Why Henderson County

Map of USA

Henderson County Geographic Location

  • Less than 12 hour drive to New York, South Florida, and most Eastern US markets
  • Within 250 miles of Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston, Nashville, and Cincinnati
  • Quick access to major interstate highways: I-26, I-40, I-85, I-77
  • Regional and International airports: Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Atlanta
photo of sunset over the mountains.

Henderson County Climate

  • Distinct but mild seasons – Avg. Temperature: Low 41°F High 73° F
  • Fertile Soils suitable for most horticultural crops
  • Annual precipitation - 56.4 inches
  • Average elevation – 2200 feet above sea level
  • Cool nights in summer months; high frequency of clear, sun lit days in winter
Image of plain taking off.

Henderson County Infrastructure

  • Ready access to water, sewer, natural gas and ultra-high speed internet 
  • Long-time established agricultural production and packing operations 
  • Multiple suppliers and service providers
  • Grower associations
Hikers crossing the river.

Henderson County Culture and Activities

  • Small town atmosphere in close proximity to large metropolitan areas
  • National Forests, State and Local Parks all open to public access and use 
  • Hiking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting
  • Sports and Fitness Centers, Soccer, Softball, League Play, Swimming
  • Arts, Music, Theaters, Cultural Events and Festivals
Image of boy eating at the farmers market

Agriculture and Business Friendly

  • Local government support for agricultural extension service, economic development and zoning regulations favorable to farming
  • Agricultural District program for county in a "Right to Farm" state
  • Agribusiness is NC's #1 industry and makes up 20% of gross local product 
  • Local community that takes pride in being recognized as an agriculture hub of North Carolina 
Aghc worker inspecting plant for research.

Henderson County Education and Research

  • Mountain Area Horticultural Research Station- NC Department of Agriculture
  • Cooperative Extension Services- NC State University/NC A&T University 
  • Blue Ridge Community College- highly ranked, state supported vocational and technical institution located in Henderson County with tailored courses
  • Clemson University- Advanced studies in agriculture, science, engineering and other related fields, located 60 miles away in SC 
  • 14 four-year universities within a 70-mile radius of Henderson County
Photo of family caring boxes.

Henderson County Low Tax Rates

  • North Carolina Corporate Tax Rate:  3% (among the lowest in the U.S.)
  • Henderson County Property Tax Rate: $0.56/$100 of valuation
  • Hendersonville Property Tax Rate: $0.46/$100 of valuation
  • Flat Rock Property Tax Rate: $0.11/$100 of valuation
  • Fletcher Property Tax Rate: $0.34/$100 of valuation
  • Mills River Property Tax Rate: $0.18/$100 of valuation
  • North Carolina Sales Tax: 4.75% 

 

Photo of mother and daughter playing.

Henderson County Community Profile

  • County Population: 111,105
  • Population holding a high school degree or higher: 63% 
  • Henderson County Public Schools System is ranked 8th among NC Public Schools
  • Top 10 SAT scores in NC
  • Average classroom size: 21
  • Close proximity to interstates 26, 40, 81 and 85
  • Average work commute: 21 minutes
  • Total farms in Henderson County: 468
Co-workers looking at computer.

Henderson County Schools and Colleges

All higher-education schools within 70-mile radius of Downtown Hendersonville

  • Wingate University- Hendersonville Campus- 0 miles
  • Blue Ridge Community College- 4 miles
  • Mars Hill College- South Asheville- 12 miles
  • Western Carolina University- Biltmore Park- 15 miles
  • AB Techincal Community College- 24 miles
  • Lenior Rhyne-Asheville- 25 miles
  • North Greenville University- 26 miles
  • University of North Carolina- Asheville- 27 miles
  • Warren Wilson College- 27 miles
  • Furman University- 32 miles
  • Montreat College- 35 miles
  • University of South Carolina- Upstate- 45 miles
  • Clemson University- 65 miles
  • Western Carolina University- 65 miles
Parents playing with kids outside.

Henderson County Low Crime Rate

  • Lowest crime rate in North Carolina for a community with population greater than 100,000*
*2015 crime statistics as reported by fbi.gov
image of MRI machine.

Henderson County Healthcare

  • 2 Major Hospitals within Henderson County limits- Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital (part of the UNC Health System) and Park Ridge Health (part of the Adventist Health System) 
  • Newly constructed state-of-the-art Cancer Center minutes from Downtown
  • Pardee Memorial Hospital and Park Ridge Health are credited with being two of the top employers in Henderson County
  • Over 10 assisted living facility options 
  • 8% of the population works in the Education and Health Services services field
Group of people kayaking down the river.

Henderson County Recreation

  • Variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, tubing and rock climbing all available to the adventurer
  • Various parks open in the county including walking and biking trails as well as playgrounds
  • Recreational sports teams available to join as well as YMCA sports leagues 
  • Downtown Summer concert series and Rhythm and Brews events
  • Multiple breweries within Henderson County limits 
  • Carl Sandberg home for hiking, visiting the goats and historic house 
Image of 2 man walking down a field while talking.

Henderson County Dedicated Support

  • County-supported staff and entity dedicated to Agribusiness
  • Active help in Identifying production and marketing opportunities
  • Actively promotes the industry, educating producers, and the public, and providing legislative advocacy
  • Active in locating resources and facilities
  • Connects individuals and entities with agricultures
  • Coordinates ag-related projects
Newly grown plant getting hand watered.

Henderson County Water and Soil

  • Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) works with federal, state and local offices to provide educational, technical and financial assistance to conserve soil, improve water quality and enhance the natural resources of Henderson County.
  • The Department assists farmers in keeping the soil in fields and out of waterways, 
  • Helps with conserving and restoring wetlands to purify water and provide habitat for wildlife and plants trees and grass to hold soil in place

  • The soil in Henderson County is conducive to growing crops such as apples, tomatoes, berries, soybeans and grapes for wine-making

Woman caring a basket full of veggies.

Sustainability in Henderson County

  • The Environmental Sustainability Board works to ensure the preservation of natural resources, reducing use of energy and ultimately saving money for taxpayers
  • The Board advises the City Council on policies and practices dealing with the environment and energy conservation and assists with citizen-education efforts
  • The Henderson County Solid Waste Division performs an annual collection of household hazardous waste to ensure proper disposal
Co-workers shaking hands.

Henderson County Skilled Workforce

  • Unemployment rate: 3.9% 
  • Population in the Labor Force: 45% 
  • Population with a high school diploma or higher: 63%
  • Population with a Bachelor's Degree or higher: 20% 
  • Highest employment by industry sector include Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Manufacturing, and Leisure and Hospitality