CountyScore

Henry County

Virginia · VA

#76 in Virginia
70.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Henry County, Virginia

Henry County dominates affordability nationally

With a composite score of 78.5, Henry County ranks in the 79th percentile nationally, far exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0. This southwest Virginia county stands among the nation's most livable based on cost and tax metrics.

Virginia's affordability champion

Henry's 78.5 score tops Virginia's state average of 70.3 by 8.2 points, ranking it among the state's most livable counties. The advantage comes primarily from exceptionally low housing and tax burdens.

Unbeatable cost of living

Henry County's cost score of 87.2 is exceptional, with median home values at just $120,300 and rent averaging only $705 monthly. A 0.50% effective tax rate—the lowest in this group—delivers remarkable affordability.

Income opportunities are limited

The median household income of $48,445 yields an income score of just 15.0, reflecting limited job market diversity in this rural county. Wage growth and career advancement may require relocation to larger metros.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

Henry County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing low cost of living over local job opportunities. Those seeking career growth or higher earning potential in traditional markets should consider elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.1Cost87.2SafetyComing SoonHealth60.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome15Risk36.4WaterComing Soon
🏛88.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.4
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

Franklin County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $51,493
Lauderdale County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $59,082
Holmes County
Florida
70.5
Median income: $48,236
Fayette County
Indiana
70.5
Median income: $56,659
Smith County
Kansas
70.5
Median income: $57,024

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 County offers Virginia's lightest burden

Henry County's effective tax rate of 0.502% ranks among the lowest in the nation, running 25% below the national median of 0.67%. Homeowners here pay just $604 in annual property taxes on a median home value of $120,300—less than one-quarter the national median home price.

Henry County significantly below state average

Henry County's 0.502% effective rate runs nearly 25% below Virginia's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the commonwealth's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax bill of $604 represents just 31% of Virginia's state median of $1,960, reflecting both lower rates and substantially lower home values.

Henry County's rate is lowest in region

Among the eight jurisdictions examined, Henry County's 0.502% rate stands out as the clear winner for affordability, well below Highland County's 0.564% and dramatically lower than Hopewell's 0.969%. The county offers a stark contrast to higher-tax neighbors like Henrico and Harrisonburg.

Just $604 yearly on median home

Henry County residents with the median home value of $120,300 pay approximately $604 in annual property taxes. Interestingly, mortgaged homes face slightly higher taxes ($674) than those owned outright ($558), an unusual pattern suggesting targeted mortgage-related assessments.

Even here, verify your assessment

Henry County's low overall tax burden doesn't mean individual assessments are always accurate. Homeowners should still review their property valuations and file an appeal if they believe their homes are overassessed relative to local market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Henry County

via CostByCounty

Henry County Offers True Affordability

At 17.5%, Henry County's rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6% and near the national affordability benchmark, making housing genuinely accessible. With a median household income of $48,445—35% below the national median—Henry residents have lower earnings but housing costs scale accordingly, preserving affordability.

Virginia's Most Affordable County Option

Henry County ranks among Virginia's most affordable places to live, combining a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio with the state's lowest median rent at $705. This Piedmont county delivers housing accessibility that few other Virginia communities can match.

Cheapest Rent in the Comparison

Henry County's median rent of $705 dramatically undercuts Highland County ($859), Harrisonburg ($1,120), and far exceeds savings versus urban areas like Henrico ($1,474). The trade-off: lower local incomes ($48,445) mean affordability relies on keeping housing costs genuinely low.

Housing Costs Align with Local Income

Henry County renters spend $705 monthly—17.5% of a $48,445 median annual income—the most balanced ratio in this comparison. Homeowners pay $569 monthly with median home values of just $120,300, making both rental and owner-occupied housing accessible to working families.

Henry County: Virginia's Affordability Champion

Relocating to Henry County unlocks Virginia's lowest housing costs while maintaining affordability relative to local incomes—ideal for households prioritizing housing accessibility over urban amenities. This Piedmont county proves that genuine affordability exists in Virginia if you're willing to leave major metropolitan areas behind.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Henry County

via IncomeByCounty

Henry County's income significantly below national

Henry County's median household income of $48,445 trails the national median of $74,755 by 35%, placing it among America's lower-income counties. The county's economy reflects dependence on manufacturing and agriculture sectors with limited high-wage job growth.

Henry County struggles vs. Virginia average

Henry County's $48,445 median household income falls $26,512 short of Virginia's $74,957 state average—a 35% gap. Per capita income of $28,644 lags the state average of $39,155 by 27%, indicating limited earnings across the population.

Lowest earner in comparison set

Henry County's $48,445 income ranks significantly below all comparable counties, including Hopewell city ($48,681), Highland County ($62,946), and Harrisonburg ($59,752). This income gap reflects structural challenges in rural employment and economic opportunity.

Lower income, lower housing costs

Henry County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% appears favorable, but reflects the county's lower housing costs rather than affordability abundance. Median home values of just $120,300 are among Virginia's lowest, providing homeownership opportunity despite modest incomes.

Build wealth strategically on modest means

Henry County residents should prioritize debt reduction and emergency savings before aggressive investing, given tighter income constraints. Low housing costs provide an advantage—consider channeling the difference into retirement accounts or educational advancement for household members.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Henry County

via HealthByCounty

Henry County faces severe health crisis

At 70.9 years, Henry County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 4.6 years—a gap rivaling the deadliest American counties. Nearly 25% report poor or fair health, one of the highest rates in the nation.

Virginia's life expectancy leader must act

Henry County's 70.9-year life expectancy lags Virginia's state average of 75.1 years by a stark 4.2 years, making it one of Virginia's healthiest-to-least-healthy divides. The 24.9% poor/fair health rate signals a county in distress.

Worst outcomes in its region by far

Henry County's 70.9-year life expectancy severely underperforms neighboring Highland County (78.9 years) and Isle of Wight (76.8 years). Its 8.4% uninsured rate, while moderate, masks deeper access and health equity challenges.

Critical shortage of mental health care

Henry County has only 46 primary care providers and just 24 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Virginia's lowest densities. This scarcity of behavioral health services may amplify chronic disease burden and despair.

Henry County: breaking the cycle

Henry County's health crisis demands urgent action: secure insurance, seek preventive care, and demand better provider access. Call Virginia Medicaid at 1-800-432-5924 or visit healthcare.gov to explore all options—your life may depend on it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Henry County

via RiskByCounty

Henry County Risk Exceeds National Baseline

At 63.61, Henry County's composite risk score ranks as relatively low but sits significantly above the national average. The county faces material hazard exposure that requires homeowner awareness and preparation.

Well Above Average for Virginia

Henry County's 63.61 nearly doubles Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the upper range of risk statewide. Only Henrico County exceeds Henry's overall hazard exposure.

Riskier Than Most Regional Peers

Henry County (63.61) faces notably higher exposure than Harrisonburg (26.59) to the west and Hopewell (17.24) to the east. It trails only Henrico (83.40) among Virginia's examined counties.

Floods and Hurricanes Dominate Your Threats

Flood risk ranks highest at 76.56, driven by the county's position in the Piedmont region with multiple river systems. Hurricane exposure reaches 74.89 due to Atlantic proximity, while earthquake risk (67.94) presents an underestimated secondary threat.

Flood and Earthquake Insurance Essential

Obtain flood insurance immediately—this county's 76.56 flood score makes it a critical gap in standard coverage. Add earthquake protection as well, as many Henry County residents underestimate this risk despite the county's 67.94 score.

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.