Hancock County's composite score of 72.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45th percentile nationally. This rural east-central Georgia county demonstrates remarkable livability despite economic challenges.
2 / 5
Just above Georgia average
Hancock's score of 72.5 sits slightly above Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of Georgia counties. The county holds its own regionally despite facing demographic headwinds.
3 / 5
Extreme affordability dominates
Hancock County's standout feature is housing affordability, with an exceptional cost score of 88.0—the highest among these eight counties. Median home values of just $87,400 and rent at $671/month create some of Georgia's lowest housing costs.
4 / 5
Income remains severely constrained
The income score of 5.1 reflects a median household income of only $33,182—less than half the state average. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and water quality limit understanding of other livability factors.
5 / 5
Best for ultra-budget-conscious residents
Hancock County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those seeking minimal cost of living in rural Georgia. Local employment opportunities appear limited; success here depends on income from outside the county.
Hancock County's composite score of 72.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45th percentile nationally. This rural east-central Georgia county demonstrates remarkable livability despite economic challenges.
Just above Georgia average
Hancock's score of 72.5 sits slightly above Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier of Georgia counties. The county holds its own regionally despite facing demographic headwinds.
Extreme affordability dominates
Hancock County's standout feature is housing affordability, with an exceptional cost score of 88.0—the highest among these eight counties. Median home values of just $87,400 and rent at $671/month create some of Georgia's lowest housing costs.
Income remains severely constrained
The income score of 5.1 reflects a median household income of only $33,182—less than half the state average. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and water quality limit understanding of other livability factors.
Best for ultra-budget-conscious residents
Hancock County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those seeking minimal cost of living in rural Georgia. Local employment opportunities appear limited; success here depends on income from outside the county.
Score breakdown
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🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.994%, Hancock County's effective property tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, exceeding the national median of 0.720% by nearly 40%. Yet the median property tax of just $869 is less than a third of the national median of $2,690 because median home values here are only $87,400—the lowest in this group.
Highest tax rate in Georgia
Hancock County's 0.994% effective rate is the highest among all Georgia counties, well above the state average of 0.898%. Despite the steep rate, the median tax of $869 remains below the state median of $1,529 due to significantly lower property values.
Steepest rate in the regional comparison
Hancock County's 0.994% rate tops all comparable counties, including Grady (0.980%) and Gwinnett (0.978%), making it the region's highest-taxed jurisdiction by rate. However, absolute tax bills remain low—just $869 median—because homes are valued much lower than neighboring counties.
Hancock homeowners pay $869 annually
The median home valued at $87,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $869, or roughly $72 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $1,124 annually as escrow accounts prepay taxes.
Every dollar counts in a modest market
Even at Hancock County's low absolute tax bills, appealing an overassessment is worthwhile—a 10% reduction could save nearly $90 annually. Contact the county tax assessor to review your assessment; it's a simple process that costs nothing and could put money back in your pocket.
While Hancock County's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability threshold technically, the county's true challenge is income: a median of just $33,182—less than half the U.S. average of $74,755. Low rents of $671 offer little comfort when household earnings are this constrained.
Hancock struggles with persistent poverty
Hancock County ranks among Georgia's least affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio (24.3% vs. state average 18.6%), but the real story is income disparity—median earnings of $33,182 are less than 40% of the state average. Housing affordability here is a symptom of broader economic challenges.
Hancock's rural poverty premium
While Hancock's $671 median rent is the lowest in this peer group, it reflects rural isolation rather than opportunity—median income is also the lowest by far. Home values of $87,400 offer cheap real estate, but residents lack the income to capitalize on it.
Income poverty drives affordability squeeze
Hancock households earning just $33,182 annually spend $671 on rent—a technically manageable 24.3%—but this leaves barely $2,200 monthly for all other expenses including food, healthcare, and utilities. Monthly homeownership at $555 is affordable only by accident of extreme poverty.
Hancock's affordability hides real hardship
Cheap housing in Hancock shouldn't entice relocators without strong local job prospects or remote income—low housing costs reflect limited economic opportunity. If considering this county, prioritize securing income stability first; the affordability will follow naturally.
Hancock County's median household income of $33,182 falls dramatically 56% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of Georgia's lowest-earning counties. This substantial gap signals limited economic opportunity locally.
Lowest income tier in Georgia
Hancock's median income of $33,182 ranks far below Georgia's state average of $60,488, a $27,306 gap that reflects systemic economic challenges. The county ranks among the poorest in the state by household income.
Significant disadvantage versus region
Hancock's $33,182 trails all nearby counties, including Grady ($54,312) and Habersham ($65,622), indicating localized economic weakness. The income gap suggests limited job diversity and wage growth opportunities.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Hancock's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, meaning renters struggle to balance housing against other necessities. Median home values of $87,400 are among Georgia's lowest, reflecting limited wealth accumulation.
Prioritize financial stability first
Hancock County households should focus on building emergency savings and accessing financial literacy resources before pursuing investment strategies. Seeking career development opportunities, education, or relocation may accelerate long-term wealth potential.
Hancock faces the nation's health challenges head-on
At 70.7 years, Hancock County residents face a life expectancy nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years and 2.6 years below Georgia's average. The 28.4% poor/fair health rate—the highest among these eight counties—signals a community under significant health stress.
Hancock struggles at Georgia's health bottom tier
Hancock's 70.7-year life expectancy ranks among Georgia's lowest, falling 2.6 years behind the state average and nearly 9 years behind county leaders like Gwinnett. The 28.4% poor/fair health rate reflects compounded challenges in healthcare access and chronic disease.
Hancock lags far behind all regional peers
Hancock's 70.7-year life expectancy trails every comparison county, falling 4–9 years behind neighbors like Harris (78.8 years), Gwinnett (79.3 years), and even struggling Haralson (71.2 years). This gap reflects severe provider shortages and economic barriers to care.
Critical shortage of providers isolates patients
Hancock has just 12 primary care providers and 23 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—roughly one-quarter the capacity of neighboring counties. Even though the 13.8% uninsured rate is below average, those without insurance face nearly impassable barriers to care.
Act now to secure healthcare access
Hancock County residents deserve accessible, affordable care; if you lack coverage, Medicaid and marketplace plans may be available to your family. Contact the county health department or visit healthcare.gov to find options and start your path to better health.
Hancock County scores just 11.86 on the composite risk index, making it one of the safest counties in the entire United States. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure across all major natural disaster hazard types.
State's Most Protected County
Hancock ranks as the lowest-risk county in Georgia with a score of 11.86, less than one-third of the state average of 39.49. No other Georgia county comes close to matching Hancock's safety profile.
Safest Among All Regional Peers
Hancock's score of 11.86 is dramatically lower than every neighboring county, including Haralson (27.61), Harris (20.77), and Greene (37.25). It stands alone as the region's natural disaster refuge.
Minimal Hazards Across the Board
Hancock's highest individual risk is hurricane at 62.12, still well below state norms for that hazard. Tornado risk of just 28.85 and flood risk of 26.88 indicate truly low exposure across major weather threats.
Basic Coverage Provides Solid Protection
Hancock County's exceptional safety profile means residents can maintain standard homeowners insurance without expensive specialized add-ons. Still, annual policy reviews ensure you maintain appropriate coverage as part of prudent financial planning.