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.

2040608010057.457.591.848.345.843.455.28660.1Tax57.4Cost57.5Safety91.8Health48.3Schools45.8Income43.4Risk55.2Water86Weather60.161.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average

Henry County DNA

Doverall

How Henry County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Henry County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (91.8/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Schools (45.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.4
Cost
57.5+9.5
Safety
91.8+36.8
Health
48.3
Schools
45.8-8.200000000000003
Income
43.4
Risk
55.2+8.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
60.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Henry County?

Many homeowners in Henry County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$820/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,150/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Henry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 #32 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 $1,124, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Indiana is $63,150 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Indiana a good place to live?
Henry County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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