countyscore
52.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 77.8Health 76.9

County Report Card

About Henry County, Iowa

Matching the National Baseline

Henry County earns a 52.5 composite score, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard quality of life consistent with the middle of the American pack.

A Competitive Iowa Choice

At 52.5, Henry County sits slightly below the Iowa state average of 55.6. It maintains a solid standing but has room to grow compared to the state's top performers.

Excellent Water and Health Metrics

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a healthy score of 76.9. These natural and institutional assets provide a strong foundation for physical well-being.

Significant Local Tax Burden

Henry faces a very low tax score of 9.3, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.611%. Economic metrics also show room for improvement with an income score of 52.5.

Best for Resource-Focused Residents

Henry County is a good fit for those who value environmental quality and healthcare access. Residents should be prepared for higher property taxes in exchange for these community services.

Score breakdown

Tax9.3Cost56Safety51.1Health76.9Schools58.2Income52.5Risk69.2Water86Weather49
🏛9.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.8
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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Nearby counties

Des Moines County
Iowa
34.7
Jefferson County
Iowa
48.4
Louisa County
Iowa
61.3
Van Buren County
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60.6
Lee County
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Washington County
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Henderson County
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Clark County
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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's tax rate ranks among the nation's highest

Henry County's effective tax rate of 1.611% significantly exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, putting it in the upper tier of U.S. tax burden. Despite this elevated rate, the median property tax of $2,394 remains only 89% of the national median of $2,690, because Henry's home values are lower.

Henry County leads Iowa in property tax rates

At 1.611%, Henry has the highest effective tax rate among all eight counties profiled here, and well above Iowa's average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $2,394 is about $234 above the state average of $2,160, making Henry notably expensive for property owners.

Highest-taxed county in the north-central region

Henry's 1.611% rate significantly outpaces all regional neighbors, including Hardin (1.427%), Iowa (1.349%), Howard (1.302%), Humboldt (1.286%), and Hancock (1.192%). This positioning makes Henry the premium-tax choice in its area, driven by county funding priorities and service levels.

A $148,600 home costs roughly $2,394 yearly

Henry County homeowners with a median-valued property of $148,600 pay approximately $2,394 in annual property taxes, the highest median among the eight counties studied. Over three decades, this amounts to more than $71,800 in cumulative property tax payments.

High taxes make appeals especially valuable

Given Henry's elevated tax rate, homeowners here should prioritize verifying their assessments against recent market comparables. A successful appeal could save hundreds of dollars annually—money that adds up quickly when your baseline tax bill is already at the regional high end.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry rents are reasonable nationwide

Henry County renters spend 14.3% of income on housing, slightly above the national comfort zone but reasonable for many markets. With a median household income of $64,604 and median rent of $770, affordability is tight but manageable for working households.

Slightly above Iowa's affordability average

Henry County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio edges past Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The $770 median rent sits below the state's $812 average, offering some relief despite the income-cost squeeze.

Balanced position among the region

Henry's $770 rent falls between Howard's bargain price ($699) and Hardin's steeper $814, making it a middle option regionally. Its $897 monthly mortgage is higher than most neighbors, yet the $148,600 median home value justifies the investment.

Homeownership carries more weight here

Henry's median income of $64,604 supports a reasonable 14.3% rent burden, but homebuyers face a tighter 16.7% with $897 monthly costs. The county leans more affordable for renters than owners, making it a better fit for those not yet ready to buy.

Strong for renters, challenging for buyers

If you're renting, Henry County offers solid middle-ground affordability; if you're buying, consider waiting until your down payment is larger. The $148,600 median home price is respectable, but income levels here mean homeownership requires careful planning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County Lags U.S. Income Average

Henry County's median household income of $64,604 falls $10,151 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning counties nationally. This income gap reflects typical rural Midwestern challenges in competing with higher-wage metropolitan regions.

Below Iowa's Median Household Income

At $64,604, Henry County ranks below Iowa's state average of $69,830 by $5,226, placing it in Iowa's lower-income quartile. The county's economic performance trails stronger performers across the state.

Among Region's Lower Earners

Henry County's $64,604 median income ranks among the weakest in its cluster, trailing Harrison County ($77,027), Iowa County ($72,185), and Hancock County ($70,212). Only Hardin County ($64,906) performs comparably in this north-central Iowa region.

Housing Costs Moderate but Notable

Henry County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits squarely in the affordable range but is higher than several neighbors, reflecting tighter household budgets. With a median home value of $148,600 relative to $64,604 median household income, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Disciplined Saving Builds Long-Term Security

Henry County residents earning $64,604 median income should prioritize consistent, automated savings to overcome income-building challenges. Starting small with payroll deductions into a 401(k) or IRA creates compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Aligns With Iowa Averages

Henry County holds a safety score of 98.3, matching the Iowa state average exactly. Its total crime rate of 1,101.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Closely with State Norms

Henry County’s total crime rate of 1,101.0 per 100K is almost identical to the Iowa average of 1,095.3. Its safety score of 98.3 places it right in the middle of Iowa's safety spectrum.

Competitive Safety Scores in Southeast Iowa

With a crime rate of 1,101.0, Henry County is safer than neighboring Des Moines County to the east. However, it sees more crime per 100K than nearby Jefferson or Washington counties.

Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crime

Property crime sits at 792.7 per 100K, while violent crime is 308.3. While violent crime is higher than the Iowa average of 216.5, it remains below the national average of 369.8.

Securing Homes in Henry County

Monitoring systems are a smart investment to deter the 792.7 property crimes reported per 100K people. Consistent safety habits help maintain the county's solid 98.3 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry matches national health trends

Henry County residents live 77.2 years on average, roughly in line with the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 17.1% poor or fair health rate sits near national norms, reflecting typical American health status.

Slightly below Iowa's health average

At 77.2 years, Henry County trails Iowa's state average life expectancy of 77.7 years by 0.5 years. The 17.1% poor or fair health rate also exceeds the state median, placing Henry among Iowa's more challenged counties.

Strong provider access, moderate health

Henry County's 77.2-year life expectancy falls below neighbors Hancock (78.6 years) and Howard (77.7 years), yet the county boasts exceptional provider availability—59 primary care providers per 100,000 and 128 mental health providers per 100,000. Access alone hasn't closed the health gap.

Best-insured county with rich providers

Henry County leads with only 5.2% uninsured—below Iowa's 5.7% average—and rivals the state for primary care access at 59 per 100,000. Mental health capacity is exceptional at 128 providers per 100,000, yet health outcomes suggest barriers beyond pure access.

Henry County: maintain momentum

Henry County's strong insurance coverage and provider networks position residents well—keep it that way. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov and use Henry's robust mental health resources to address whole-person health beyond physical care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Power Three Local Districts

Henry County hosts 12 public schools serving 3,049 students across three main school districts. The landscape features six elementary schools, five high schools, and one middle school to serve the community.

Solid Graduation Rates and Above-Average Spending

The county's 90.7% graduation rate comfortably exceeds the 87% national average. Local districts invest $7,864 per pupil, which is higher than the Iowa state average of $7,591 but lower than the national median.

Mount Pleasant District Anchors Education

The Mount Pleasant Community School District is the primary educator, overseeing seven schools and 1,851 students. No charter schools are present, but the county does offer one alternative school for diverse learning needs.

A Perfect Balance of Town and Country

The county's schools are split evenly, with six in town settings and six in rural areas. Mount Pleasant High School is the largest campus with 582 students, while the average school size across the county is 254.

Find Your Place in Henry County

With a strong investment per student and a variety of school sizes, Henry County is an excellent choice for families. Look for residential opportunities in the Mount Pleasant or New London districts to join this academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry: Low Risk With Unique Threats

Henry County's composite risk score of 30.85 falls in the Very Low category, sitting below Iowa's state average of 39.68. However, the county's earthquake risk (43.64) is notably high for the Midwest, reflecting its location near seismic zones.

Safe Overall, Elevated Earthquake Risk

Henry ranks well within Iowa's natural disaster risk landscape, but its earthquake score of 43.64 significantly exceeds the state average. This unusual exposure stems from Henry's position in a region with above-average seismic activity.

Earthquake Risk Distinguishes Henry

Henry's neighbors Hancock (11.39 earthquake risk) and Howard (6.84) face far lower seismic exposure, making Henry's 43.64 score a regional outlier. Iowa County (26.21) also has elevated earthquake risk but less than Henry, suggesting localized seismic vulnerability in this area.

Wildfire, Tornado, and Earthquakes

Wildfire (47.93), tornado (48.54), and earthquake (43.64) risks cluster as Henry's primary hazards, all scoring above 40. Flood risk (26.72) is lower but still notable, while hurricane exposure is minimal.

Address Earthquake and Storm Risks

Henry residents should verify homeowners insurance covers wind and fire, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's above-average seismic exposure. Secure heavy furniture and appliances, maintain gas line shut-off capability, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures in Southeast Iowa

Henry County averages 49.6°F annually, making it one of the warmer spots in the Upper Midwest. While still cooler than the national median, its climate offers a milder profile than much of the surrounding region.

Leading the State in Warmth

At 49.6°F, Henry County stays well above the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It is also wetter than average, receiving 38.8 inches of precipitation compared to the state benchmark of 36.1 inches.

Warmest Among Local Peers

Henry County is noticeably warmer than Iowa County to its north, which averages 48.2°F. It also sees less snow than its northern neighbors, recording only 25.3 inches annually.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

The county experiences 20 days per year above 90°F, with a summer average of 71.6°F. Winters are among the state's mildest, with a January average of 22.0°F and relatively low snowfall of 25.3 inches.

Plan for Humidity and Rain

High annual precipitation of 38.8 inches makes moisture control and basement waterproofing a priority for homeowners. While winter is milder than elsewhere in Iowa, reliable HVAC systems are needed to manage the 20 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Southeast Iowa

Henry County soils have an average pH of 6.20, making them more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the Iowa average of 6.43. While we lack specific taxonomic order data, this acidity suggests a need for periodic lime applications in some fields. The soil score of 69.5 is just below the state average of 72.9.

Silt-Rich Mix with Low Sand

The soil is comprised of 56.9% silt, 23.4% clay, and 19.3% sand. This high silt content creates a smooth, floury texture that is excellent for retaining nutrients but can be sensitive to compaction. Proper management is required to maintain a healthy structure for root growth.

Efficient Water Holding Capacity

At 2.77%, the organic matter is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81% but remains higher than the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity is a strength at 0.199 in/in, surpassing the state average. This means the soil is quite efficient at keeping water accessible to plants through the summer.

Understanding Local Water Movement

Data for dominant drainage class and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for Henry County. Given the high silt and clay percentages, these soils likely hold moisture for extended periods after rain. Gardeners should consider raised beds if they notice water lingering in their yards.

Gardening Success in Zone 5b

Hardiness Zone 5b offers a favorable climate for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. These acidic, silty soils are particularly well-suited for blueberries or hydrangeas if the pH is managed. With high water capacity, your plants will have a steady supply of moisture to fuel their growth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Southeastern Iowa's Steady Growing Season

Henry County scores a 77.8 for lawn difficulty, aligning closely with the Iowa state average. Located in Zone 5b, this area offers a reliable environment for homeowners that is far more forgiving than the national average.

Generous Rainfall and Sun

Lawns benefit from 38.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 36.1 inches. However, 20 extreme heat days mean you will need to monitor for wilt when temperatures climb during the humid July weeks.

Acidic Leanings in Local Soil

The soil pH here sits at 6.20, which is on the lower end of the ideal range but still very productive for turf. The soil is composed of 23.4% clay and 19.3% sand, a structure that holds water well but requires careful management to avoid runoff.

Recovering from Recent Dry Spells

Henry County is currently 100% abnormally dry and has endured 14 weeks of drought over the last year. Focus on consistent irrigation during these dry periods to prevent your lawn from entering early dormancy and losing its density.

Planting for a Long Season

A mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrives here, taking advantage of the frost-free window between April 30 and October 10. These varieties handle the 3,118 growing degree days well, provided they have established roots before the summer heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Iowa has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Iowa?
Henry County ranks #69 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $2,394, with an effective tax rate of 1.61%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 9.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Iowa is $64,604 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 52.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Iowa a good place to live?
Henry County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Iowa. 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.