countyscore
61.3
County Score
Safety 91.8Water Quality 86Soil Quality 85.4

County Report Card

About Henry County, Indiana

Henry County Outperforms the National Median

With a composite score of 61.3, Henry County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in a competitive position relative to peers across the United States.

A Strong Performer in the Hoosier State

Henry County exceeds the Indiana state average composite score of 55.9. Local residents benefit from a balanced profile that beats out many neighboring Indiana counties.

Exceptional Safety and Water Quality

The county boasts an elite safety score of 91.8 and a water quality score of 86.0. These high marks are complemented by very low housing costs, with median gross rent at just $807.

Opportunities to Grow Income and Schools

The income score of 39.4 reflects a median household income of $60,144, which trails some higher-growth regions. Additionally, the school score of 45.8 suggests room for further investment in local education.

Peace of Mind at an Affordable Price

Henry County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and low cost of living. Its high quality of life scores in essential services make it a reliable choice for budget-conscious families.

Score breakdown

Tax57.8Cost57.8Safety91.8Health48.3Schools45.8Income39.4Risk55.2Water86Weather60.1
🏛57.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.8
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

Fayette County
Indiana
59.8
Rush County
Indiana
64.3
Wayne County
Indiana
55.2
Hancock County
Indiana
52.8
Randolph County
Indiana
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Delaware County
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Madison County
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Union 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 County taxes rank high nationally

At 0.749%, Henry County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.571%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay $1,050 annually on a median home valued at $140,200—far below the national median home value of $281,900, yet the effective rate remains elevated.

Above average within Indiana

Henry County ranks among Indiana's higher-tax counties with a 0.749% effective rate, compared to the state average of 0.671%. The median tax bill of $1,050 slightly undercuts the state median of $1,199, reflecting lower home values across the county.

Higher taxes than nearby counties

Henry County homeowners pay roughly the same or slightly less in absolute dollars than Howard County ($1,110) and Huntington County ($1,070), but Henry's effective rate of 0.749% exceeds both neighbors. Jackson County to the south offers substantially lower rates at 0.472%.

What you'll pay in Henry County

On the median home value of $140,200, expect to pay around $1,050 annually in property taxes. If you have a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,086 due to escrow requirements.

You may be overassessed

Many Indiana homeowners discover their homes are assessed above fair market value. A property tax appeal could reduce your bill—contact your county assessor's office to request a reassessment and learn about the appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County's Housing Costs vs. Nation

At 16.1%, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a bit more of their paychecks on housing than Americans typically do. The county's median household income of $60,144 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $14,600, making housing costs feel heavier despite modest rents of $807 monthly.

Where Henry Ranks in Indiana

Henry County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio edges above Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state's 92 counties. Rents here at $807 are notably cheaper than Indiana's median of $883, but incomes don't quite offset that advantage.

Henry vs. Nearby Counties

Compared to Howard County next door—which carries a 17.6% rent burden—Henry offers more breathing room with a 16.1% ratio and lower rents at $807 versus $915. Against Huntington County's balanced 16.6% ratio, Henry residents enjoy the lowest rents in this cluster while maintaining similar affordability pressure.

Where Your Money Goes

A Henry County renter earning the median $60,144 annually spends roughly $807 monthly on rent, consuming about 16.1% of gross income. Homeowners with a $140,200 median home value face monthly costs of $799, making ownership and renting nearly equal propositions here.

Considering a Move to Henry?

Henry County offers some of Indiana's lowest rents at $807 monthly and modest home values around $140,200, making it attractive for budget-conscious relocators willing to accept slightly lower incomes. Compare these figures against your current housing costs and income to see if this county's affordability gains outweigh other factors like job availability and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County lags national income

Henry County's median household income of $60,144 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $15,000, placing it below the national average. This gap means households here earn roughly 20% less than their national counterparts, affecting purchasing power and long-term wealth building.

Below average among Indiana counties

At $60,144, Henry County ranks below Indiana's state median of $68,681, putting it in the lower half of the state's 92 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,084 also trails the state average of $34,773, suggesting limited earning potential per person.

Neighbors earn more on average

Neighboring Huntington County ($62,734) and Howard County ($62,496) both outpace Henry County's $60,144 median. Jackson County to the south earns even more at $70,208, indicating stronger economic activity in surrounding areas.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Henry County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% falls within the affordable threshold, meaning renters spend a reasonable share of income on housing. However, with a median home value of $140,200 and lower incomes, first-time homebuyers face real constraints.

Build financial resilience here

Henry County households earning $60,144 should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost index fund investing to grow wealth over time. Starting early with even modest contributions compounds significantly—a $100 monthly investment at 7% annual returns grows to over $100,000 in 30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Boasts Exceptional Safety Levels

Henry County is remarkably safe compared to the national stage. Its total crime rate of 139.0 per 100K is a small fraction of the U.S. average of 2,385.5. The county earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.8.

Outperforming the Indiana State Average

Within Indiana, Henry County outperforms the state average safety score of 98.9. Two reporting agencies contribute to these figures, showing a community with significantly lower crime than many Indiana peers. The county remains well below the state average crime rate of 693.8.

Safer than Regional Neighbors

With a total rate of 139.0, Henry remains significantly safer than neighboring Howard County's 1615.3. It also maintains a much lower crime profile than nearby Jackson County's rate of 952.1.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime is extremely rare here at just 20.4 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 118.6 per 100K, reflecting a low-risk environment for residents and business owners alike.

Maintaining Henry County's Safe Environment

Even in a high-safety area, awareness is key to preventing opportunistic theft. Residents can keep these numbers low by securing entry points and reporting unusual activity to local law enforcement.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County's life expectancy lags nationally

At 74.0 years, Henry County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents (20.8%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national median of 18%, signaling persistent health challenges across the community.

Below Indiana's health average

Henry County's 74.0-year life expectancy trails Indiana's state average of 75.1 years by 1.1 years. With a 7.2% uninsured rate, the county performs better than Indiana's 8.4% average, though health outcomes suggest underlying disparities beyond insurance coverage.

Competing with nearby counties for care

Henry County's 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents fall short of neighboring Huntington County (55 per 100K) and Jackson County (67 per 100K). Mental health services at 106 per 100K are middle-of-the-road among nearby counties, which range from 63 to 236 per 100K.

Fewer doctors, more health struggles

With just 41 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, Henry County has one of the lowest ratios in its peer group, making routine check-ups harder to access. The 7.2% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, but limited provider availability can delay care and worsen outcomes.

Secure your health coverage today

Henry County's 7.2% uninsured rate means 1 in 14 residents lack health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options—coverage is the first step to accessing the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Infrastructure for 6,000+ Students

Henry County supports 18 public schools across 5 districts, serving a total of 6,682 students. The infrastructure consists of 10 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools providing comprehensive coverage for the region.

Graduation Rates Outpace State and National Averages

The county achieves an impressive 94.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 92.6% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,614 sits near the Indiana average, the county's composite school score of 53.1 exceeds state levels.

New Castle Leads a Traditional School Landscape

New Castle Community School Corp stands as the largest provider, educating 2,939 students across 9 schools. Traditional public education dominates the landscape here, as there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Rural and Town Schools with Manageable Sizes

Students experience a mix of environments, with 10 schools in rural settings and 8 in towns. While New Castle High School serves 836 students, the average school size across the county remains manageable at 371.

Establish Your Family Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates well above the national average, Henry County offers a strong foundation for families. Consider exploring the local housing market near top-performing schools like New Castle High or Shenandoah Elementary to secure your child's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County's risk: Below average

Henry County scores 44.82 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category and slightly below Indiana's 45.52 state average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though vigilance remains important.

Middle of the pack statewide

Henry County ranks in the middle range among Indiana's 92 counties for overall natural disaster risk. While not the lowest-risk county in the state, it performs better than nearly half its peers.

Safer than Howard County nearby

Henry County's 44.82 risk score sits well below neighboring Howard County (63.68), making it one of the safer areas in east-central Indiana. Compared to Randolph County to the east, Henry faces more moderate natural disaster exposure.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornado risk peaks at 80.69 in Henry County, making severe thunderstorms the primary hazard residents must prepare for. Earthquake risk scores 67.40, elevated for Indiana, while flood risk (54.83) and wildfire risk (9.06) present lesser but still notable concerns.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Henry County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, as this represents the county's leading natural disaster threat. Adding earthquake coverage is also prudent, given the 67.40 seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Snowier National Profile

With an average of 50.4°F, Henry County is cooler than the national median and the Indiana average. It represents a transition into the more rugged weather patterns of the upper Midwest.

Lower Temperatures Than State Norms

The county's 50.4°F average is nearly two degrees cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It is also significantly snowier, receiving 26.7 inches compared to many central counties.

Cooler Conditions Than Hancock County

Henry is notably cooler than neighboring Hancock County, which sits at 51.9°F. It also receives nearly seven more inches of snow annually than its western neighbors.

Mild Summers and Harsher Winters

Summers are mild at 70.7°F with only 9 days reaching 90°F. Winters are harsher, averaging 28.4°F and delivering over 26 inches of seasonal snow.

Plan for a Shorter Growing Season

Prepare for a shorter growing season and more snow shoveling than in neighboring counties. Efficient heating systems are a must for the 25.6°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Henry County's Balanced Mollisol Profile

Henry County features rich Mollisols with a pH of 6.54, sitting just above the national median of 6.5. This nearly neutral profile is significantly less acidic than the Indiana state average of 6.08.

A Classic Silt Loam Mix

The soil consists of 51.5% silt, 23.7% sand, and 22.0% clay, forming a versatile silt loam. This balanced texture offers excellent workability while maintaining enough clay to hold essential nutrients.

High Water Capacity and Organic Matter

Organic matter measures 4.18%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.212 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a reliable safety net for crops during dry spells.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Groups

These soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. Farmers and builders must plan for water management, as these fields tend to retain moisture longer than neighboring regions.

A Zone 6a Gardeners Paradise

In Hardiness Zone 6a, these fertile soils are perfect for high-yield corn, soybeans, and heavy-feeding garden vegetables. Start a patch of pumpkins or tomatoes to take full advantage of the natural nutrient density.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Foundation for Henry County Lawns

Henry County earns a 73.8 lawn difficulty score, significantly beating the national median of 50.0 and the Indiana average of 71.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 6a region provides a stable environment where grass thrives with less intervention than much of the country.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Mild Summer Heat

With 45.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county exceeds the state average of 44.2 and falls perfectly within the ideal lawn range. Only 9 extreme heat days occur each year, which is less than half the state average of 20, protecting cool-season blades from scorching.

Managing Silt Loam and Perfect pH

The soil pH of 6.54 is ideal for nutrient absorption, sitting right in the sweet spot for most turfgrasses. However, because the silt loam is poorly drained, homeowners should prioritize aeration to prevent water from pooling near the roots.

Navigating Recent Dry Spells

The county spent 27 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Though only 8.7% faces severe drought, regular monitoring is essential to maintain moisture levels during these dry cycles.

Time Your Seeding for Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this 6a zone. Plan your major lawn projects between the last spring frost on April 27 and the first fall frost on October 17 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Indiana has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Indiana?
Henry County ranks #30 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $1,050, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Indiana is $60,144 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Indiana a good place to live?
Henry County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Indiana. 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.