KentuckyPop. 27,852Small cities
Is Henderson a Good Place to Live? Henderson, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Henderson ranks #1029 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($771/mo, #2 of 208) and low living costs (85.3, #22 of 208), and trails on low household income ($48,186, #188 of 208) and high unemployment (4.7%, #148 of 184).
Henderson by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Henderson's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Henderson?
Henderson's cost of living index is 85.3, 15% below the US level of 100 and #33 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $771/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $203,792, 12% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Henderson | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.3#33 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $203,792#123 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $968/mo#18 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $160,100#107 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $771/mo#15 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.2%#352 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Henderson housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Henderson is in the Evansville, IN-KY metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Henderson safe?
Henderson recorded 278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 31% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #521 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Henderson Police Department. Property crime runs 1,331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Henderson | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 278#521 of 1,085 | 212 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,331#374 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Henderson?
The median household in Henderson earns $48,186, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Henderson | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $48,186#1252 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 18.7%#1068 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Henderson?
The median resident of Henderson is 39.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Henderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 19.4%#1183 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 54.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Henderson's schools and health?
Henderson's 8 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,397 spent per pupil. 42.6% of adults are obese and 15.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Henderson | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,397#779 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 42.6%#1229 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.2%#1173 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,270 students are enrolled in Henderson's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Henderson?
The average commute in Henderson is 19.8 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Henderson scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.2°F and winters 35.7°F, with 47.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Henderson | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.8 min#327 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.3% | 76.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.2% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6% | 9.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.6 | 23.9 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 47.1 | 27.5 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 57 | 35.4 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 69 | 45.9 | 5.1 |
| May | 76.7 | 56 | 5 |
| Jun | 85.1 | 64.7 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 67.2 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 87.5 | 65.3 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 81.7 | 57 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 70.3 | 46.4 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 56.6 | 35.5 | 4 |
| Dec | 45.5 | 28.5 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Henderson State Police.
| Measure | Henderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 35.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Henderson State Police.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Henderson?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Henderson's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Henderson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Henderson | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.25%#1065 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Henderson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Henderson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.049% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 91% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0016% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0055% | 88% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0074% | 86% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0038% | 63% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0036% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Henderson compare with similar-size cities?
Henderson is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #160 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,852.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #86 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 | 24.2 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #255 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Henderson compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Henderson ranks #17 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 25% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 31% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Henderson's score calculated?
Henderson scores 49.6 out of 100, #1029 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Henderson. Similar-size median 52.9.
36.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Henderson's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
79.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Henderson. Similar-size median 52.2.
32.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Henderson's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
58.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Henderson's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
90.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Henderson. Similar-size median 46.7.
26.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Henderson. Similar-size median 44.2.
37.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Henderson. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Henderson's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
16.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Henderson's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Henderson has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Henderson
Is Henderson, KY a good place to live?
Henderson ranks #1029 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #160 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($771/mo, #2 of 208) and low living costs (85.3, #22 of 208), and trails on low household income ($48,186, #188 of 208) and high unemployment (4.7%, #148 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Henderson?
Henderson's cost of living index is 85.3, 15% below the US level of 100 and #33 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $771/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $203,792, 12% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Henderson?
Henderson recorded 278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 31% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #521 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #97 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Henderson Police Department. Property crime runs 1,331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Henderson?
The median household in Henderson earns $48,186, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Henderson?
Median rent in Henderson is $771/mo (Census), #15 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $968/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Henderson?
The typical home value in Henderson is $203,792, up 2% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $160,100.
How are the public schools in Henderson?
Henderson's 8 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,397 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Henderson?
The average commute is 19.8 minutes, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Henderson?
Henderson averages 56.7°F over the year, 76.2°F in summer and 35.7°F in winter, with 47.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Henderson walkable?
Henderson scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Henderson at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Henderson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
Who lives in Henderson?
Henderson has 27,852 residents. The median resident of Henderson is 39.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Henderson compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Henderson ranks #17 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 49.6 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 25% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 31% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Henderson?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Henderson's population of 27,852 are Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), Williston, ND (#380 overall), Madison, MS (#86 overall), Garden City, KS (#613 overall), and Mililani Town, HI (#255 overall). Henderson is #1029.