CountyScore

Henry County

Tennessee · TN

#70 in Tennessee
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Henry County, Tennessee

Henry ranks well above national livability baseline

Henry County's composite score of 78.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 28 points, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. Strong performance in taxes and housing affordability drives this solid standing.

Exceeds Tennessee's average livability score

Henry's 78.1 score sits above Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking it among the state's stronger-performing counties. It stands out positively against most Tennessee peers.

Low taxes and affordable housing anchor appeal

Henry excels with a tax score of 88.7 and effective tax rate of 0.482%, paired with a cost score of 85.9 and median home value of $145,200. Monthly rent averages just $741, creating genuine affordability across the county.

Income levels constrain economic opportunity

The income score of 15.1 reflects median household income of $48,540, indicating limited earning potential and economic advancement within the county. Data on safety, health, schools, and water remain unavailable.

Ideal for affordability-focused rural families

Henry County attracts families and individuals who prioritize low taxes and housing costs over high local wages, especially those with remote work or external income. It's less appealing to those expecting significant local job growth or wage advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.7Cost85.9SafetyComing SoonHealth59.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.1Risk15.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Henry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
68.3
Median income: $53,070
Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Charlton County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $48,534
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976

Deep Dives

Henry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Henry County

via TaxByCounty

Henry slightly above U.S. median rates

Henry County's effective tax rate of 0.482% sits slightly below the national median of 0.51%, placing it in the middle range nationally. The median property tax of $700 on homes valued at $145,200 represents just 26% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting below-average property values.

Moderate tax burden in Tennessee

Henry County's effective rate of 0.482% falls slightly below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, positioning it as a moderately taxed county. Its median annual tax of $700 is approximately 69% of the state median of $1,016, placing it among Tennessee's more affordable options.

Henry mid-range in regional tax rates

At 0.482%, Henry County's rate falls in the middle of the eight-county group, higher than Hardin (0.432%), Hancock (0.452%), and Henderson (0.469%), but lower than Hawkins (0.563%), Hardeman (0.652%), Hamilton (0.669%), and Haywood (0.714%). It represents a balanced tax environment.

Median home costs $700 yearly

A typical Henry County home valued at $145,200 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $700 at the 0.482% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($755), while those owning outright pay slightly less ($656).

Challenge assessments to reduce taxes

Henry County homeowners should review their property assessments against recent comparable sales in their area. If your assessed value appears too high, filing a free appeal with the county assessor could lower your tax burden and ensure fair valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County rents above national

Henry County renters spend 18.3% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of roughly 18%. With median household income of $48,540—35% below the national median of $74,755—residents face above-average rent burdens despite modest earnings.

Below-average Tennessee affordability

Henry County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among less affordable counties statewide. The $741 median rent runs 14% below the state average of $860, yet low wages still create strain.

Rents near regional low, wages lower

Henry's $741 rent rivals Hawkins ($744) as among the region's cheapest, yet household income ($48,540) lags both Henderson ($53,471) and Hawkins ($55,278). The county's rent advantage evaporates when income is factored in.

Tight squeeze despite cheap rents

Renters spend $741 monthly while homeowners pay $606—a $135 gap on a median income of just $4,045. Both scenarios leave households with roughly $3,300 after housing for all other expenses.

Cheap rent needs strong paychecks

Henry County's low rents look attractive until you examine median income—at $48,540, wages here are nearly 35% below the nation's median. Before relocating for the affordable housing, confirm your new employer can match or beat current earnings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County income lags national median

Henry County's median household income of $48,540 trails the national median of $74,755 by 35%, reflecting rural economic constraints and limited high-wage employment opportunities. The gap highlights the income challenges faced by many rural Tennessee communities.

Below Tennessee average

Henry County earns 18% less than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, ranking it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $29,136 closely approaches the state average of $31,458, indicating typical earning patterns for rural populations.

Middle-tier among rural peers

Henry County's $48,540 median income ranks slightly above Hardeman ($46,173) and Haywood ($43,513), but trails Henderson ($53,471) and Hawkins ($55,278) by $5,000–$7,000. The county's position reflects agricultural and small manufacturing economies typical of rural West Tennessee.

Housing costs remain reasonable

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% keeps housing costs manageable at less than one-fifth of median household income. With a median home value of $145,200 and stable incomes, residents have realistic pathways to building home equity and long-term housing security.

Create wealth through consistent saving

Henry County residents can build financial security by automating savings of 5–8% of income into a dedicated account, then gradually increasing contributions as wages grow. Look into whether employers offer retirement matching benefits or whether local vocational programs could boost earning potential in growing regional sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County approaches national health parity

At 72.2 years, Henry County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.2 years, but is closer to national benchmarks than most peers. With 23.6% reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national 21%—the county reflects moderate chronic disease burden.

Matches Tennessee's average health outcomes

Henry County's 72.2-year life expectancy nearly matches Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Its 23.6% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds state experience, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease prevention.

Second-healthiest county in peer group

Henry County's 72.2-year life expectancy is second only to Hamilton's 75.6 years among the eight counties profiled. Its 23.6% poor/fair health rate ranks in the middle, alongside Henderson (23.8%) and Hardin (20.5%).

Above-average provider infrastructure

Henry County has 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid for a rural county—and strong mental health support at 191 per 100,000. An 11.6% uninsured rate is moderate, meaning most residents can access the robust provider network available in the county.

Complete your coverage today

Henry County's strong provider network benefits most residents, but 11.6% still lack insurance. Apply at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure you can access the county's robust primary and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County faces multiple significant hazards

Henry County scores 84.73 on the composite risk index, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category and well above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Earthquakes (94.88) and tornadoes (83.91) both rank dangerously high, while flooding (38.80) and other hazards remain secondary. This combination of two top-tier threats makes Henry County one of Tennessee's higher-risk communities.

Second-highest risk in Tennessee

Henry County ranks second statewide for overall disaster risk, trailing only Hamilton County's 93.29, with its own score of 84.73 significantly above the state average. Its earthquake score of 94.88 ties for the state's highest, while its tornado risk of 83.91 ranks among Tennessee's most severe. Combined, these dual threats place Henry in the state's extreme-risk tier.

Most dangerous county in the region

Henry County's 84.73 score substantially exceeds all nearby counties, including Hardin County (70.71) to the south and Hawkins County (55.76) to the east. Its earthquake-tornado combination is unique in the region; only Hamilton County surpasses Henry's overall exposure statewide. This makes Henry an exceptional outlier for natural disaster risk among its geographic peers.

Earthquakes and tornadoes both threaten

Earthquakes pose your paramount threat at 94.88, one of Tennessee's highest scores, with moderate tremors occurring regularly from nearby fault systems and causing significant structural damage. Tornadoes follow closely at 83.91, making spring storms (March–May) particularly dangerous and capable of catastrophic wind damage. These two hazards dominate Henry's risk profile; flooding remains a minor tertiary concern.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage essential

Earthquake insurance is absolutely critical—Henry's 94.88 score demands full seismic protection for your structure and contents given the frequent tremor activity. Add comprehensive windstorm/hail coverage rated for tornadoes, and maintain adequate liability limits given the severity of both hazards. Meet with an insurance agent before each spring to confirm your earthquake and tornado coverage keeps pace with your home's replacement value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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