50% off discount offer with first month free promotion in bold red, white, and navy colors.

For a limited time get 50% off your choice of SmartHome Package
PLUS your first month FREE!

Click For Details
City skyline seen from a forested area during sunset with colorful autumn foliage.

Life in Henry County, GA

Located about 30 miles south of downtown Atlanta, Henry County is one of Georgia’s fastest-growing counties, known for its mix of small-town charm and suburban convenience. It’s a popular destination for families, commuters, and retirees looking for affordable housing, great schools, and access to major highways and business centers. Henry County offers scenic rural areas, vibrant city centers, and a variety of new housing developments — making it a well-rounded choice for anyone relocating to metro Atlanta.

Get Free Quote
Ackerman Security 50% off plus the first month free

For a limited time

New customers receive 50% off!

NOW for a limited time, you'll get 50% off our best Smart Home Packages
PLUS your first month FREE!

50% OFF Call 800.552.1111

Quick Facts About Henry County 

Quick Facts

  • County Seat: McDonough
  • Population: 250,000+
  • School District: Henry County School District
  • Median Household Income: $71,000
  • Top Industries: Logistics, retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Children's playground with green and blue train-themed equipment, swings, benches, and shaded areas surrounded by trees.

Cities & Communities Within Henry County

Henry County includes 4 incorporated cities, plus several growing unincorporated communities that are hubs for housing and commerce.

Incorporated Cities:

  1. McDonough - County seat with historic square, top schools, and growing retail & residential options
  2. Stockbridge - Largest city in the county; major commercial and logistics hub with excellent commuter access
  3. Locust Grove - Family-friendly community known for affordable housing, Tanger Outlets, and small-town feel
  4. Hampton - Historic downtown, home to Atlanta Motor Speedway, and growing residential neighborhoods

Other Notable Unincorporated Communities:

  • Ellenwood (partially in Henry and Clayton Counties)
  • Ola - Residential and semi-rural area with newer home developments
  • Blacksville - Near McDonough, growing in commercial and housing activity
  • Luella - Quiet, rural living with access to local schools and shopping
Historic Old Stagecoach Road marker detailing its significance in North Georgia's history near a rural roadside.

Population 

Henry County is one of Georgia's fastest-growing counties, blending suburban comfort with easy access to the Atlanta metro area. With a population of over 250,000 residents, Henry has transformed into a thriving community that attracts families, professionals, and businesses alike.

While not as large or urban as some neighboring counties, Henry County is increasingly diverse, with a growing mix of racial and ethnic communities that enrich the cultural and social fabric of the area. Local schools, churches, and community organizations reflect this inclusivity, fostering connections across backgrounds.

The county's population growth is fueled by its family-friendly environment, excellent public schools, and expanding job opportunities. Cities like McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove serve as the county's hubs, offering everything from historic downtowns to modern retail and entertainment centers.

Henry County residents enjoy a strong sense of community, seen in seasonal festivals, youth sports, farmers markets, and neighborhood gatherings. Its demographic mix also supports a vibrant small-business scene, with restaurants, shops, and services that reflect the county's evolving identity.

With its balance of suburban living, economic growth, and cultural inclusivity, Henry County offers a welcoming home for newcomers and long-term residents looking to build families, careers, and connections.

Henry County Schools

Henry County Schools is the county-wide public school system, with over 50 schools including high-performing elementary, middle, and high schools.

Elementary Schools (Public & Private)

Top Public Elementary Schools:

  • East Lake Elementary - Rated B+, strong performance in math and reading, small 14:1 student-teacher ratio, and high parent satisfaction.

  • Other notable mentions based on Niche rankings include New Hope, Timber Ridge, and Rocky Creek Elementary, all earning solid B grades and positive reviews.

According to SchoolDigger, standout performers include East Lake, New Hope, and Timber Ridge Elementary, which exceed county and statewide proficiency averages.

Top Private Elementary Schools:

  • Creekside Christian Academy and Eagle's Landing Christian Academy emerge as top-rated private options in the county.

Middle Schools (Public & Private)

Top Public Middle Schools:

  • Union Grove Middle School - Ranked B+ on Niche; praised for its quality education, inclusive culture, and supportive environment.

  • Ola Middle School - Earns a B grade and is lauded for strong staff engagement and community vibe.

  • Dutchtown Middle School also receives a B, with reviews reflecting appreciation for its challenging academic structure.

Private K-12 Schools (Covering Middle Grades):

  • Strong Rock Christian School - A top-rated private K-12 with an A- grade on Niche, low student-teacher ratio, and high parent satisfaction

View school ratings at greatschools.org

Top Public High Schools (2025)

  1. Union Grove High School
    • Ranked #1 in the county by Niche, receiving an A grade, with a strong focus on STEM, AP programs, and community engagement.

    • Recognized nationally: top 5% by Newsweek, high SAT/ACT performance, and notable participation in Georgia's Governor's Honors Program.

  2. Ola High School

    • Ranked #2 (Niche grade A-) with a strong academic environment and diverse extracurricular offerings.

  3. Dutchtown High School

    • Ranked #3 (grade B) for academic reliability and significant student population, though with room for improvement.

Other schools showing solid performance include Locust Grove High School and Woodland High School, both maintaining B grades and respectable Niche standings.

Top Private Schools in Henry County

  • Eagle's Landing Christian Academy - Niche-rated A; low student-teacher ratio (~6:1) and high college preparation levels.
  • Heritage Montessori School - Also rated A, noted for its academic excellence and individualized teaching approaches.
  • Community Christian School and Strong Rock Christian School - Both earn A ratings, with supportive learning environments and strong academic reputations.

Additional Insights

  • Henry County School District serves nearly 44,000 students across 53 schools and boasts an 86.8% graduation rate, slightly above the state average.
  • The district ranks well for athletics (19th in Georgia) and diversity (12th in Atlanta area) among peers.
Sector Highlights
Public High Schools Union Grove HS (#1 A grade), Ola HS (#2 A-), Dutchtown HS (#3 B-)
Private Schools Eagle's Landing Christian Academy, Heritage Montessori, Community Christian, Strong Rock Christian — all rated A
District Strengths High graduation rate (86.8%), strong athletic & diversity rankings

Dining, Culture & Lifestyle

Transportation & Commuting

  • Interstate 75 runs through the county, connecting it to Atlanta, Macon, and beyond
  • State Routes: GA-42, GA-20, GA-155
  • ~30-45 minutes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Park-and-ride lots available for carpooling and vanpooling
  • MARTA does not extend into Henry, but future transit plans are in discussion

Shopping & Dining

  • Tanger Outlets (Locust Grove) - Discount fashion and home goods
  • South Point Shopping Center(McDonough) - Target, Kohl's, Academy Sports
  • Downtown districts in McDonough, Hampton, and Locust Grove offer walkable shopping, local dining, and events
  • Popular restaurants: KirbyG's Diner, The Italian Oven, Papi's Cuban Grill, and many Southern-style eateries

Parks & Recreation

  • Heritage Park - Trails, playground, military museum
  • Avalon Park, Alexander Park, and JP Moseley Park - Sports fields and picnic areas
  • Lake Dow & Lake Jackson - Boating, fishing, and lakeside living
  • Atlanta Motor Speedway - NASCAR events, concerts, festivals
  • Henry County Recreation Department - Youth leagues, adult sports, and community events

Healthcare & Hospitals

  • Piedmont Henry Hospital (Stockbridge) - Full-service hospital
  • Kaiser Permanente, Southside Medical Center, and Urgent Care Clinics throughout the county
  • Access to pediatric care, OB/GYN, family medicine, and dental providers

Faith Communities

  • First Baptist McDonough, Eagles Landing Church, and New Hope Church
  • Diverse range of Christian denominations, Catholic churches, and growing multicultural congregations
  • Several Islamic and interfaith worship centers within the broader South Metro area

Living in Henry County: What to Know

1. Diverse & Welcoming Communities

Henry County is one of Georgia's fastest-growing counties, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a steadily increasing mix of cultures and communities. Cities like McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove offer both suburban convenience and small-town charm.

Benefits: Seasonal festivals, local farmers markets, and a growing variety of dining and shopping options.
Community Feel: Warm, family-oriented, and welcoming to newcomers, with active neighborhood associations, churches, and civic groups.

2. Cost of Living & Housing

Housing: From historic homes in downtown McDonough to modern subdivisions in Stockbridge and Hampton, Henry County offers a wide range of options for families and young professionals.
Home Prices: Generally more affordable than metro Atlanta, making it a popular choice for commuters and first-time buyers.
Rental Market: A healthy mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals to fit different budgets.

3. Public Services & Safety

Emergency Services: Served by Henry County Police, Fire & EMS, with strong support from municipal departments.
Healthcare: Access to Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge and medical centers throughout the county.
Libraries & Recreation: The Henry County Library System, along with dozens of parks, ball fields, and recreation centers, supports both education and active lifestyles.

Things to Consider

  • Traffic: Growth has brought more congestion, especially along I-75, during peak commute hours.

  • Commuting: Easy access to Atlanta makes it a popular choice for those who want suburban living with city convenience.

  • Schools & Taxes: Public schools are improving and supported by a diverse community; property taxes vary by city and school district.

Quick Tips for New Residents

  • Register your vehicle and update your address with the Henry County Tax Commissioner.

  • Set up utilities with Georgia Power, Piedmont Henry Water Authority, and local internet/gas providers.

  • Get involved: Join local Facebook community groups, attend city council meetings, or explore community recreation programs.

Secure Your Henry County Home with Ackerman Security

✅ 24/7 Professional Monitoring
✅ Smart Home Integration: Doorbell Cameras, App Control & Smart Locks
✅ Fire, Carbon Monoxide & Water Leak Sensors
✅ No-Theft Guarantee for added peace of mind

📞 Call 800.552.1111 or schedule an appointment today to protect your Henry County home.