Hunt & Live

Henry County, IN

48,915 residents · 392 sq mi · 124.8/sq mi · 62% rural

Climate
51.4°F
44.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.88
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~9.3°F

About Henry County

Henry County is a county located in east central Indiana, United States. As of 2020, the population was 48,914. The county seat and largest and only city is New Castle. Henry County is the main setting of the novel Raintree County by Ross Lockridge Jr.

49
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1577 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 51.4°F and 44.3 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is suitable for a variety of crops, supported by a USDA zone of 7b. The terrain is predominantly flat, which can be beneficial for agriculture and homesteading. However, the population density of 124.8 people per square mile may limit the sense of remoteness for some who seek isolation.

Natural hazards are a significant consideration for potential residents. The county has a high risk for tornadoes (FEMA rank 81) and earthquakes (rank 67), which could pose challenges for self-sufficient living. Additionally, the area experiences hail and ice storms, as indicated by FEMA ranks of 64 and 55, respectively. While the violence percentile is at 45, indicating a moderate safety level, the overall disaster percentile also sits at 45, suggesting that preparedness for these risks is essential.

This county may appeal to those looking for affordable housing, with a median home price of $124,900 and a median household income of $57,632. It's a suitable location for individuals or families who prioritize community and rural living but are prepared for potential natural disasters. However, those seeking a more remote or isolated homesteading experience might find the population density and associated risks a dealbreaker. The hidden gem here is the relatively low property tax rate of 0.78%, which could benefit long-term residents.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #1,875 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#64 of 92 in IN
Ranked #64 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 81/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 125/sqmi
Densely populated at 125 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.4°F annual mean and 44.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $124,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
45
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
76
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
44.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 24
Drought 39
Earthquake 67
Hail 64
Hurricane 21
Heat Wave 27
Riverine Flood 55
Ice Storm 55
Landslide 48
Lightning 45
Strong Wind 40
Tornado 81
Wildfire 9
Winter Weather 51

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
83.7°F
Winter low
19.3°F
Heating degree days
5,722
Cooling degree days
811

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$124,900
Median HH income
$57,632
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.78%
~$979/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.2
Homeownership
75.3%
Poverty rate
13.7%
Unemployment
4.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
63.6%
No internet access
12.4%

Explore Henry County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.