McDonough
RANK #823 / 996 NAT · #22 / 41 GA · POP 240,853
1YR FORECAST: -2.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
Henry County, Georgia, distinguishes itself with the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, a venue that draws more visitors than any other sporting event in Georgia. Located just 20 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the county offers a blend of suburban convenience and a slower pace of life. Its communities, including McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove, each have unique attractions. The county features numerous parks and nearly 11 miles of walking trails across over 1432 acres of parkland, providing ample outdoor recreation opportunities. Commute options include Henry County Transit and participation in the Georgia Commute Options program, which promotes alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel.
Life in Henry County appeals to families and professionals seeking more space and value without sacrificing access to Atlanta. The Henry County Schools system serves a diverse student body across 53 schools and offers a range of educational programs. The local economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in logistics, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare services. Residential and commercial development is also expanding, with new housing projects and mixed-use developments underway. The county's strategic location and infrastructure support its role as a hub for economic activity.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
The Grove Mixed-Use Development
Geosam Capital
|
$4,000M | Planned |
|
I-75 Express Lanes Expansion
Georgia DOT
|
$1,800M | Planned |
|
Hampton Data Center Campus (Henderson Farms)
Southeast Property Holdings, LLC
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Rocky Creek Road Data Center
Red Wolf DCD Properties LLC
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
NVH Korea Manufacturing Plant
NVH Korea
|
$72M | Operating |
|
New I-75 Interchange near Bethlehem Road
Georgia DOT
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Henry County scores just 17/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #823 of 996 counties. Job growth at +2.7% and median household income of $79,663 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Henry County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $245,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,411/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Henry County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.8% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.7% clip. Home values shifted -3.9% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.38% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Henry County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.