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Henry County

AL · Pop. 17,450 · Suburban County

74/100Homestead Score

Henry County sits in Alabama across 562 square miles, home to 17,450 people at 31 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on cotton, peanuts, hay. A median home price of $148,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.34% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 266-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.5°F and average winter lows of 39.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Lifebrite Community Hospital of Early is 20 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.1% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.34%
Growing Season: 266 days
Broadband: 86.1%
Density: 31/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 266-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.34% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $148,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • A low unemployment rate of 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • The nearest hospital, Lifebrite Community Hospital of Early, is 20 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.

At a glance

Henry County, AL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
74/100
Median home price
$148k
Property tax
0.34%
Growing season
266 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
55.5"
Broadband
86.1%
Nearest hospital
Lifebrite Community Hospital of Early, 20 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.34%
Median Household Income$60,135
Poverty Rate15.8%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$148K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season266 days
Annual Rainfall55.5 inches
Avg Summer High91.5°F
Avg Winter Low39.7°F
Top CropsCotton, Peanuts, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire4/10
Tornado8/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalLifebrite Community Hospital of Early (20 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage86.1%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate2.8%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Henry County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Henry County?
Henry County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 266-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.5°F, and average winter lows of 39.7°F. The established crops are cotton, peanuts, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $148,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.34%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 86.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Lifebrite Community Hospital of Early is 20 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Henry County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.