AcreScore β€” What's this?
74/ 100

Henry County, TN

Kentucky Lake Paradise at Paris Landing β€” Top-Tier Barndo Country

πŸ“Š74/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$8KLand $/acre
🏠$168KHome Value
πŸ‘₯32,390Population
πŸ“ˆ+1.8%Growth (10yr)
🌊9%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Mixed HumidClimateZone 4A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Henry County consistently ranks among Tennessee's best barndominium counties thanks to Kentucky Lake access, affordable acreage, and a welcoming community in Paris. Paris Landing State Park anchors the area's recreational appeal, while USDA eligibility makes financing accessible.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
Agricultural1 acreβœ… Yes
R-1 Residential15,000 sq ft⚠️ Conditional
Rural/Lake District1 acre⚠️ Conditional

Henry County has moderate zoning around Paris with lighter regulations in rural areas. Lakefront properties may be subject to TVA shoreline management policies.

πŸ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • β€’ Building permit application
  • β€’ Septic permit (county Health Department)
  • β€’ Electrical and plumbing permits
  • β€’ TVA shoreline permit (lakefront parcels)
  • β€’ Site plan showing setbacks

Permit Office

Henry County Building & Codes 101 W Washington St Paris, TN 38242 (731) 642-0162

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Kentucky Lake's extensive shoreline creates flood zones along the western edge of the county. About 9% of parcels carry flood designations, mainly near the lake and creek corridors. Elevation certificates are essential for waterfront builds.

9%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Henry County offers strong value with moderate building costs and land prices that are very reasonable considering the Kentucky Lake amenity. Inland parcels especially offer excellent acreage prices.

$8K
Median $/acre
$168K
Median Home Value
$115–195
Build Cost $/sqft
0.62%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Henry County Assessor

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Henry County is a lake lover's dream anchored by the charming town of Paris (yes, it has an Eiffel Tower replica). Kentucky Lake provides world-class fishing and boating, while the community hosts vibrant events year-round.

🚀

Kentucky Lake

160,000-acre reservoir with outstanding bass fishing, boating, and year-round water recreation.

πŸ—Ό

Paris, Tennessee

Charming county seat with its own Eiffel Tower, the World's Biggest Fish Fry, and a thriving town square.

β›Ί

Paris Landing State Park

Full-service state park with marina, golf course, lodge, and lake beach.

At a Glance

Population~32,400
10-Year Growth+1.8%
County SeatParis
State Income TaxNone
Climate4A – Mixed Humid

How Close Is Everything?

Nashville120 mi
Murray, KY30 mi
Jackson70 mi
Clarksville75 mi
Paducah, KY55 mi

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Henry County has good utility infrastructure, with Paris Board of Public Utilities providing electric, water, and fiber internet within Paris city limits. Rural areas are served by electric cooperatives.

ElectricParis Board of Public Utilities / West KY RECC
WaterParis BPU / Henry County Utility District
InternetParis BPU Fiber, Charter Spectrum, AT&T
SewerMunicipal in Paris; septic in rural areas
GasParis BPU natural gas (limited area)
TrashCity pickup in Paris; county convenience centers

🏦 Financing & Incentives

Henry County is fully USDA eligible, and the Paris BPU fiber internet makes remote work very feasibleβ€”a huge plus for USDA-financed barndominium buyers who work from home.

βœ… USDA Eligible
All of Henry County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans, offering zero down payment options for qualifying barndominium builds.
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.62%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium near Kentucky Lake?
Yes. Lakefront barndominium builds are possible with proper TVA permits and shoreline setbacks. Inland parcels near the lake are also excellent options with easier permitting.
Does Paris have fiber internet?
Yes! Paris Board of Public Utilities offers fiber-to-the-home internet service within their coverage area, making remote work very feasible from Henry County.
What's the World's Biggest Fish Fry?
It's Paris's famous annual festival held each April, drawing thousands of visitors for fried catfish, a parade, carnival, and community events.
Is Henry County eligible for USDA loans?
Yes, the entire county qualifies for USDA Rural Development financing with zero down payment for eligible borrowers.
How far is Nashville from Paris?
Paris is approximately 120 miles west of Nashville, about a two-hour drive via I-40 and US-641.