Bolthole Index

Henry County, Illinois

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Henry County, Illinois

41Index Score / 100
#91 of 102 in Illinois

Unincorporated Henry County, Illinois requires a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure1. County zoning also covers all land outside incorporated areas, although agricultural buildings have a limited exemption2. Private septic systems and wells require Health Department permits34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction and other listed building work in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
Yes, on land outside incorporated areas; a limited agricultural exemption applies2
Septic / well
Health Department permits are required for private septic systems and wells34
Owner-builder exemption
Not stated on the county's permit instructions; confirm directly with Zoning & Building5
Agricultural buildings
Exempt from the building code and from zoning except a minimum road right-of-way setback6
Manufactured home
Allowed statewide, with tie-down and licensed-installer requirements plus local zoning rules7
Driveway access
A county Highway Department permit is needed for new driveway access in unincorporated Henry County8

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Zoning & Building Department

Zoning, planning, subdividing, building permits, agricultural areas and floodplain management for unincorporated Henry County

309-937-3419

307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238

Codes & inspections

Henry County Building Permit Instructions (Zoning & Building Department)

The county's published building-permit process, fees, inspections and exemptions under the International Building Code

Septic permits

Henry County Health Department (Environmental Health)

Private sewage disposal (septic) and water-supply (well) permits for Henry County

309-852-0197

4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee, IL

Roads & driveways

Henry County Highway Department

Driveway access permits onto county roads in unincorporated Henry County

309-937-3346

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Henry County, Illinois?

Yes. Unincorporated Henry County requires a permit before an owner or authorized agent constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes or changes the occupancy of a building or structure1. Starting work without one can bring a stop-work order and fines or penalties up to $5001. Illinois does not issue permits or conduct inspections for privately funded construction; those tasks belong to the local government, while locally adopted codes must meet the applicable statewide structural baseline910. Agricultural buildings may qualify for an exemption from the building code and most zoning rules, but the road-right-of-way setback still applies12. Agricultural structures also remain subject to applicable floodplain rules and required septic or well approvals1134.

Who is the Henry County building department, and how do you reach them?

Henry County Zoning & Building is at 307 West Center Street in Cambridge and can be reached at 309-937-341912. The office handles zoning, planning, subdivision, building, agricultural-area and floodplain programs in unincorporated Henry County1213. Henry County publishes a building-permit application requiring the listed project, property, contractor, plot-plan and construction information before a permit can be issued14. Private septic and well permits run through the Henry County Health Department at 309-852-01971534. A new driveway onto a county road should be coordinated with Henry County Highway at 309-937-33468.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Yes. Henry County zoning covers land outside incorporated areas and regulates land use plus the use and location of buildings and structures2. A plot plan for a new structure or addition must show setback compliance as part of the published application process14. Setback and principal-building height rules depend on the applicable zoning district, so confirm the parcel's district with Zoning & Building before fixing a site plan1617. One concrete county limit applies to accessory buildings: they may not exceed 20 feet from the floor to the roof peak18. Agricultural buildings are exempt from zoning except for the minimum road-right-of-way setback, but floodplain regulations can still apply211. Dividing land also falls under Henry County's subdivision program, so discuss a proposed split with Zoning & Building before relying on a new lot layout13.

How do septic and well permits work in Henry County?

A private sewage-disposal system in unincorporated Henry County requires a Health Department permit, and the county application directs builders to obtain the applicable well or septic approval3. Authority is shared across Henry County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements, depending on the system and issue19. Statewide, a new private sewage system needs plan approval from the state or applicable local health authority before construction, and the installer must provide at least 48 hours' notice before starting20. Only about 39.1% of Henry County soils rate as having no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early site question21. A private well also requires a permit, including for an agricultural project when water-supply approval applies4. We could not confirm the county's septic-inspection sequence or whether a public-system connection is mandatory on any particular parcel; ask Environmental Health before closing or designing the system15.

Can you live in an RV, manufactured home or tiny home on your land in Henry County?

Manufactured homes are allowed statewide as dwellings, but installation comes with rules: a home moved since January 1, 1980 needs tie-down equipment meeting Illinois Department of Public Health standards, and since December 31, 2001 it must be installed by an Illinois-licensed installer, or by the homeowner, following the manufacturer's instructions or the state's Manufactured Home Installation Code7. Local zoning, building, floodplain and utility requirements still apply on top of that, so check with Henry County Zoning & Building before you set one12. RVs are murkier: the only state rule turned up here covers licensed campgrounds, which the state inspects annually, and that isn't the same question as whether you can live in an RV on your own rural parcel22. Treat that as unconfirmed and call Zoning & Building at 309-937-3419 before you plan to live in an RV or tiny home while you build12.

Building a home in Henry County: the steps, in order

  1. Call Henry County Zoning & Building at 309-937-3419 to confirm the zoning district, setbacks, floodplain status and whether a proposed land split needs subdivision review121311.
  2. Contact the Henry County Health Department at 309-852-0197 for the required private well or septic permit and site approval1534.
  3. Ask Henry County Highway about a new driveway onto a county road8.
  4. Complete every part of the building application, including the owner, contractors, project and occupancy descriptions, legal description, plot plan, plans and specifications14.
  5. Submit the application and supporting documents to Zoning & Building before work starts114.
  6. Request the required county inspections as the permitted work progresses14.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Ask Zoning & Building for the parcel's zoning district, setbacks and floodplain status before treating it as buildable; even an exempt agricultural structure must follow applicable floodplain rules1211. Only about 39.1% of Henry County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so have the Health Department assess the site early2115. Confirm that any proposed lot split can comply with the county subdivision program13. Access onto a state-maintained road requires an Illinois Department of Transportation permit before work begins23. Henry County has about 48,448 residents at 58.9 people per square mile; about 96.6% of its land has gentle slope, while 7.4% is wooded24252627. The typical home value is about $173,514, with a median property-tax bill near $2,877 a year and an effective rate around 2%282930.

Watch-outs

  • Henry County's own permit instructions don't state an owner-builder exemption from the building permit requirement; confirm directly with Henry County Zoning & Building12 rather than assuming one exists5.
  • Whether you can live in an RV on your own rural land in Henry County isn't clearly answered by the state rules found here; the only state rule covers licensed campgrounds, so call Zoning & Building before you rely on an RV during a build2212.
  • Private septic systems and wells need Health Department permits even when an agricultural structure qualifies for a building or zoning exemption34.

Sources

  1. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  2. Henry County International Building Code Information and Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  5. (2026 county census)
  6. Henry County Building Permit Instructions (Zoning & Building Department) (henrycty.com)
  7. Manufactured & Modular Homes/Mobile Structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Henry County Highway Department (henrycty.com)
  9. Illinois Codes FAQ (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Illinois Codes (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Application for Agricultural Structure/Building Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  12. Henry County Zoning & Building Department (henrycty.com)
  13. Zoning Ordinance For, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  15. Henry County Health Department (Environmental Health) (henrycty.com)
  16. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 55 ILCS 5/5-12001 — Authority to regulate and restrict location and use of structures (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Ordinance For, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning Ordinance For, quoted and re-checked
  20. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 905.190 Installation Approval (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  22. Youth Camps and Campgrounds (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Highway Permits (Illinois statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Henry County in Illinois

41
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Illinois counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion27100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency28100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability69100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost54100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$174kTypical home
2%Property tax
$10,039Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
3.7% of yrsSevere drought
5.4 / yr (+5.2)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.9" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,502Home insurance / yr
4.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.7%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
92,124People within 30 min
3,577,384People within 2 hr
32,574Radius comparison (15 mi)
58.9People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
96.6%Land at 15% slope or less
39.1%Septic soil without severe limits
203,917 acWorkable land screen
7.4%Wooded land
41.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Henry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Failure to secure a permit before work may result in a stop-work order and fines or penalties up to $500.
    • Agricultural structures/buildings may qualify for the agricultural exemption.

    maximum stated penalty: <= 500 USD (Possible fines and penalties; stop-work order also possible)

    “shall first obtain required building permit”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land use and the use/location of buildings and structures in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from zoning regulations except minimum road-right-of-way setbacks.
    “all land lying outside of the incorporated areas in Henry County is hereby divided into the following districts”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Accessory buildings in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Accessory buildings may not exceed 20 feet measured from the floor to the roof peak.
    • The ordinance's cited provision is specific to accessory buildings, not a general height limit for every principal building.

    maximum accessory-building height: <= 20 feet (Measured from floor to roof peak)

    “Accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Sanitary sewer, sewage treatment systems, septic tanks, public water systems, and private wells in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The county ordinance directs compliance with Henry County Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
    “per Henry County Health, Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage-disposal systems for projects in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The building permit application directs applicants to obtain the Health Department well/septic permit.
    • Agricultural exemption does not exempt private sewage-disposal or water-supply permits and site approval when required.
    “obtain Health Department well/septic permit”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private water wells for projects in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The building permit application directs applicants to obtain a Health Department well/septic permit.
    • Agricultural structures remain subject to water-supply permits when required.
    “obtain Health Department well/septic permit”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The ordinance incorporates the Illinois Revised Statutes Chapter 109 Plat Act and the Henry County Subdivision Ordinance.
    “manage the zoning, planning, subdividing, building”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Agricultural structures/buildings and other development subject to applicable floodplain regulations in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Agricultural structures/buildings exempt from building permits and certain zoning/building-code requirements remain subject to floodplain regulations.
    • The source does not provide the complete floodplain development standards.
    “buildings shall adhere to floodplain regulations”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications for projects in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Applications require owner, contractor, roofing contractor, plumbing contractor, project description, property legal description, occupancy description, plot plan, plans/specifications, and other listed information.
    • Plot plans are required for new structures or additions and must show setback compliance.
    • Applicants must obtain applicable Health Department well/septic permits and request required inspections.
    “All parts of this application must be completed before a building permit will be issued.”

Illinois rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code requirements statewide in Illinois, including residential and commercial construction subject to the Capital Development Board Act baseline requirements.

    • Effective 2025-01-01, Illinois requires statewide baseline building-code requirements.
    • Local governments may adopt building codes, but they are not required to adopt codes; jurisdictions that do not adopt a code are treated as non-building-code jurisdictions and must follow the applicable state-law baseline requirements.
    • For jurisdictions with adopted codes, local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as the applicable IRC, IBC, or IEBC baseline.
    • Commercial buildings in non-building-code jurisdictions and state-funded buildings are subject to the state-listed codes and qualified-inspection requirements.
    • Residential requirements differ depending on whether the jurisdiction has adopted a compliant building code and whether the home purchaser and builder agree to an alternative code.

    statewide baseline effective date: 2025-01-01 · local code structural minimum for residential buildings: IRC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for commercial new buildings: IBC minimum structural requirements · local code structural minimum for existing commercial buildings: IEBC minimum structural requirements

    “The State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide building codes effective 1/1/2025. [...] Commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code AND state funded buildings. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IBC© for new buildings or IEBC© for existing buildings. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code where agreed to by the home purchaser and home builder. [...] Residential buildings in jurisdictions that have adopted a building code. [...] Starting 1/1/25 local codes must regulate the structural design in a manner that is at least as stringent as the IRC©.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Statewide baseline building-code requirements for residential construction in Illinois, including jurisdictions with and without locally adopted building codes.
      “Please be advised that the State of Illinois recently passed legislation (Public Act 103-0510) changing the Capital Development Board Act to require statewide baseline building codes effective 1/1/2025. Locally adopted building codes must comply with the requirements of the Act.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Privately funded construction statewide in Illinois, as to inspections performed by the State rather than by a local authority having jurisdiction.

    • The Illinois Capital Development Board does not perform building-code inspections for privately funded construction.
    • If inspections are required, they are addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    • A local municipality or county may be a non-building-code jurisdiction, in which case applicable state baseline requirements and inspection-certification provisions may apply.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Building-code-compliance inspections performed by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy permits or certificates for privately funded construction in Illinois.

    • The State does not issue occupancy permits for privately funded construction.
    • If an occupancy permit is required, it is addressed by the applicable unit of local government.
    “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Issuance of occupancy permits or certificates by the State of Illinois for privately funded construction.
      “No. If any of these are required, they would be addressed by the unit of local government.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations for building or setback lines outside municipalities with municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The actual setback distances are established by applicable county zoning districts or other local ordinances.
    • Agricultural buildings may be required to conform to building or setback lines.
    “to establish building or setback lines”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes as dwellings, including occupancy in manufactured home communities regulated by IDPH.

    • Manufactured home communities with 5 or more sites must be licensed by IDPH, except communities located in home rule units.
    • IDPH annually inspects licensed communities for renewal, including water, sewage disposal, electrical systems, lighting, roads, spacing of homes, and garbage disposal.
    • Manufactured homes moved since January 1, 1980 must be secured using equipment meeting IDPH standards.
    • Effective December 31, 2001, manufactured homes must be installed by an Illinois licensed manufactured home installer or the homeowner and installed according to manufacturer instructions; if unavailable, the IDPH Manufactured Home Installation Code applies.
    • Local zoning, building, floodplain, and utility requirements may also apply.

    manufactured home community license threshold: >= 5 sites (Communities located in home rule units are excepted from this IDPH licensing statement.) · moved-home tiedown requirement effective date: >= 1980-01-01 · installation requirement effective date: >= 2001-12-31

    “designed and situated so as to permit its occupancy as a dwelling place for one or more persons”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New and replacement surface-discharging private sewage disposal systems covered by Illinois EPA general NPDES Permit ILG62.

    • Coverage under the general permit is limited to eligible dischargers.
    • Systems not eligible for general-permit coverage may require an individual NPDES permit.
    • Periodic inspection, monitoring, and reporting are required under the permit.
    “The permit sets discharge limits and requires periodic inspection, monitoring and reporting.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid disposal of human wastes through privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets, and compost toilets statewide in Illinois.

    • Other domestic wastes must be disposed of in a conventional private sewage disposal system.
    • Compost toilets may also be used for other organic domestic wastes.
    • Privies have construction, capacity, venting, maintenance, and abandonment requirements.
    • A privy pit must have a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet per seat.
    • A privy must be pumped when filled to within 18 inches of the bottom of the riser.
    • Vault privies are required where groundwater or limestone formations are within 4 feet of the bottom of the pit.
    • Recirculating toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41 and residuals must go to an approved public or private sewage disposal system.
    • Incinerator and compost toilets have separate maintenance and disposal requirements; compost toilets must meet NSF International/ANSI Standard 41.

    privy pit minimum capacity: >= 50 cubic feet per seat · privy pumping trigger: <= 18 inches from bottom of riser (Pump when filled to within this distance.) · vault-privy groundwater or limestone separation: < 4 feet from bottom of pit (Watertight, non-metal vaults are required where the condition applies.)

    “Privies, portable toilets, recirculation toilets, incinerator toilets and compost toilets are approved for private sewage disposal of human wastes.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Work within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state-maintained roadway, including access-driveway requests to State highways.

    • A permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Requirements may vary by IDOT district; the applicant must contact the district office for specific requirements.
    • IDOT's access-driveway handbook guides what is allowable for highway access requests.
    “Per 605 ILCS 5/4 209, IDOT requires a permit when working within the right-of-way of an Interstate, U.S. state route, Illinois state route, or state maintained roadway. A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work and a copy of the approved permit must be at the worksite at all times.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Illinois where at least one room is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days and accommodations are reserved in advance, when the hosting platform meets the statutory definition of a re-renter.

    • Beginning July 1, 2025, qualifying hosting platforms are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.
    • The source establishes tax and registration obligations, not statewide land-use permission; local zoning and licensing may separately apply.

    rental period: < 30 consecutive days

    “Beginning July 1, 2025, hosting platforms for short-term rentals that meet the definition of “re-renter” are subject to Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Applications and written inquiries for Illinois Department of Natural Resources public-water, dam, and floodway work requiring authorization.

    • The Department reviews applications and written inquiries free of charge to determine whether authorization is required when sufficient information is provided.
    • A permit application fee may apply under the Department's permit fee schedule.
    “January 15, 2014, a new Permit Application Fee went into effect. All applications and written inquiries received will be reviewed free of charge to determine whether the Public Water, dam and/or floodway work proposed requires authorization by the Department, so long as sufficient information is provided for the Department to make that determination.”
  • Campground & park staysAllowed (with conditions)

    Overnight camping in Illinois campgrounds subject to the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

    • IDPH annually inspects and licenses campgrounds in Illinois.
    • The state campground definition includes camping and temporary parking of recreational vehicles.
    • Campgrounds within home rule units of government are exempt from the state campground licensing requirement.
    • Recreational areas without overnight camping, such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas, are subject to the rules but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

    minimum persons for statutory campground threshold: >= 10 persons · minimum camping duration for statutory campground threshold: >= 6 camping days per calendar year

    ““Camping Day” means any 24 hour period or portion thereof during which the participants remain overnight at the site.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Illinois counties adopting and enforcing building codes and issuing building permits for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the statewide baseline framework.

    • A municipality or county is not required to adopt a building code.
    • A county that does not adopt a building code is treated as a non-building-code jurisdiction, and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act applies.
    • A county that adopts a building code must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act.
    • Locally adopted codes must regulate residential structural design at least as stringently as the baseline International Residential Code.
    • For privately funded projects, the local code official is the authority having jurisdiction; the State does not issue private-project building permits, perform plan reviews, or perform inspections.
    “A municipality or county is not required to adopt building codes. If they do NOT adopt a building code then they are considered a non-building code jurisdiction and section 10.09-1 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105) applies. If they do adopt a building code(s) then it must comply with section 10.18 of the Capital Development Board Act (20 ILCS 3105).”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Connection to public water or sanitary sewer in unincorporated Henry County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Henry County, Illinois

Is Henry County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Henry County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 92,124 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (38.2″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Henry County, Illinois?

Henry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Henry County Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Henry County, Illinois?

Land in Henry County runs about $10,039 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.7% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 92,124 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,577,384 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Henry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Henry compares in Illinois

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