Henry
Iowa

What stands out

Three things set Henry County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-3.5% a year) and the property tax rate is in the top 12% of American counties (1.58%). Within Iowa it ranks 1st of 99 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Henry County, Iowa. 20,436 people live here with you. The population shrank 3.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -667).

Iowa cut its income tax to a flat 3.8% in 2025 and stopped taxing retirement income for residents 55 and over in 2023, including pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals. It still has an inheritance tax, but that is being phased out and ends for deaths after 2024. Winters are long and the state's economy still moves with corn, soybean and hog prices.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,365 a year, higher than 56% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,431. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 69% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Iowa takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,370 a year.

Home

The median home costs $191K, cheaper than 67% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $787 a month. Property tax is 1.58% of home value, roughly $2,295 a year on that median home, higher than 88% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 76% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.7 years, longer than 72% of American counties. There are 19 active physicians in the county, about 9.3 per 10,000 people. 7.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 51% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 32 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Iowa law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 41, colder than 68% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 33 out of 100, safer than 67% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 147 Mbps down, slower than 72% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.