countyscore
62.2
County Score
Health 82.8Soil Quality 81.8Lawn Care 79.5

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Iowa

Hancock Outperforms the National Median

Hancock County earns a composite score of 61.6, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places the county well into the upper tiers of livability nationwide.

A High Performer in Iowa

With a score of 61.6, Hancock sits comfortably above the Iowa state average of 55.6. It represents a more desirable living option than many of its regional neighbors.

Elite Health and Safety Metrics

The county excels with a health score of 82.8 and a safety score of 76.0. Residents also benefit from a solid median household income of $70,212.

Infrastructure and Tax Pressures

Hancock faces challenges with a water quality score of 36.4 and a tax score of 26.0. The effective tax rate of 1.192% is a notable burden compared to high-scoring dimensions.

Best for Health-Conscious Families

Hancock is ideal for families who prioritize safety and wellness above all else. Its strong health and safety scores outweigh the infrastructure and tax drawbacks for established households.

2040608010024.165.37682.861.863.271.236.449.9Tax24.1Cost65.3Safety76Health82.8Schools61.8Income63.2Risk71.2Water36.4Weather49.962.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Hancock County DNA

Doverall

How Hancock County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hancock County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (24.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.1-27.9
Cost
65.3+17.299999999999997
Safety
76+21
Health
82.8+32.8
Schools
61.8
Income
63.2+12.200000000000003
Risk
71.2+24.200000000000003
Water
36.4-21.6
Weather
49.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hancock County?

Many homeowners in Hancock County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$141,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$141,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,601/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Hancock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hancock County

via TaxByCounty

Hancock taxes run well below national average

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 1.192% sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the middle range nationally. The median property tax here is $1,541 annually, less than 58% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Iowa's generally lower home values and tax burdens.

Hancock ranks among Iowa's lowest-tax counties

At 1.192%, Hancock's effective rate is notably lower than Iowa's average of 1.344%, making it one of the state's more affordable property tax counties. The county's median property tax of $1,541 trails the state average of $2,160 by about $620 annually.

Lower taxes than most neighboring counties

Hancock's 1.192% rate edges out Ida County (1.064%) but undercuts Hardin (1.427%), Howard (1.302%), and Humboldt (1.286%) in the region. This positions Hancock as a moderate-tax area in north-central Iowa, appealing to homeowners seeking balance between services and affordability.

Own a median-value home? Expect $1,541 yearly

A homeowner with a $129,300 property in Hancock pays roughly $1,541 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. Over a 30-year mortgage, that adds up to more than $46,000 in tax payments alone.

You may be able to lower your tax bill

Many Iowa homeowners—including those in Hancock—discover their properties are assessed above actual market value, creating appeal opportunities. If your home's assessment doesn't match recent sales of comparable properties nearby, requesting a reassessment could reduce your annual tax burden.

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock's Income: Below National Average

Hancock County's median household income of $70,212 falls short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $4,543. This places the county in the lower-middle range nationally, reflecting Iowa's broader trend of income lagging behind wealthier coastal and metropolitan regions.

Above Average Within Iowa

At $70,212, Hancock County's median household income exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by $382, ranking it above the middle of Iowa's 99 counties. This modest advantage reflects a stable local economy, though the county remains vulnerable to statewide economic trends.

Stronger Than Most Regional Peers

Hancock County outearns several neighboring counties, including Hardin ($64,906) and Henry ($64,604), while trailing Harrison County ($77,027). Among this cluster of north-central Iowa counties, Hancock represents solid middle-tier earning power.

Housing Costs Are Very Manageable

At just 13.4%, Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains truly affordable for most households. With a median home value of $129,300 and robust household income, residents enjoy strong financial breathing room.

Build Your Financial Future Here

Hancock County's affordable housing and stable income create an excellent foundation for saving and investing. Consider opening a high-yield savings account or exploring low-cost index funds to grow wealth on top of your $70,212 median income.

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Hancock County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.1, significantly outperforming national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 574.6 per 100K is just a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Iowa Average

With a safety score of 99.1, Hancock County sits comfortably above the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 574.6 per 100K is nearly half the state average of 1,095.3.

Low Crime Rates Compared to Regional Peers

Hancock County maintains a crime rate of 574.6 per 100K, which is notably lower than neighboring Hardin County's 1,856.4. This puts it in a strong position relative to Humboldt County, which reports a similar rate of 593.4.

Property Crime Leads Local Offenses

Property crimes account for 435.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crimes remain low at 139.0. Residents experience significantly lower violent crime rates than the national average of 369.8.

Stay Vigilant in Hancock County

Even in a safe area with a 99.1 score, property crime remains the primary concern for residents. Installing a basic security system can further reduce the risk from the 435.6 property crimes reported per 100K people.

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Hancock’s Cool Continental Climate

With an average annual temperature of 45.5°F, Hancock County sits significantly cooler than the national median. This humid continental climate features sharp seasonal shifts and stays roughly 2.5 degrees below the Iowa state average.

Below the Iowa Temperature Average

Hancock ranks as one of the cooler territories in the state, falling below the Iowa average annual temperature of 48.0°F. The county also sees slightly less precipitation than the state norm, recording 34.7 inches annually compared to the statewide 36.1 inches.

Coldest Among North-Central Neighbors

Hancock remains colder than neighboring Humboldt County, which averages 46.2°F annually. While both regions face harsh winters, Hancock’s annual average reflects its position as a more northern, frigid pocket of the Iowa plains.

Deep Freezes and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with a January average of 15.0°F and 35.3 inches of annual snowfall. Summers remain relatively comfortable, seeing only 8 days above 90°F and an average July temperature of 72.2°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Readiness

Residents should invest in high-efficiency heating systems to handle winter averages of 18.5°F. While extreme heat is rare, the 34.7 inches of rain and significant snowfall require robust gutter systems and reliable snow removal equipment.

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Soils Near the National Median

Hancock County features an average soil pH of 6.72, which sits just above the national median of 6.5. This measurement is higher than the Iowa state average of 6.43, providing a less acidic environment for local crops. While specific taxonomic classifications are currently unavailable, the overall soil score of 81.8 is significantly higher than the state average.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil contains 34.8% sand, 37.2% silt, and 23.9% clay. This relatively even distribution supports good workability while maintaining enough clay to hold necessary nutrients. The sand content helps prevent total compaction, allowing roots to penetrate the soil more easily.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This county boasts an impressive 7.53% organic matter, nearly double the Iowa state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity reaches 0.200 in/in, which is higher than the state mean of 0.195. These figures indicate a highly fertile landscape that retains moisture and nutrients effectively.

High Soil Score Suggests Reliable Stability

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this region. However, the high soil score of 81.8 suggests that the land is exceptionally well-suited for intensive agricultural production. Farmers should still monitor local fields for ponding given the high organic content and water capacity.

Ready for Hardiness Zone 5a Success

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, these high-fertility soils are perfect for growing corn, soybeans, and hearty cool-season vegetables. With organic matter levels far exceeding national averages, your garden will require less supplemental fertilizer than most. Start your beds early to take advantage of this rich, nutrient-dense ground.

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

A High Success Rate for Hancock Lawns

Hancock County earns a lawn difficulty score of 79.5, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0 and slightly above the Iowa state average of 77.2. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 5a find maintaining a lush turf easier here than in most other parts of the country.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Iowa Turf

With only 8 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 16, lawns here escape much of the mid-summer stress. The county receives 34.7 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for cool-season grasses.

Perfectly Balanced Soil for Optimal Growth

The soil pH in Hancock County averages a near-perfect 6.72, falling right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While specific drainage data is limited, the blend of 23.9% clay and 34.8% sand provides a solid foundation that rarely requires heavy chemical adjustments.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

Current data shows 27.7% of the county is abnormally dry, though the region saw only 3 weeks of drought over the past year. Since there is no severe drought presently, deep and infrequent watering remains the best strategy to encourage deep root growth.

Starting Strong in the North

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this 5a zone and should be seeded after the last spring frost on April 29. Aim for early fall renovation before the first frost arrives around October 7 to ensure roots establish before the cold Iowa winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Iowa has a composite county score of 62.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Hancock County rank among counties in Iowa?
Hancock County ranks #22 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Hancock County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $1,673, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 24.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Iowa is $70,601 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 63.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Iowa a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Hancock County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Hancock County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.