countyscore
51.7
County Score
Cost of Living 86.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 85.5

County Report Card

About Henry County, Virginia

Competitive on the National Stage

Henry County scores 51.7, which is slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is on par with, or better than, most American counties.

Consistent with Virginia Standards

The county's score of 51.7 aligns closely with the Virginia state average of 50.9. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the typical Virginian experience.

A Leader in Affordable Living

Henry County is exceptionally affordable with a cost score of 86.5 and a tax score of 85.5. Median rent is just $705, and the effective tax rate is a low 0.502%.

Economic and Health Limitations

Income levels are low with a score of 11.8, reflecting a median household income of $48,445. Health outcomes also lag behind, earning a score of only 27.6.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is a premier choice for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs who want to maximize their purchasing power. It offers some of the best housing value in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax85.5Cost86.5Safety26.5Health27.6Schools36.6Income11.8Risk36.4Water86Weather66.8
🏛85.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.1
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

Martinsville city
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44.6
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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 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

Safety in Henry County

via CrimeByCounty

Henry County Outperforms National Safety Scores

Henry County boasts a high safety score of 97.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1786.8 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Tracking Closely With Virginia Standards

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the Virginia state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1786.8 per 100K sits just above the state average of 1728.8.

Comparing Henry to Southside Neighbors

Reporting through two agencies, Henry County maintains a stable safety profile for the Southside region. Its 1786.8 total crime rate reflects a moderate activity level compared to neighboring Martinsville.

Balanced Risks in Local Crime Data

Violent crime in Henry County stands at 242.3 per 100K, slightly higher than the state average of 229.7. Property crime accounts for 1544.5 incidents per 100K residents.

Simple Steps for a Safer Household

With a property crime rate of 1544.5, basic security measures like motion-sensor lights can make a difference. Residents benefit from a safety score of 97.2, which is among the more stable in the region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Henry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Based Rural Education Infrastructure

Henry County provides public education to 7,010 students through a network of 15 schools. The landscape includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, managed by three separate districts. This decentralized structure allows for specialized educational programs across the county.

Steady Academic Progress and Efficient Spending

The county reports an 86.0% graduation rate, just slightly below the national average of 87.0%. Educational funding is managed efficiently at $7,257 per pupil, which is lower than the Virginia state average. The county’s school score of 52.0 reflects a system that is closely approaching state performance norms.

A Multi-District Approach to Education

Henry County Public Schools is the largest of three districts, serving 7,010 students in 13 main campuses. The system is also supported by specialized entities like the Piedmont Governor's School and the Breaking Barriers Alternative Ed center. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional and specialized public pathways.

Rural Roots with Mid-Sized Learning Hubs

Ten of the county's schools are rural, while five are located in town settings, providing a consistent small-community feel. The average school size is 539 students, though Bassett and Magna Vista High Schools are larger hubs with over 1,100 students each. Meadow View Elementary is representative of the district’s primary schools with 674 students.

A Supportive Environment for Rural Living

Families seeking a traditional rural lifestyle will find Henry County’s school system a natural fit for their needs. The presence of specialized governor's and alternative schools offers tailored paths for diverse student interests. Home buyers can enjoy a lower cost of living while their children attend these community-focused local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Henry County

via WeatherByCounty

Henry County Exceeds National Temperature Medians

Henry County maintains an average annual temperature of 57.1°F, placing it above the national median. It also receives 47.1 inches of rain, making it wetter than many U.S. regions.

Above Average Temperatures for the Commonwealth

The county is 1.2 degrees warmer than the Virginia average of 55.9°F. Precipitation levels are also higher than the state average of 45.7 inches.

Wetter and Warmer Than Mountain Neighbors

Henry County is warmer than western neighbors like Lee County, which averages 54.8°F. Its 47.1 inches of rain makes it more humid than much of central Virginia.

Consistent Heat Waves and Rainy Months

July brings a 76.6°F average with 30 days of extreme heat above 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, January averages stay chilly at 36.8°F.

Prepare for Humid Summers and Heavy Rain

Invest in reliable drainage systems to manage the 47.1 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should also prepare for a full month of 90-degree weather in the summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Henry County

via SoilByCounty

Mirroring the state's acidic profile

Henry County soils are characterized by an acidic pH of 5.20, mirroring the typical Virginia profile. This acidity is significantly sharper than the national 6.5 median, which influences which native plants naturally thrive here. It requires active management for most commercial crops.

Balanced sand and silt blend

A blend of 53.9% sand and 29.7% silt defines the county's soil texture. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure for nutrient retention while maintaining decent workability for local farmers. This mix offers a middle ground between the heavy clays of the west and the sands of the coast.

Room for organic growth

At 1.57%, organic matter is nearly half the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.111 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark of 0.143, meaning crops may feel the stress of drought sooner. Increasing organic content is key to improving both water retention and nutrient levels.

Versatile drainage for land use

The soil composition suggests moderate drainage, as the sand content helps water move through the 16.4% clay. These properties make the land versatile for both agricultural use and residential development projects. It provides a stable base that resists the worst effects of water saturation.

Summer favorites thrive here

Hardiness zone 7b allows for a long growing season that favors sweet potatoes and leafy greens. To offset the lower water capacity, gardeners should focus on building up soil health with consistent composting. Start your garden this season and enjoy the benefits of Henry County's warm climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Henry County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in Henry County

Henry County scores a 52.1 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly more challenging than the state average of 55.4. You are situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, which allows for a mix of cool-season and warm-season grass options. Success here depends on how well you manage soil acidity and periodic drought pressure.

Optimal Rainfall for Growth

The county receives 47.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average and ideal for supporting healthy turf. You have 30 extreme heat days per year, requiring a balance between allowing growth and preventing heat stress. With 4012 growing degree days, your lawn stays active for a significant portion of the year.

Addressing Soil Acidity Issues

Your soil pH of 5.20 is below the target 6.0-7.0 range, which can lock out nutrients and stunt grass growth. The soil texture features 16.4% clay and 53.9% sand, a combination that generally drains well but needs organic matter. Prioritize liming in the fall to gradually raise the pH for better results next spring.

Critical Drought Challenges

Severe drought conditions (D2+) currently affect 82.6% of the county, a significant challenge for any homeowner. Over the past year, you have faced 24 weeks of drought, necessitating strict water conservation. Prioritize watering newly seeded areas and let established turf enter a natural dormancy during these severe spells.

Fall Seeding for Best Results

Fall is the best time to seed in Henry County, targeting the window between late August and the first frost on October 31. This allows cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue to establish roots before winter without the immediate threat of summer heat. If you prefer warm-season grass, wait until the ground warms after the April 14 spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry County's county score?
Henry County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Virginia?
Henry County ranks #73 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Henry County is $604, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Henry County a tax score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Henry County?
The median household income in Henry County, Virginia is $48,445 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Henry County earns an income score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Henry County, Virginia a good place to live?
Henry County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Virginia. 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.