CountyScore

Henry County

Iowa · IA

#69 in Iowa
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Henry County, Iowa

Henry outperforms national averages

Henry County's composite score of 68.1 ranks 36 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, confirming it as a livable option above most U.S. counties. This score reflects solid fundamentals across tax, cost, and health dimensions.

Slightly below Iowa's typical county

At 68.1, Henry County trails Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 1.2 points, ranking sixth among the eight profiled counties. It remains a respectable option but is slightly underperforming compared to its state and national peers.

Health and affordability anchor the county

Henry County scores 75.8 on health and 81.0 on cost, with median rent at just $770 per month—the lowest rent in this group. These factors make it an attractive option for health-conscious households on modest budgets.

Higher taxes and lower incomes constrain growth

Henry's effective tax rate of 1.611% is the highest among these eight counties, and income score of 25.6 with median earnings of $64,604 limits financial mobility. This combination means households must work harder to get ahead.

Suits retirees and budget-focused households

Henry County works best for retirees who value low rent and good health care over career growth, or remote workers with stable income. The high tax burden and modest wage potential make this less ideal for young families seeking to build wealth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax57Cost81SafetyComing SoonHealth75.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk69.2WaterComing Soon
🏛57
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Henry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Henry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.