CountyScore

Hancock County

Iowa · IA

#17 in Iowa
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Iowa

Hancock scores well above the nation

With a composite score of 72.2, Hancock County ranks 44 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This score reflects a county where affordability, health, and tax burden combine to create a genuinely livable environment for most households.

Iowa's third-best livability county

Hancock County's 72.2 score ranks it above Iowa's state average of 69.3, making it one of the strongest performers in the state. Among the eight Iowa counties profiled here, only Ida County (75.1) and Howard County (72.7) score higher.

Housing and health drive the profile

Hancock excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.0, where median home values sit at just $129,300 and rent averages $784 per month. Health outcomes are also solid at 77.5, and the county maintains a manageable effective tax rate of 1.192%, the lowest among these eight counties.

Income growth remains the weak link

The income score of 29.2 is Hancock's most pressing limitation, with median household income of $70,212 trailing the county's affordability advantage. Residents here find low housing costs but face more modest earning potential compared to neighboring counties.

Ideal for cost-conscious, health-focused families

Hancock County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and steady health services over rapid income growth or career advancement. If you value low taxes, cheap housing, and a stable small-town lifestyle, Hancock delivers strong value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.7Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth77.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk71.2WaterComing Soon
🏛68.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡71.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hancock County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Hancock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock rents are cheaper than most

Hancock County residents spend 13.4% of income on rent, beating the national average and offering solid affordability compared to U.S. markets. The median household income of $70,212 is slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet renters here pay just $784 monthly—well below where they'd pay in much of the country.

Strongest renter affordability in Iowa

Hancock County ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties for renters, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that undershoots the state average of 14.1%. At $784 per month, the median rent is $28 lower than the state average, making it an outlier in a positive direction.

Competitive with nearby counties

Hancock's $784 rent sits between Howard County ($699, the region's cheapest) and Hardin County ($814). Homebuyers here face a $814 monthly mortgage cost, placing it right in the middle of what neighbors pay, though home values at $129,300 are modest across the board.

Housing takes modest slice of income

The typical Hancock household earning $70,212 annually spends roughly $784 on rent or $814 on mortgage costs—proportions that leave room for other expenses. Both renter and owner costs hover near 11–14% of income, well within the recommended 30% housing affordability threshold.

Room to build equity here

If you're relocating to Iowa and prioritizing affordability, Hancock County deserves your consideration. The combination of low rent, reasonable home prices, and strong rent-to-income ratios makes it competitive for renters and first-time homebuyers alike.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock outlives the nation

At 78.6 years, Hancock County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rate also sits below the national average of 18%, suggesting residents here experience better overall health outcomes than most Americans.

Top health outcomes in Iowa

Hancock County ranks among Iowa's healthiest, with a life expectancy of 78.6 years compared to the state average of 77.7 years. This 0.9-year advantage reflects strong community health management and preventive care practices across the county.

Stronger than surrounding counties

Hancock's 78.6-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Hardin County (77.3 years) and Howard County (77.7 years). The county also leads in health perception, with only 15.9% reporting poor or fair health versus 17% in Hardin.

Access gaps despite good health

Just 5.7% of Hancock residents lack health insurance, matching Iowa's state average, but primary care is scarce at only 9 providers per 100,000 residents—well below the state median. Mental health providers are more available at 47 per 100,000, yet residents may travel far for routine medical care.

Stay covered in Hancock County

With nearly all Hancock residents insured, health coverage is strong here—but don't let gaps emerge. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Iowa Department of Human Services to confirm your coverage and explore options if circumstances change.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock: Well Below National Risk

Hancock County's composite risk score of 28.79 puts it in the Very Low category, significantly safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively modest natural disaster threats across most hazard types, making it one of Iowa's lower-risk communities.

Among Iowa's Safest Counties

Hancock ranks favorably within Iowa, where the state average composite risk score is 39.68. The county's 28.79 score places it well below the state median, indicating lower-than-typical exposure to natural disasters for the region.

Comparing Risk With Nearby Counties

Hancock's neighbors show mixed risk profiles: Howard County (15.59) is even safer, while Hardin County (58.40) faces substantially higher tornado and flood risks. Hancock sits in the middle-to-low range of its regional peers, with notably lower flood exposure than Harrison County.

Tornado Risk Dominates Hancock's Hazards

Tornado risk is Hancock's primary concern, scoring 50.51—the county's most significant natural hazard threat. Flood risk (21.60) and wildfire risk (6.58) pose much lower dangers, while earthquake and hurricane risks are minimal to nonexistent.

Secure Your Home Against Tornadoes

Hancock residents should prioritize tornado coverage through homeowners or specialized policies, given the county's moderate tornado exposure. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but verify your specific coverage limits and consider a safe room or shelter to maximize family protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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