City Profile
Henderson, Kentucky
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Henderson is a historic river city situated along the Ohio River in western Kentucky, serving as the county seat of Henderson County. Founded in 1797 and named after Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Company, the city blends rich cultural heritage with modern small-town charm. It is famously associated with the famed naturalist and painter John James Audubon, who lived in the area for over a decade, inspiring the world-renowned John James Audubon State Park. Residents and newcomers are drawn to Henderson for its picturesque riverfront, friendly community atmosphere, and scenic natural landscapes.
Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, offers a blend of Southern charm and Midwestern practicality with a rich heritage rooted in horse racing, bourbon, and bluegrass music. The economy is diverse, with manufacturing (especially automotive), healthcare, and agriculture (including horses, cattle, corn, and tobacco) being major industries. Living in Kentucky is generally affordable, with the cost of living estimated to be 10-12% lower than the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm, humid summers and moderately cold, rainy winters. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances urban amenities in cities like Louisville and Lexington with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and a strong sense of community.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 87.0 | 60.0 | 25% | 15.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $54,500 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% | 61.3 | 20% | 12.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.1% | 42.0 | 15% | 6.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 60.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Henderson is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Housing costs, in particular, remain quite affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas across the United States, allowing residents to secure more space for their investment. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also track below national medians, contributing to an overall budget-friendly lifestyle.
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Henderson boasts a diversified local economy anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail trade. Major employers in the area include the Henderson County Schools, Methodist Health, and various industrial manufacturers taking advantage of the city's strategic transportation links via major highways and the Ohio River. While many residents commute to nearby Evansville, Indiana, for specialized employment opportunities, the local job market continues to show steady resilience and moderate growth.
The average salary in Henderson is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Henderson is primarily automobile-dependent, with residents relying on personal vehicles to navigate the city and commute across the river to Evansville via US-41. While public transit options are limited, the city's grid layout and manageable traffic volumes make driving and parking relatively hassle-free. Walkability is high within the historic downtown core, though suburban areas generally require a car for daily errands.
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