Henry County's composite score of 71.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 43%, placing it in the favorable livability category across the U.S. The county demonstrates solid fundamental strengths compared to typical American communities.
2 / 5
Slightly below Kentucky median
At 71.3, Henry County trails Kentucky's 75.0 state average by 3.7 points, positioning it in the lower-middle range of Kentucky's 120 counties. It represents competent but not exceptional livability within the state.
3 / 5
Modest taxes with decent income
Henry County maintains a reasonable tax burden (79.2 score) with a 0.821% effective rate and median household income of $60,736, which outpaces several peers. Housing costs remain manageable with median homes at $181,300 and median rent at $871/month.
4 / 5
Housing affordability slips
Henry County's cost score of 77.5 is its weakest dimension—notably lower than its tax score—suggesting housing prices strain budgets despite low tax rates. Critical data gaps remain in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.
5 / 5
Suits modest-income stability seekers
Henry County appeals to families wanting reasonable taxes and decent incomes in a small-town setting, though housing may require careful budgeting. It's better for those willing to compromise on cost of living for community character.
Henry County's composite score of 71.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 43%, placing it in the favorable livability category across the U.S. The county demonstrates solid fundamental strengths compared to typical American communities.
Slightly below Kentucky median
At 71.3, Henry County trails Kentucky's 75.0 state average by 3.7 points, positioning it in the lower-middle range of Kentucky's 120 counties. It represents competent but not exceptional livability within the state.
Modest taxes with decent income
Henry County maintains a reasonable tax burden (79.2 score) with a 0.821% effective rate and median household income of $60,736, which outpaces several peers. Housing costs remain manageable with median homes at $181,300 and median rent at $871/month.
Housing affordability slips
Henry County's cost score of 77.5 is its weakest dimension—notably lower than its tax score—suggesting housing prices strain budgets despite low tax rates. Critical data gaps remain in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.
Suits modest-income stability seekers
Henry County appeals to families wanting reasonable taxes and decent incomes in a small-town setting, though housing may require careful budgeting. It's better for those willing to compromise on cost of living for community character.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.