countyscore
35.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.5Health 52.9

County Report Card

About Henry County, Georgia

Suburban Growth Facing Livability Headwinds

Henry County’s composite score of 35.1 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high economic output, it faces significant challenges common to rapidly urbanizing areas.

Trailing the State Performance Average

The county ranks below the Georgia average of 46.7 as high costs and safety concerns weigh on the overall index. It struggles to maintain the balance found in more established Georgia suburbs.

High Earnings and Clean Water

The county is an economic engine with an Income Score of 85.5 and a high median household income of $81,612. It also maintains excellent utility standards with a Water Score of 86.0.

Affordability and Safety Concerns

A Cost Score of 7.7 reflects high expenses, with median rents reaching $1,538. Safety and environmental risk also remain low at 19.8 and 20.6 respectively, indicating room for community growth.

Designed for High-Income Professionals

This county is best suited for career-oriented professionals who can leverage high salaries to offset the high cost of living. It offers a suburban lifestyle with strong utility infrastructure for those working in the Atlanta metro area.

2040608010043.57.719.852.939.185.520.68652.7Tax43.5Cost7.7Safety19.8Health52.9Schools39.1Income85.5Risk20.6Water86Weather52.735.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Henry County DNA

Foverall

How Henry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Henry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (7.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.5-8.5
Cost
7.7-40.3
Safety
19.8-35.2
Health
52.9
Schools
39.1-14.899999999999999
Income
85.5+34.5
Risk
20.6-26.4
Water
86+28
Weather
52.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Henry County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$277,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,538/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$277,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$61,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,612/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.2

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

Clayton County
Georgia
22.4
Rockdale County
Georgia
46.7
Spalding County
Georgia
31.7
Newton County
Georgia
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Butts County
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Fayette County
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DeKalb County
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Jasper County
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Deep Dives

Henry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henry County

via TaxByCounty

Henry County taxes slightly above national

Henry County's effective tax rate of 0.922% translates to median annual taxes of $2,559 on a median home value of $277,400—essentially matching the national median property tax of $2,690. This places Henry County residents right in the middle of the American tax burden spectrum.

Slightly above Georgia average

Henry County's 0.922% effective rate sits just above Georgia's 0.898% state average, and its median tax of $2,559 exceeds the state median of $1,529 by $1,030. The county ranks in the upper half of Georgia's 159 counties for property tax burden.

Among the highest in the region

Henry County's 0.922% rate substantially exceeds nearby Hart County (0.539%) and Heard County (0.640%). Only Jackson County (0.922%) matches Henry's burden, while Houston County (0.856%) and Jasper County (0.890%) run slightly lower.

Your annual property tax estimate

Henry County homeowners with a median-valued property of $277,400 pay roughly $2,559 annually in taxes. Mortgaged properties typically include an additional $156 in annual escrow, bringing the total to approximately $2,715.

Challenge your assessment if warranted

With Henry County's above-average tax rates, accuracy in home assessment is crucial to your bottom line. Many homeowners discover their properties are overvalued; requesting a reassessment or appealing your county's valuation can unlock significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County's rent burden exceeds national norm

Henry County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% significantly exceeds national affordability standards, meaning renters here spend roughly a quarter of income on housing. Despite a median household income of $81,612—above the national average of $74,755—renters face the steepest rent burden among counties in this analysis.

Priciest rentals in Georgia's sample

Henry County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio stands 4 percentage points above Georgia's state average of 18.6%, reflecting rapid suburban growth around Atlanta. Median rent of $1,538 runs 65% higher than the state average of $927, positioning Henry as an affordability challenge for renters.

Rent surge separates Henry from rural peers

Henry County's $1,538 median rent towers over rural neighbors Hart County ($814) and Heard County ($855), creating a 79-89% cost differential. This premium reflects Henry's proximity to Atlanta and its transformation into a rapidly developing suburban corridor.

Where Henry County paychecks go

Despite earning $81,612 median income—the second-highest in this analysis—Henry County renters allocate 22.6% to $1,538 monthly rent, leaving $1,537 for other costs. Homeowners invest $1,472 monthly into mortgages on homes valued at $277,400, the highest median home value in this county group.

Growth premium demands careful budgeting

Henry County offers suburban Atlanta access and strong median income of $81,612, but renters here accept a 22.6% rent burden that exceeds state averages. If affordability drives relocation decisions, compare Henry's rates against Jackson County's 14.8% ratio or Houston County's 17% to weigh tradeoffs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County exceeds national income

Henry County's median household income of $81,612 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 9%. Households here earn roughly $6,860 more annually than the typical American family.

Top earners in Georgia

Henry County ranks among Georgia's highest-income counties, with a median household income 35% above the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $36,051 significantly outpaces the state average of $31,115.

Wealthiest in the region

Henry County's $81,612 income ranks second only to Jackson County ($85,012) among nearby counties, substantially ahead of Houston County ($80,743). The county towers over lower-income neighbors like Jeff Davis County ($40,879) and Irwin County ($53,915).

Premium housing carries higher costs

Henry County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among these eight counties—reflects premium home values averaging $277,400. While still within affordability guidelines, housing consumes a notably larger share of household income than in neighboring areas.

Leverage income for long-term growth

Henry County's strong income positions households to maximize 401(k) contributions, open college savings plans, and diversify investments. With higher earning power, residents should prioritize working with a financial planner to optimize tax strategies and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County stays below national crime rates

Henry County reports 2,087.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, remaining safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.7.

Below the statewide average safety score

The county's safety score of 96.7 falls short of the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2,087.6 is higher than the state's average of 1,412.9.

Safer than several high-traffic neighbors

Henry County is safer than neighboring Houston County, which sees 2,643.2 crimes per 100,000. However, it experiences more crime than rural Hart County's rate of 1,612.4.

Property crime drives the local total

Property crime stands at 1,770.8 per 100,000, compared to a violent crime rate of 316.8. Law enforcement activity largely focuses on theft and burglary prevention.

Vigilance helps prevent property theft

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should invest in smart home security. Cameras and reinforced locks are excellent tools for high-traffic areas like Henry County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure for 43,000 Students

Henry County features a massive educational network of 50 public schools within one unified district. This system supports 28 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 11 high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates at Scale

Despite having a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,840 compared to the national average, the county achieves a solid 89.0% graduation rate. This performance sits above the national 87% benchmark and slightly ahead of the state average.

Large Traditional District Without Charters

Henry County School District is the sole provider for the area's 43,417 students, and there are currently no charter schools. Dutchtown High is the largest school in the county, serving 1,861 students.

Suburban and Rural Campus Diversity

The county offers a diverse mix of 26 suburban and 24 rural campuses, with an average school size of 868 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a large, high-energy system, particularly at high schools like Ola High which enrolls 1,764 students.

Relocating to a High-Performing Suburban Hub

Henry County attracts families who want robust extracurricular options and proven graduation results. Homebuyers often focus on the suburban corridors where school infrastructure is most concentrated.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County Faces Elevated Risk Nationally

Henry County's composite score of 79.36 marks it as "Relatively Low" but still substantially higher than the national average. This growing suburban county near Atlanta experiences more natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

Among Georgia's Highest-Risk Counties

Henry County's 79.36 rating nearly doubles Georgia's 39.49 state average, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The combination of rapid development, population density, and geographic exposure creates this elevated profile.

Riskier Than Most Surrounding Counties

Henry County (79.36) carries significantly higher risk than Jasper County (8.08) and Heard County (12.82) to its north and west. Houston County (70.48) approaches similar risk levels, reflecting the Atlanta metro corridor's increased disaster exposure.

Flooding and Tornadoes Dominate Threats

Flood risk (84.51) and tornado risk (89.54) are Henry County's primary hazards, reflecting the county's position in Georgia's tornado corridor and watershed vulnerabilities. Earthquake risk (77.04) adds additional pressure, with significant population centers at stake.

Comprehensive Coverage Essential Here

Henry County residents must prioritize flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude water damage, yet flood risk scores 84.51. Bundle earthquake and windstorm coverage, and consider strengthened roof attachments and foundation anchoring.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Henry County

via WaterByCounty

Henry County Achieves Perfect Compliance Grade

Henry County maintains a Grade A for drinking water, with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. This performance is exceptional compared to the Georgia average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 people. Residents can have high confidence in the safety of their regulated drinking water supply.

Watershed Health Aligns With State Averages

Exactly 48.1% of the 27 assessed water bodies in the county are listed as impaired, mirroring the state average of 48.4%. The 2022 assessments identify fecal coliform and PCBs in fish tissue as leading concerns. While drinking water is safe, local recreational waters face significant biological challenges.

Consistent Monitoring Tracks Vital Water Metrics

There are 9 active monitoring sites in Henry County which have collected 3,382 measurements over five years. The data primarily covers physical characteristics, nutrients, and organic compounds. These records help scientists track long-term trends in local stream health.

Pates Creek Running Below Long-Term Mean

The USGS gauge on Pates Creek near Flippen shows a current flow of 11 cfs, which is 42% of its typical level. This lower-than-average flow indicates a dry spell for the 12-square-mile drainage area. Reduced flow can lead to higher water temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen for aquatic life.

Protect Your Local Creeks and Streams

While drinking water is excellent, residents should be wary of fecal coliform in local creeks, especially during low-flow periods. Reduced discharge in Pates Creek means local ecosystems are currently more vulnerable to runoff. Avoid disposing of household chemicals in storm drains to protect these sensitive watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic humid subtropical hub

Henry County averages 62.0°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. The climate is defined by high humidity and consistent rainfall.

Below the Georgia state average

The county is 1.7°F cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It sits in a middle ground between the cooler mountains and the hotter southern plains.

Standard rainfall for the area

Annual precipitation is 51.1 inches, almost identical to the state average of 51.4 inches. It shares this consistent moisture profile with its metro-Atlanta neighbors.

Lengthy and intense summer heat

Henry County experiences 74 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or more. Winters are moderate with a 44.9°F average and no recorded snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and hydration

With over 70 days of extreme heat, air conditioning maintenance is a top priority. Residents should plan for a long, 79.1°F average summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Managing Acidity in the Growing Piedmont

Detailed soil taxonomy for Henry County is unavailable in this record, but the soil likely aligns with the state's average pH of 5.26. This level of acidity is much higher than the national median of 6.5. Successful gardening here often begins with a soil test to determine lime requirements.

Understanding Your Local Soil Mix

Exact percentages for sand and clay are not recorded for this county, but the region is famous for its heavy clay soils. These soils are excellent for holding nutrients but can become compacted easily. Incorporating organic material is the best way to improve the structure and drainage of your specific plot.

Boosting Potential with Soil Amendments

Local fertility metrics like organic matter are not provided, though the Georgia average stands at 1.83%. Gardeners in this rapidly developing county often find that adding compost improves the soil's natural health. This simple step can significantly increase your harvest and plant vitality.

Monitoring Water Movement and Runoff

With specific hydrologic data missing, residents should pay close attention to drainage on their individual properties. Clay-heavy soils in this region can sometimes drain slowly, leading to runoff during intense Georgia storms. Proper grading and the use of rain gardens can help manage these conditions effectively.

Garden Success in Hardiness Zone 8a

Henry County is located in hardiness zone 8a, a versatile zone for growing peaches, collards, and okra. The long, warm summers provide plenty of energy for high-production vegetable gardening. Start a small garden this season to take full advantage of the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in South Metro Atlanta

Henry County's lawn difficulty score of 34.3 sits just below the state average of 35.8, indicating a tough environment for turf. This score is significantly more difficult than the national median of 50.0. In Zone 8a, heat and moisture management are the primary hurdles for a green yard.

High Heat Demands Frequent Care

With 74 extreme heat days per year, Henry County experiences more intense summer stress than the state average of 65 days. The 51.1 inches of annual precipitation help, but high evaporation rates require careful water management. Mowing schedules must stay consistent between the last frost on March 31 and the first frost on November 6.

Establishing a Healthy Soil Baseline

Specific soil data for Henry County is unavailable in current records, though the region is known for red clay. Adding organic matter can help improve drainage and aeration in these heavy southern soils. A local soil test is highly recommended to determine your specific pH and nutrient levels.

Managing Through Severe Water Stress

The county has faced 25 weeks of drought this past year, and 100% of the area is currently in Severe Drought (D2+). This requires strict adherence to water conservation, such as using smart irrigation controllers. High-efficiency nozzles can reduce runoff and ensure water reaches the roots where it is needed most.

Hardy Grasses for a Hot Climate

Bermudagrass is a top performer here due to its excellent heat tolerance and ability to recover from drought. Plan your seeding or sodding for mid-April to ensure the soil has warmed sufficiently. This gives your lawn a full growing season before the November 6 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Georgia has a composite county score of 35.1 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 Henry County rank among counties in Georgia?
Henry County ranks #140 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $2,559, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 43.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Georgia is $81,612 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Georgia a good place to live?
Henry County scores 35.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #140 in Georgia. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.