53.4
County Score
Schools 86.3Income & Jobs 82.9Lawn Care 70.3

County Report Card

About Henry County, Ohio

Strong National Standing for Henry County

Henry County earns a composite score of 53.4, surpassing the national median of 50.0. It reflects a robust quality of life that ranks well across the country.

Leading Above Ohio’s Average

At 53.4, the county performs better than the state average of 48.6. This identifies it as a premier destination for those looking for stability in Northwest Ohio.

Excellent Schools and High Incomes

The county boasts an impressive School Score of 86.3 and an Income Score of 82.9. Residents earn a strong median household income of $79,267, well above regional norms.

Water Quality is a Major Concern

A critically low Water Score of 5.9 is the county's primary weakness. Additionally, the Tax Score of 26.7 reflects a higher-than-average tax burden for the region.

Perfect for High-Earning Families

This county is a top choice for families prioritizing high-quality education and local career earnings. Prospective residents should consider investing in home water filtration systems to mitigate local utility issues.

Score breakdown

Tax26.7Cost41.3Safety50.5Health63.5Schools86.3Income82.9Risk66.2Water5.9Weather53.5
🏛26.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠41.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼82.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
63.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓86.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
66.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧5.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨58.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱70.3
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
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

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 stays comfortably below national median

At 1.177%, Henry County's effective property tax rate falls below the national average, though it's slightly above the Ohio statewide norm. The county's median property tax of $1,954 remains roughly 27% lower than the national median of $2,690, keeping Henry affordable for most homeowners.

Just above Ohio's statewide tax rate

Henry County's 1.177% effective rate exceeds Ohio's 1.148% average by 29 basis points. This positions Henry slightly above the state middle, in the upper-moderate range among Ohio's 88 counties.

Highest rate in this northwest Ohio grouping

Henry County's 1.177% outpaces both Hardin (1.122%) and Harrison (1.039%), making it the priciest option in the immediate region. However, its $1,954 median tax remains significantly lower than many more urbanized Ohio counties.

Own a typical home? Budget about $1,954 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($166,000) in Henry County pays approximately $1,954 in annual property taxes. This figure remains relatively stable whether you carry a mortgage ($1,948) or own outright ($1,967).

Check your assessment against market sales data

Many Henry County homeowners may be paying more than necessary if their home is overassessed. Gather recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and request a reassessment if your property's value appears too high.

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County shines on affordability

At 13.1%, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, allowing renters to keep more income for other needs. With a median household income of $79,267—6% above the national average—combined with moderate rents of $866, Henry offers the region's strongest housing affordability position.

One of Ohio's most affordable counties

Henry County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above most Ohio counties, beating the state average of 15.6% by 2.5 percentage points. This superior affordability stems from above-average incomes paired with reasonable rents.

Henry leads the affordability pack

Henry County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms every neighboring county in the analysis, with only Holmes County (12.4%) approaching it. The combination of higher incomes and moderate rents makes Henry the region's most comfortable housing environment.

Henry's favorable income-to-cost ratio

On a $79,267 median household income, renters spend $866 monthly (13.1% of income), while homeowners allocate $957 (14.5% of income). Both figures sit well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets.

Henry County: relocate to stability

Considering a move to Ohio? Henry County combines above-average incomes with below-average housing burdens—a rare pairing that means financial flexibility after housing. The county's median home value of $166,000 and strong renter affordability appeal to families seeking genuine cost-of-living relief.

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County exceeds national income

Henry County's median household income of $79,267 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 6%. This above-average performance reflects Henry's stronger manufacturing base and agricultural economy in northwest Ohio.

Henry leads Ohio county rankings

At $79,267, Henry County earns 16% more than Ohio's average county median of $68,101, placing it among the state's top earners. This positions Henry solidly above the state midpoint, reflecting more robust local economic activity than most Ohio counties.

Henry outearns all neighboring counties

Henry County's $79,267 household income far exceeds Hardin County's $58,001 and Jackson County's $58,409—both neighboring regions. This $20,000+ advantage signals Henry's relative economic strength and stable employment base in the region.

Housing costs are truly affordable

Henry County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 20% affordability threshold, meaning renters pay roughly $673 monthly from median household income. This healthy ratio leaves households breathing room for savings, education, and other essential expenses.

Henry's income supports aggressive wealth-building

With above-average income and manageable housing costs, Henry County residents are positioned to pursue diversified financial goals—homeownership, college savings, and retirement investing. The favorable rent-to-income ratio creates room to maximize 401(k) contributions, education savings plans, and long-term investment strategies.

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County holds steady below national averages

Henry County reports 1,115.9 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This data earns the county a safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Consistently safer than the state average

The county's safety score of 98.2 surpasses the Ohio average of 97.8. With three agencies reporting data, Henry County maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the statewide average of 1,412.3.

Comparing Henry to its Ohio neighbors

Henry’s crime rate of 1,115.9 is higher than Hardin County’s 845.8 but remains lower than Jackson County’s 1,332.8. It offers a balanced safety profile for the region.

The focus is on property protection

Violent crime in Henry County is low at 144.9 per 100,000, while property crime is the primary concern at 971.0. This means the average resident is far more likely to experience a theft than a violent encounter.

Vigilance keeps property crime low

Since property crime represents the majority of local offenses, home alarm systems are a smart investment. Simple steps like locking windows and installing outdoor cameras can deter potential intruders.

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County leads on life expectancy

At 76.0 years, Henry County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a remarkable achievement for a rural Ohio county. Just 19.3 percent report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18 percent, suggesting strong disease management and preventive care uptake. These metrics reflect one of Ohio's healthier communities.

Above-average health in rural Ohio

Henry County's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's 74.8-year state average by 1.2 years, placing it among Ohio's top-performing counties for longevity. The 19.3 percent poor/fair health rate matches or beats most Ohio peers, signaling effective chronic disease management and strong health behaviors. Henry residents enjoy some of the state's best health outcomes.

Strongest provider network in the region

Henry County boasts the same 29 primary care providers per 100,000 as neighboring Hardin but far exceeds its mental health capacity with 134 per 100,000—double Hardin's rate. This robust mental health infrastructure supports better treatment for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Henry's provider diversity gives residents more options for specialized care.

Lowest uninsured rate in the region

Just 6.0 percent of Henry County residents lack health insurance, significantly below Ohio's 7.5 percent average and the best rate among comparison counties. This widespread coverage means more residents access preventive care and manage chronic conditions consistently. Insurance security directly correlates with Henry's superior health outcomes.

Even in Henry County, coverage matters

If you're among the 6 percent uninsured in Henry County, don't fall behind your healthier neighbors. Explore plans at healthcare.gov to ensure you can access the preventive and specialized care that keeps this county's health outcomes strong.

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Public Schools Across Five Districts

Henry County supports 11 public schools and 4,868 students within five distinct districts. The landscape features a mix of three elementary, two middle, and five high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates and Robust Funding

Henry County boasts an exceptional 95.8% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88.3%. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,292, significantly higher than the Ohio average.

Napoleon Area City Leads Enrollment

Napoleon Area City is the county's largest district, educating 1,762 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all enrollment concentrated in traditional local districts.

Expansive Schools in a Rural Landscape

Nearly all schools are rural, but they maintain a healthy average size of 443 students. Napoleon Elementary is the largest building with 975 students, while Four County Career Center serves as a major regional hub.

Top-Tier Education for New Residents

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Henry County is a prime location for families. Explore homes in the Napoleon Area or Liberty Center districts to secure access to these high-performing schools.

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County maintains very low disaster risk

At 33.81, Henry County's composite risk score runs well below the national average and significantly lower than Ohio's 55.03 state average. This very low rating places residents in a relatively protected position nationwide.

Ranks among Ohio's safer counties

Henry County's 33.81 score situates it in the lower half of Ohio's risk distribution, meaning fewer counties are safer statewide. This solid standing reflects moderate to low exposure across most natural hazard types.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Henry County's 33.81 score beats Highland County (43.19), Hocking County (47.30), Huron County (50.29), and Holmes County (60.40), though it trails the exceptional safety of Hardin (24.43) and Harrison (11.42). It occupies a comfortable middle ground in northwest Ohio.

Tornado and flood pose moderate concern

Tornado risk (48.51) and flood risk (55.09) are Henry County's two most significant hazards, each approaching or exceeding state average levels. Earthquake (52.96) and hurricane (36.80) risks are secondary concerns, while wildfire exposure is minimal at 3.47.

Prepare for severe weather and flooding

Standard homeowners insurance forms your foundation, but Henry County residents should specifically ensure flood coverage is in place or understand why it's excluded. A tornado safety plan—identifying a safe room or shelter—and a weather radio provide critical protection given the moderate tornado risk.

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate

Henry County averages 50.2°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median in the humid continental zone. The region experiences four distinct seasons typical of the American heartland.

Cooler and Drier Than the Ohio Average

The county's 50.2°F average temperature sits over a degree lower than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It also receives 37.3 inches of annual precipitation, making it notably drier than the 41.2-inch state benchmark.

More Manageable Snowfall Than Eastern Neighbors

Henry County sees 24.7 inches of snow annually, which is significantly less than the 32.7 inches recorded in Huron County to the east. This difference makes winter road maintenance slightly easier for Henry residents.

Deep Winter Chills and Sharp Summer Peaks

January brings average lows of 25.1°F, while July pushes the mercury to a 73.5°F average. Residents encounter roughly 15 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Wide Thermal Swings

Homeowners should ensure HVAC systems are rated for both sub-freezing winters and the 15 annual days of 90°F heat. Reliable snow removal gear is essential for the 24.7 inches of expected annual accumulation.

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

A Sandy and Near-Neutral Profile

Henry County soils have a pH of 6.26, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the Ohio average. The county earns a soil score of 58.9, reflecting its unique physical characteristics. This near-neutral acidity level makes it easier for plants to access a wide range of nutrients.

High Sand for Easy Workability

With a high sand content of 48.0%, this soil is significantly more coarse than many of its neighbors. The profile also includes 30.2% silt and 20.1% clay, creating a gritty mix that warms up quickly in the spring. This texture is highly favorable for early planting and root development.

Fast-Draining with Moderate Organic Matter

The organic matter level of 3.46% is above the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark. Gardeners should expect the soil to lose moisture rapidly compared to heavier clay-based soils.

Naturally Quick Drainage

The 48.0% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. While this prevents root rot, it also means plants may need more frequent irrigation during drought periods. The lack of specific drainage data is offset by the clear physical implications of such a sandy mix.

Ideal for Root Vegetables

In hardiness zone 6a, these sandy soils are perfect for growing potatoes, carrots, and other root crops. The easy workability of the earth makes it a joy for home gardeners to manage. Consider adding compost to help boost moisture retention in your backyard beds.

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Growth in Henry

With a score of 70.3, Henry County is one of the more challenging spots in Ohio for lawn maintenance. This Zone 6a area sits below the state average of 76.0, demanding more attention to irrigation and soil health.

Heat and Low Rainfall Challenges

Annual precipitation of 37.3 inches falls short of the state average, while 15 extreme heat days add significant summer stress. Mowing schedules must adjust for 3,090 growing degree days to prevent scalping during frequent dry spells.

Fast-Draining Sandy Soil Prep

High sand content at 48.0% means water drains quickly, which can lead to rapid drying of the turf roots. While the 6.26 pH is nearly perfect, the 20.1% clay level isn't enough to hold onto nutrients as well as heavier soil types.

Surviving Severe Drought Conditions

Drought hits hard here, with 100% of the county currently in severe drought and 29 weeks of drought recorded last year. To survive these conditions, homeowners should let grass grow taller to shade the soil and protect the root zone.

Drought-Tolerant Varieties Work Best

Drought-tolerant varieties like Turf-Type Tall Fescue are the best bet for this sandy, dry environment. Seed your lawn shortly after the April 24 frost or wait for the cooling temperatures before the October 21 frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Ohio has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Ohio?
Henry County ranks #28 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $1,954, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 26.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Ohio is $79,267 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Ohio a good place to live?
Henry County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Ohio. 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.