countyscore
53.6
County Score
Property Tax 87.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 79.8

County Report Card

About Henry County, Tennessee

Beating the National Composite Median

Henry County scores a 53.6, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of livability relative to counties of similar size across the country.

Outpacing the Tennessee State Average

The county surpasses the Tennessee state average of 51.3, proving its strength as a regional leader. It offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality public infrastructure.

High Value and Great Utilities

Residents enjoy low taxes with a score of 87.5 and a very affordable median gross rent of $741. High marks in water quality (86.0) and schools (59.5) further enhance its appeal to families.

Economic Growth and Risk Factors

Economic mobility is a challenge with an income score of 12.0. Additionally, the risk score of 15.3 indicates that the county is more susceptible to natural or environmental hazards than many peers.

Perfect for Young Families

Henry County is a top pick for families looking for good schools and low living costs. It provides a balanced lifestyle for those who can find employment in the local or regional economy.

Score breakdown

Tax87.5Cost79.8Safety30.1Health24.9Schools59.5Income12Risk15.3Water86Weather68
🏛87.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.5
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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Nearby counties

Benton County
Tennessee
54.1
Calloway County
Kentucky
55
Stewart County
Tennessee
59.9
Carroll County
Tennessee
53.8
Houston County
Tennessee
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Weakley County
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Humphreys County
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Graves County
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56

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 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

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Secure Against National Averages

Henry County maintains an excellent safety score of 97.4, with a total crime rate of 1,662.3 per 100K. This rate is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Safety Than State Average

The county's crime rate of 1,662.3 is lower than the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Its safety score of 97.4 also beats the state average of 97.2.

Regional Leader in Public Safety

Henry County is safer than neighboring Haywood (2,718.2) and has a similar profile to Henderson (1,612.5). Four reporting agencies provide consistent data that reinforces the county's low-crime reputation.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Low

Violent crime is particularly low at 229.1 per 100K, significantly under the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays below the national benchmark at 1,433.2 per 100K.

Proactive Security for Homeowners

Basic home security measures like deadbolts and well-lit entryways help maintain this safe environment. Active community involvement and neighborly vigilance continue to be the county's best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Academic Excellence in Henry County

Henry County manages 10 public schools and 4,599 students across two districts. The system is comprised of 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 1 high school, along with 2 specialized facilities. This structure provides a diverse range of educational environments for students in the Paris and surrounding county areas.

Leading the State in Graduations

The county boasts an incredible 98% graduation rate, one of the highest in Tennessee and far above the 87% national average. A school score of 56.1 further confirms the high quality of education provided to local students. Investment is also steady, with $6,238 spent per pupil, slightly above the state average.

Partnering Districts in Henry County

The area is served by the Henry County district and the Paris district, which manage 3,014 and 1,585 students respectively. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public districts. Henry County High School serves as the primary secondary school for the entire region with 1,048 students.

Balanced Town and Country Schools

The locale mix is an even split between rural and town settings, providing options for different lifestyle preferences. The average school size is 460 students, which is large enough to offer diverse programs while maintaining a manageable scale. Schools like W G Rhea Elementary provide focused early childhood environments with 571 students.

A Smart Move for Families

With a near-perfect graduation rate and high school scores, Henry County is a top-tier choice for families researching their next move. The combination of excellent schools in Paris and the scenic surrounding countryside offers a high quality of life. Explore the area today to find a home near these award-winning schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

A balanced temperate climate

Henry County's annual average of 58.0°F is very close to the state average and above the national median. It receives 55.0 inches of precipitation annually, typical for the humid inland South.

Aligns with state averages

Henry County mirrors the Tennessee state average temperature of 58.1°F almost perfectly. Its rainfall of 55.0 inches also falls right in line with the state's 55.9-inch norm.

Cooler than southern neighbors

Located further north, Henry is cooler than Henderson and Hardeman counties. This latitude difference results in 5.2 inches of snow, significantly more than the 1.5 inches seen in Henderson.

Distinctive four-season cycle

The county sees 33 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than its southern neighbors. However, winters are more pronounced with a January average of 36.2°F and over 5 inches of snow.

Prepare for all weather

Residents need a versatile wardrobe to handle both the 33 days of 90°F heat and the 5.2 inches of snow. Ensure your home is insulated for winter lows that average in the mid-30s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Above Average pH for Tennessee

Henry County features an average soil pH of 5.53, which is more favorable than the Tennessee state average of 5.35. While still acidic compared to the national median, it offers a solid baseline for agriculture.

A Silt-Dominant Growing Medium

The soil is heavily weighted toward silt at 61.6%, with sand and clay nearly balanced at 19% and 19.4% respectively. This high silt content makes for a smooth soil that is easy to till but susceptible to surface crusting.

Healthy Water Capacity and Soil Score

With a soil score of 37.1, Henry County performs near the state average of 38.5. Available water capacity is high at 0.185 in/in, though organic matter is currently low at 1.27%.

Monitor Your Land for Better Drainage

Data for drainage class and hydrologic groups is not currently specified in the digital record. Homeowners should look for local signs of compaction, which are common in soils with over 60% silt content.

Excellent Potential in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone and favorable pH make Henry County a great place for berry patches and vegetable plots. Focus on building organic matter to unlock the full potential of this silty ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Henry County: Near the State Average

Henry County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.5, placing it just slightly below the Tennessee average of 48.0. This Zone 7b county offers a more manageable environment than many of its neighbors to the south. While it isn't quite as easy as the national median of 50.0, it provides a fair middle ground for local gardeners.

Standard Tennessee Precipitation and Growth

The county receives 55.0 inches of rain annually, which is almost identical to the state average. With 33 extreme heat days, the thermal stress is slightly lower than the Tennessee average of 36 days. The growing season typically runs for several months, anchored by 4,443 growing degree days and a mid-April start.

Neutralizing Acidic Henry County Soil

The local soil pH is 5.53, which is more favorable than many neighboring counties but still requires lime to hit the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. The soil contains a balanced mix of 19.4% clay and 19.0% sand, providing a stable medium for root development. Without specific drainage class data, observing your yard's runoff patterns after a heavy rain is recommended.

Navigating Twenty Weeks of Drought

Henry County lawns faced 20 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the county is in severe drought levels, making standard conservation practices effective. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and maximize absorption.

Spring Start for Zone 7b Lawns

Tall fescue is a popular choice here, though warm-season Bermuda also performs well given the 4,443 growing degree days. The ideal time to start your lawn is after the last spring frost on April 7 to avoid cold damage to young shoots. Be sure to have your lawn established before the first fall frost on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Tennessee?
Henry County ranks #36 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $700, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 87.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Tennessee is $48,540 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 12/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Henry County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Tennessee. 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.