44.5
County Score
Cost of Living 65.3Lawn Care 59.6Weather & Climate 57.6

County Report Card

About Henry County, Missouri

Below the National Median

With a composite score of 44.5, Henry County falls below the national median of 50.0. This score places it roughly in the bottom 40% of counties nationwide. While affordable, it struggles to match the national average across several key quality-of-life metrics.

Trailing the Missouri Average

The county trails the Missouri state average of 50.3 by nearly six points. It ranks in the lower tier of Missouri counties, primarily due to lower safety and health outcomes. Economic indicators like the $56,621 median household income remain modest compared to state leaders.

High Housing Value for Residents

Cost is the county's strongest suit, earning a Cost Score of 65.3 thanks to a median gross rent of only $740. Property owners also benefit from a competitive tax environment, where the effective tax rate is a relatively low 0.801%. These factors make it an accessible entry point for first-time homebuyers.

Safety and Health Concerns

The county faces significant pressure in public safety with a Safety Score of 27.8. Health and water infrastructure also lag, scoring 40.9 and 24.5 respectively. These scores suggest a need for investment in community wellness and local environmental services.

A Value Play for Rural Residents

Henry County is most attractive to individuals who value low monthly overhead and affordable real estate above all else. Its $153,500 median home value offers an attainable lifestyle for those on a fixed budget. However, residents must be comfortable with more limited local health and safety infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax53.1Cost65.3Safety27.8Health40.9Schools39.6Income29.1Risk47.2Water24.5Weather57.6
🏛53.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠65.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡27.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
40.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
47.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧24.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤57.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨56.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱59.6
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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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 below national norm

Henry County's effective rate of 0.801% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.94%, putting it near the 30th percentile nationally. At a median home value of $153,500, Henry residents pay $1,230 annually—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Missouri's average

Henry County's 0.801% effective rate edges above the state average of 0.733%, placing it firmly in the middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties. The median tax of $1,230 runs just above the state median of $1,199, reflecting Henry's moderately valued housing stock.

Competitive with neighboring counties

Henry's 0.801% rate is lowest among its closest peers—it undercuts Harrison County (0.824%) and sits near Holt County (0.773%). Among this central Missouri cluster, Henry offers relatively affordable property taxation.

Typical Henry County tax bill

On a median home value of $153,500, Henry County's 0.801% rate yields roughly $1,230 annually, or about $103 per month. Homeowners with mortgages may see their tax assessed higher at approximately $1,276 yearly.

Many Henry owners could appeal

Missouri law allows homeowners to challenge property assessments if they believe valuations exceed fair market value. Henry County residents who suspect overassessment should consider filing an appeal to potentially reduce their annual tax liability.

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry rents match state benchmark

Henry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits slightly above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, holding steady compared to national affordability patterns. Renters here spend about $740 monthly on housing against a median income of $56,621.

Middle-ground affordability statewide

Henry County ranks near the middle of Missouri's affordability spectrum with a 15.7% rent burden, just edging the state median. Its rents at $740 monthly run slightly below the state average of $768, offering modest savings.

Slightly pricier than nearby rivals

Henry County's $740 rent edges above Harrison County's $666 and approaches Howell County's $722, positioning it as a mid-range option. Home values of $153,500 sit between Harrison's $107,400 and Howell's $161,000, reflecting stronger property appreciation.

Rents and mortgages balanced

Renters allocate $740 monthly while owners spend $815, reflecting Henry's stronger median home values and investment potential. With household income at $56,621, renters dedicate about 15.7% while owners commit roughly 17.3% to housing costs.

Henry offers stable middle ground

Relocating families seeking steady housing affordability without extreme frugality will find Henry County competitive—rents track with state averages while home values suggest solid long-term investment. Your income aligns well with local housing markets, balancing cost with community amenities.

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County lags national income pace

Henry County's median household income of $56,621 falls 24.3% short of the national median of $74,755. While below the U.S. average, Henry outperforms many rural Missouri counties in earnings capacity.

Slightly below state average

Henry County's $56,621 median household income sits 4.8% below Missouri's average of $59,503. The county ranks in the middle range of Missouri's 115 counties by income.

Strongest earners in local cluster

Henry County's $56,621 income leads nearby Harrison County ($53,364) and rivals Holt County ($58,516). However, Howard County ($62,628) and Jackson County ($67,178) demonstrate stronger economic pull in neighboring areas.

Solid housing affordability

Henry County maintains a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, well within the healthy affordability zone. The median home value of $153,500 represents a reasonable stretch for local earning power.

Leverage stability into growth

Henry County's per capita income of $32,566 and manageable housing burden create space for wealth-building activities. Diversifying income streams and investing in education or skills training can accelerate financial progress.

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Maintains Above-Average Safety

Henry County holds a safety score of 97.2, placing it slightly above the Missouri average. Its total crime rate of 1744.9 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Near the Missouri Average

The county's total crime rate of 1744.9 per 100K sits just below the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Two law enforcement agencies provide consistent reporting for the area.

A Stable Profile Among Neighbors

Henry County offers a moderate safety profile compared to surrounding Missouri counties. While safer than the national benchmark, it faces higher crime rates than some of its more rural neighbors.

Property Crime Stays Below National Levels

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1246.4 per 100K, significantly better than the national 2,015.7 average. However, the violent crime rate of 498.5 is higher than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Prioritize Home and Property Security

Since property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, securing outbuildings and entry points is vital. Motion-sensor lights and alarm systems provide an effective deterrent for local homeowners.

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County matches Missouri's average

At 74.3 years, Henry County's life expectancy aligns exactly with Missouri's state average and sits just 0.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 19.1% poor/fair health rate is among Missouri's better outcomes.

Right at Missouri's median health rank

Henry County's life expectancy of 74.3 years matches the state average precisely, placing it squarely in Missouri's middle band for health outcomes. Its uninsured rate of 11.6% is slightly better than the state's 12.5%.

Strong primary care network regionally

Henry County leads nearby counties with 77 primary care providers per 100K—more than three times Harrison County's 25 per 100K. Its 378 mental health providers per 100K is among the highest in the region, suggesting strong mental healthcare availability.

Excellent healthcare access and coverage

Henry County residents enjoy robust provider networks: 77 primary care providers per 100K and 378 mental health providers per 100K make healthcare readily accessible. At 11.6% uninsured, the county's coverage rate is stronger than the state average.

Leverage Henry County's strong networks

If you're among the 11.6% without insurance, Henry County's abundant providers mean you'll have options once covered. Explore your options at healthcare.gov or reach out to local community health centers.

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options for Henry County Families

Henry County features 15 public schools, including eight elementary campuses and five high schools, supported by seven different school districts. This infrastructure accommodates 2,888 students across a mix of town and rural environments.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet Regional Standards

The county achieves a 91.2% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average and exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,233, closely aligning with Missouri's state average of $6,334.

Clinton District Anchors the County System

The Clinton school district is the largest in the area, operating six schools that serve 1,835 students. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring that traditional public districts remain the central focus for local education.

A Balance of Town and Country Life

Schools are split almost evenly between town and rural locales, with an average enrollment of 206 students per campus. Clinton Senior High is the largest facility with 604 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural schools in the Montrose R-XIV district.

Find Your Home Near Henry County Schools

With graduation rates that lead the nation, Henry County is an attractive destination for families seeking academic reliability. Exploring real estate in the Clinton area puts you at the heart of the county's strongest educational hub.

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County slightly above national average

Henry County's composite risk score of 52.77 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. While still manageable, this means your county faces slightly more natural disaster exposure than a typical American county.

Mid-range risk within Missouri

At 52.77, Henry County's risk score nearly mirrors Missouri's statewide average of 50.56, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. You face moderately higher hazard exposure than the state's safest counties but lower than its riskiest ones.

Higher risk than some nearby counties

Henry County ranks among the moderately higher-risk areas in central Missouri, particularly compared to Howard County (13.80) and Hickory County (23.47). Your tornado and flood risks exceed those neighboring counties significantly.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornado risk reaches 62.40 and earthquake risk scores 58.87—both well above typical levels and your county's primary concerns. Flood risk (61.13) is also elevated, making multi-hazard preparedness critical for Henry County residents.

Invest in comprehensive coverage

Henry County's earthquake and tornado risks demand robust homeowner's insurance with specific windstorm and seismic coverage. Identify or build a safe room or basement shelter and maintain an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours.

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Midwestern Humid Climate

Henry County's annual average temperature of 55.5°F is slightly warmer than the national median. With 43.3 inches of annual rain, the county experiences a moist and productive climate.

Aligned with the Missouri Average

The county's 55.5°F average is very close to the state average of 54.9°F. It serves as a representative sample of Missouri's transition from northern cool to southern warmth.

Milder Winters than Northern Neighbors

Henry County sees only 11.1 inches of snow, much less than the 17-20 inches seen in northern Missouri. Its January average of 30.4°F is notably warmer than counties near the Iowa border.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

The area experiences 35 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, concentrated in the 78.7°F July peak. Winter stays above freezing on average, with a Dec-Feb mean of 33.3°F.

Managing Humidity and Summer Heat

With 35 extreme heat days and over 43 inches of rain, dehumidifiers and reliable AC are essential. The relatively low snowfall makes winter travel easier than in other parts of the state.

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

More Acidic Than the Missouri Average

Henry County soils show an average pH of 5.92, which is more acidic than both the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity level can limit the availability of certain nutrients without proper soil amendments. Taxonomic and texture data are not currently recorded for the dominant soil types here.

Balanced Silt and Clay Profiles

The soil composition consists of 52.1% silt and 22.6% clay, providing a texture that is workable yet capable of holding moisture. Sand makes up 23.6% of the mix, which helps slightly with aeration compared to heavier clay soils. This blend typically offers moderate nutrient retention for local farming.

Average Water Retention with Low Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 2.14%, which is just above the national average of 2.0% but less than half of the Missouri state average. Despite this, the Available Water Capacity is 0.189 in/in, which is slightly better than the state benchmark of 0.183 in/in. These soils are reliable for moisture but benefit from added compost to boost fertility.

Limited Drainage and Hydrology Insights

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently classified for the dominant soil layers in Henry County. Farmers and builders should perform site-specific tests to determine how water moves through their particular plot. Understanding local topography becomes even more critical when regional soil data is limited.

Thriving in the 6b Growing Zone

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 6b, Henry County offers a long enough growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. A soil score of 56.4 suggest there is room for improvement through organic amendments. Dig in today and enjoy a climate that supports a wide variety of Midwestern favorites.

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Average Effort for a Missouri Lawn

With a lawn difficulty score of 59.6, Henry County is slightly more challenging than the state average of 63.7. Homeowners in this zone 6b area face more maintenance hurdles than the national median, requiring a proactive approach to turf health.

Consistent Rain Meets Missouri Heat

The county receives 43.3 inches of annual rainfall, which helps offset the 35 days of extreme heat over 90°F. These 4138 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy from late April through most of October.

Amending Acidic Soil for Success

The local soil pH of 5.92 is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may limit nutrient availability. Since specific drainage and texture data are limited, a home soil test is the best way to determine if lime is needed.

Managing Half a Year of Drought

Lawns here endured 28 weeks of drought in the past year, placing significant stress on non-irrigated turf. With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, deep and infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth.

Strategic Seeding for Zone 6b

Tall fescue is a top choice for this climate, offering durability against the 35 extreme heat days. Plan your seeding projects after the last frost on April 17 or during the prime fall window before late October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Missouri has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Missouri?
Henry County ranks #83 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $1,230, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 53.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Missouri is $56,621 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 29.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Missouri a good place to live?
Henry County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Missouri. 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.