countyscore
51.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.3Safety 77.4

County Report Card

About Henry County, Kentucky

Henry County Meets National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 51.7, Henry County performs just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced American lifestyle that mirrors the broader country's experience.

Steady Performance in Northern Kentucky

Henry County's score of 51.7 is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. Despite this gap, it remains a reliable choice for those looking for stability in the region.

Safe Living with Minimal Risk

The county is exceptionally secure, boasting a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 84.3. A safety score of 77.4 further confirms its status as a peaceful community for residents.

Opportunities for Health and Housing Improvement

Health services score 36.8, and education metrics sit at 37.8, indicating room for growth in social services. Housing affordability is also tighter than neighbors, with a cost score of 38.8.

Best for Peace and Quiet

Henry County is ideal for those who value safety and environmental stability above all else. It is a haven for individuals seeking a low-risk environment with high-quality water and a secure atmosphere.

Score breakdown

Tax51.3Cost38.8Safety77.4Health36.8Schools37.8Income41.3Risk84.3Water86Weather50.8
🏛51.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Owen County
Kentucky
62.1
Carroll County
Kentucky
59.7
Shelby County
Kentucky
48.4
Trimble County
Kentucky
63.7
Franklin County
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Oldham County
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Gallatin County
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Switzerland County
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67.8

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 trail far behind national norms

Henry County's effective rate of 0.821% sits near the national average, but its $1,489 median property tax is less than 56% of the national median of $2,690. The gap reflects Henry's median home value of $181,300, substantially below the national median of $281,900.

Among Kentucky's higher-taxed counties

At 0.821%, Henry County exceeds Kentucky's state average effective rate of 0.719%, and its median property tax of $1,489 far exceeds the state median of $1,093. Henry ranks in the upper tier of Kentucky counties for tax burden.

Second highest in the region

Henry's 0.821% rate trails only Henderson County (0.878%) among the profiled neighbors, running above Harrison (0.679%) and Hart (0.750%). For this region, Henry represents a higher-tax destination.

Substantial tax bill on median home

A median Henry County home valued at $181,300 carries an annual property tax of $1,489—the second-highest median among these eight counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,659 annually; those without mortgages pay $1,274.

Challenge your assessment to cut costs

Henry County homeowners facing substantial tax bills should request a reassessment if their property's assessed value seems inflated. Filing an appeal is free and can significantly reduce your annual obligation if the county overvalued your home.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County edges above state average costs

Renters in Henry County spend 17.2% of income on housing, edging above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and pushing into affordability concerns. Median rent of $871 runs notably higher than the state median of $771, yet median household income at $60,736 provides moderate support.

Below-average affordability in Kentucky

Henry County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% ranks it in the bottom third of Kentucky counties for affordability. Higher housing costs relative to incomes suggest tighter household budgets compared to the state's more affordable regions.

Most expensive rents in the region

Henry County's $871 monthly rent stands as the highest among these eight counties, 16% above the regional median and $100 above Harrison County. Its median home value of $181,300 ranks third-highest, positioning Henry as a pricier option overall.

Housing takes significant income share

Renters pay $871 monthly while homeowners pay $1,001, both consuming a noticeable chunk of the $60,736 median income. Together, these costs represent 17.2% of gross income for renters and roughly 20% for owners—above comfortable levels.

Henry County requires higher household income

Henry County suits households earning $70,000 or more who want newer housing and can absorb 17%+ of income going to rent. If you're considering Henry, ensure your income aligns, and compare against nearby Harrison County's more affordable alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County income below national mark

Henry County's median household income of $60,736 falls about 19% short of the national median of $74,755. The per capita income of $30,492 aligns with the state average, indicating typical earning distribution for rural Kentucky.

Above Kentucky's typical household income

At $60,736, Henry County households earn about 9% more than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Kentucky counties by median household income.

Henry competes well locally

Henry County's $60,736 median income trails Harrison ($63,205) and Hickman ($63,750) but exceeds Hopkins ($57,610) and Hart ($49,653). The county holds steady in the stronger-earning group of its region.

Housing costs rising in Henry

At 17.2% of median income, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio edges toward affordability concerns. A median home value of $181,300 requires households to allocate substantial resources, leaving less for savings and investments.

Strategic investing despite housing costs

Henry County residents should seek to automate retirement contributions through payroll deductions to build wealth amid housing expenses. Even modest monthly investments in diversified funds compound significantly over a working lifetime.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Ratings for Henry County

Henry County boasts a safety score of 99.1, placing it far above the national average for security. The total crime rate of 540.3 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national figure.

Strong Performance in Kentucky

Henry outperforms the average Kentucky county, maintaining a crime rate of 540.3 against the state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.1 is slightly higher than the 98.8 state average.

Comparable to Top Regional Performers

Henry shows a similar safety profile to Harrison County, both sharing high safety scores in the 99.1 range. It offers a much quieter environment than the nearby metropolitan areas of Jefferson County.

Violent Crime is Exceptionally Rare

Violent crime is very low in Henry, occurring at a rate of 38.1 per 100K. Most incidents involve property crime, which accounts for 502.2 cases per 100K residents.

Preserving Peace with Simple Steps

Low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help maintain through awareness. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lights and checking window locks keep your home secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County Falls Well Behind U.S. Health

Henry County residents live to 72.7 years on average—5.4 years less than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. One in four people report poor or fair health (23.5%), indicating a population managing significant chronic disease burden.

Slightly Above State Average, Still Struggling

Henry County's 72.7-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year average, but its 23.5% poor/fair health rate lies above the state norm. The county sits in Kentucky's middle tier for population health outcomes, with room for improvement in disease management.

Middle Ground Among Peer Counties

Henry's 72.7-year life expectancy ranks better than Jackson (71.1) and Hickman (71.5), but trails Henderson (73.3) and Harrison (72.3). The county's 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank highest among this peer group, supporting reasonable care access.

Moderate Uninsurance, Strong Primary Care

Henry County's 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7% average, leaving roughly 1 in 13 residents without health coverage. However, the county compensates with 58 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest primary care density in its peer group—plus 56 mental health providers.

Close the Coverage Gap in Henry County

With 7.7% uninsurance, Henry has room to improve. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4KY-ENROLL—many residents qualify for subsidies that bring coverage costs down significantly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Two-District System in Henry County

Henry County features 8 public schools supported by two distinct school districts, serving a total of 2,940 students. The facilities are comprised of four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This dual-district layout allows for unique educational identities within the same county.

Competitive Performance in a Rural Setting

With a graduation rate of 89.1%, Henry County exceeds the national average of 87.0% despite sitting below the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,696, nearly matching the state average of $6,894. The county's school score of 52.4 reflects a committed focus on core academic success.

Henry County and Eminence Independent Districts

The Henry County district is the largest, managing six schools and 2,014 students, while the Eminence Independent district serves 988 students across three schools. No charter schools operate in the county, keeping all public students within these two established systems. This division offers families different administrative scales and community environments.

Exclusively Rural Academic Environments

All eight schools in Henry County are situated in rural locales, fostering a tight-knit learning atmosphere. Henry County High School leads in size with 620 students, whereas New Castle Elementary serves a smaller group of 329. The average school size of 368 students suggests a manageable and familiar environment for local families.

Settle Near Henry County's Rural Schools

Henry County offers the charm of rural living combined with solid academic performance and stable graduation rates. Families often target homes near schools like Eminence Elementary to benefit from the unique independent district offerings. Explore local listings to find the perfect home near these community-centered schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County is Kentucky's safest

Henry County's composite risk score of 15.74 is the lowest in this analysis and less than half Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county ranks among the nation's lowest-risk regions for natural disasters.

Top tier for natural disaster safety

Henry County's Very Low rating places it at the very top of Kentucky's 120 counties for disaster risk protection. Residents face the lowest multi-hazard exposure in the commonwealth.

Exceptionally safer than region

Henry County's 15.74 score dramatically outperforms all nearby counties, including Harrison (33.78), Hart (41.13), and Hickman (35.81). The disparity reflects unusually low exposure across all five major hazard types.

Minimal hazards across the board

Tornado risk (50.16) represents Henry County's highest single hazard, still well below state norms. All other perils—earthquakes, floods, and wildfire—score substantially below Kentucky averages.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Henry County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners coverage typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, those in rare flood-prone areas should verify coverage and those wanting earthquake protection should ask their agent about endorsements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Henry County's Soil Profile

Technical soil identity data, including pH and taxonomic order, are not currently available for this specific county survey. For context, the surrounding region typically sees a state average pH of 5.80, which is slightly acidic.

Regional Texture Trends

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are missing for this location, but the area is known for typical Kentucky loams. These textures usually provide a balance of drainage and nutrient holding for local agriculture.

Growth Potential via Organic Matter

While specific fertility numbers are limited, local soils generally aim for the state average of 3.55% organic matter. Improving your soil with local compost can help bridge any gaps in available water capacity.

Landscape Hydrology Basics

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for this tract. Gardeners should observe their land after a heavy rain to see if water pools or disappears quickly before planning permanent structures.

Cultivating Zone 6b

Henry County is located in hardiness zone 6b, suitable for diverse perennials and vegetable gardening. Even without detailed data, the moderate climate provides plenty of opportunities to grow berries and leafy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Henry County's Local Lawn Profile

While a specific lawn difficulty score is currently unavailable, Henry County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b. This zone typically offers a balanced environment for cool-season grasses compared to the national average. Homeowners can look to state-wide trends, where the average difficulty score is a favorable 66.3.

Predicting Mowing and Watering Needs

Specific local climate averages for precipitation and heat days are limited, but the region follows general Kentucky patterns. In Zone 6b, lawns usually require roughly one inch of water per week to stay vibrant through the summer. Most neighbors find success by following a standard spring-to-fall maintenance schedule.

Understanding Native Soil Health

With no specific soil data available, testing your yard is the first step toward a lush lawn. Aim for a target pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your grass can access the nutrients you provide through fertilizer. Local Cooperative Extension offices can provide specific testing kits to help you overcome the region's typical clay-heavy soils.

Favorable Moisture Trends

The county experienced only 3 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a very stable moisture profile. Current data shows 0.0% of the county is under abnormally dry conditions. This reliability makes Henry County a great place for establishing new sod or seed without constant irrigation.

The Right Grass for Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the standard recommendations for Zone 6b. These varieties handle the winter well and stay green through much of the year. Keep an eye on local frost alerts to time your spring planting once the ground finally thaws.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Kentucky?
Henry County ranks #94 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $1,489, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 51.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Kentucky is $60,736 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Henry County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Kentucky. 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.