52.9. While not among the state's top performers, it offers above-average livability compared to most Alabama communities.

Tax relief and school investment stand out

Henry County boasts a tax score of 96.6 with an effective rate of 0.342%, offering substantial fiscal relief to residents, while its school score of 54.3 is the strongest among these eight counties. Housing remains affordable with a cost score of 72.3 and median home values of $147,800.

Safety and health require improvement

The county's safety score of 33.1 is notably low, and health outcomes lag at 28.8, suggesting residents face challenges in both personal security and access to quality healthcare. Income levels, while modest at $60,135, are not keeping pace with rising living costs in many neighboring counties.

Good fit for families prioritizing schools

Henry County suits families seeking low taxes and the best school system in this peer group, though those concerned about safety should investigate local conditions closely. Remote workers with secure incomes will find better value here than those dependent on local job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax96.6Cost72.3Safety33.1Health28.8Schools54.3Income39.4Risk58Water86Weather31.6
🏛96.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21
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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Counties with similar scores

Crenshaw County
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Gibson County
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DeKalb County
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Furnas County
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Graham County
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Nearby counties

Clay County
Georgia
56
Early County
Georgia
43.5
Quitman County
Georgia
60
Barbour County
Alabama
46
Houston County
Alabama
53.7
Randolph County
Georgia
52.5
Dale County
Alabama
45.9
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.7

Deep Dives

Henry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Henry County

via TaxByCounty

Henry County taxes well below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County homes stay within reach

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County inches closer to national baseline

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Henry County earns a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,568.1 per 100,000 people is well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. These statistics highlight the county's success in managing public safety.

Matching the High Alabama Average

The county's safety score of 97.5 slightly beats the state average of 97.3. It ranks as a stable performer within Alabama, keeping its total crime rate below the state average of 1,731.0. This consistency makes it an attractive place for families and businesses.

How Henry Compares to Houston County

Henry County's crime rate of 1,568.1 is significantly higher than neighbor Houston County's 700.7. However, it remains much safer than Lauderdale County, which sees over 2,000 crimes per 100,000 residents. The county sits in a middle ground of safety for the region.

Property Crime vs Violent Offenses

Property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 1,273.0 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 295.1. This means residents are far more likely to experience theft than physical harm. Most activity is concentrated in non-violent categories that impact possessions rather than personal safety.

Simple Steps to Deter Local Theft

Since property crime is the primary concern here, smart home technology can make a big difference. Installing motion-sensor lights and visible cameras helps discourage opportunistic burglars. These simple deterrents protect your investment and maintain the neighborhood's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County outperforms national health trends

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Henry County

Henry County manages 6 public schools that serve a total of 2,530 students. The system includes 2 elementary, 1 middle, 2 high schools, and 1 specialized facility all within a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87.0% national average. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,894, which remains lower than the Alabama state average.

Henry County District Overview

All 2,530 students are enrolled in the Henry County district, which operates without any charter schools. This unified approach ensures consistent standards across the county's 6 traditional campuses.

Personalized Learning in Rural Settings

Education takes place across 4 rural and 2 town locations with an average school size of 506 students. Headland Elementary is the largest school with 858 students, while Abbeville High is the smallest at 305.

Secure Your Child's Future Here

The high graduation rate is a major draw for families researching homes in Henry County. Look for real estate near Abbeville or Headland to join this high-achieving educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County well below national risk levels

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm pocket of the Deep South

Henry County's 66.8°F average temperature sits well above the national median, placing it in a humid subtropical zone. The region experiences significantly warmer conditions than the typical American county.

Warmer than the Alabama average

This county is one of Alabama’s warmest, exceeding the state average of 63.2°F by over three degrees. Its southern location near the Florida border drives this high thermal profile.

Consistent rainfall across the Wiregrass

With 57.2 inches of annual rain, Henry County matches the state average of 57.4 inches almost exactly. It shares a similar humid profile with its neighbors in the southeastern corner of the state.

Three months of extreme summer heat

Summer temperatures average 81.2°F, peaking with 90 days above 90°F annually. Winters remain mild at 51.4°F with virtually no snowfall to speak of.

Prepare for a long, hot season

Residents should prioritize heavy-duty HVAC systems to manage the 90 days of extreme annual heat. Light, breathable clothing is essential for the long, humid summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Soils of the Coastal Plain

Henry County features an acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.31. While this is slightly above the state average of 5.21, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for many garden plants.

High Sand and Fast Drainage

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 71.1%, with only 17.2% silt and 11.7% clay. This composition ensures excellent workability and drainage but means the soil loses nutrients and moisture much faster than heavier loams.

Low Moisture Retention and Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.52%, trailing both the state average of 1.74% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.102 in/in is among the lowest in the state, meaning frequent irrigation is often necessary.

Porosity Over Hydrology Data

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high sand content suggest naturally rapid drainage. This 71.1% sand fraction typically allows for quick water movement, which helps prevent root rot but complicates water management.

Thriving in Zone 8b Sands

Peanuts, pecans, and peppers flourish in Henry County's sandy texture and 8b hardiness zone. Gardeners can find success by heavily mulching and adding compost to boost the modest soil score of 15.4.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Alabama's Toughest Turf Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 21.0, Henry County is one of the most challenging places in the country to grow grass. This score sits far below both the Alabama average of 29.5 and the national median of 50.0.

Sizzling Summers and Massive Growing Degree Days

The county endures 90 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 64 days. A massive 6,512 growing degree days accelerate grass growth, requiring constant maintenance despite the 57.2 inches of annual rain.

Sandy Soils Demand Constant Nutrient Monitoring

The soil is 71.1% sand, which limits water retention compared to more balanced Alabama regions. With an acidic pH of 5.31, your lawn will likely need significant lime and organic matter to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Battling Severe Drought in the Wiregrass

Currently, 100% of the county faces severe drought conditions, following a year with 29 weeks of moisture deficit. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help retain what little moisture remains in the sandy soil.

Plant Early in this Warm Coastal Zone

The final spring frost usually hits by March 5, allowing for an early start with heat-hardy Bermuda or Zoysia grass. These types are best suited for the 8b hardiness zone and the intense July average of 82.2°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Henry County rank among counties in Alabama?
Henry County ranks #23 among all counties in Alabama 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 Henry County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $506, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Alabama is $60,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Alabama a good place to live?
Henry County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Henry 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 Henry 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.