Hancock County's composite score of 63.9 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the above-average range for American livability. This 28% advantage reflects consistent strength across multiple dimensions, though with more variability than top-tier performers.
2 / 5
Slightly above Illinois average
Hancock's 63.9 score edges past Illinois's state average of 62.1 by just 3%, positioning it as a solid mid-range performer within its state. This modest advantage suggests Hancock holds its own compared to similar Illinois counties, though it's not a standout leader.
3 / 5
Housing affordability and incomes lead
Hancock combines a cost score of 83.9 with a median household income of $65,044 and income score of 25.8, offering reasonable affordability with above-median earning potential. At $108,400 median home value and $755 monthly rent, the county provides balanced housing economics.
4 / 5
Tax burden is notably heavier
With an effective tax rate of 1.863% and a tax score of just 49.9, Hancock residents face above-average tax obligations compared to lower-burden counties in the region. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data also limit full assessment of quality of life.
5 / 5
Balanced choice for moderate earners
Hancock suits households with moderate incomes seeking reasonable affordability without rock-bottom taxes or cost of living. The county offers stability and balance for families not chasing maximum earnings or extreme economy.
Hancock County's composite score of 63.9 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the above-average range for American livability. This 28% advantage reflects consistent strength across multiple dimensions, though with more variability than top-tier performers.
Slightly above Illinois average
Hancock's 63.9 score edges past Illinois's state average of 62.1 by just 3%, positioning it as a solid mid-range performer within its state. This modest advantage suggests Hancock holds its own compared to similar Illinois counties, though it's not a standout leader.
Housing affordability and incomes lead
Hancock combines a cost score of 83.9 with a median household income of $65,044 and income score of 25.8, offering reasonable affordability with above-median earning potential. At $108,400 median home value and $755 monthly rent, the county provides balanced housing economics.
Tax burden is notably heavier
With an effective tax rate of 1.863% and a tax score of just 49.9, Hancock residents face above-average tax obligations compared to lower-burden counties in the region. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data also limit full assessment of quality of life.
Balanced choice for moderate earners
Hancock suits households with moderate incomes seeking reasonable affordability without rock-bottom taxes or cost of living. The county offers stability and balance for families not chasing maximum earnings or extreme economy.
Score breakdown
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🏛49.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.86%, Hancock County's effective tax rate edges above the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the 52nd percentile nationally. This means homeowners here pay slightly more than the typical American in property taxes relative to home values.
Hancock Ranks Near Illinois Average
Hancock County's effective tax rate of 1.86% sits just slightly above the Illinois state average of 1.83%, ranking it roughly middle-of-the-pack among 102 Illinois counties. At $2,020 median annual property taxes, residents pay close to what the typical Illinois household pays.
Above Most Regional Peers
Hancock County's 1.86% rate exceeds nearby Hamilton (1.35%), Henderson (1.68%), and Hardin (1.18%) counties, making it one of the more heavily taxed properties in west-central Illinois. Only Henry County (1.98%) in the immediate region surpasses Hancock's burden.
Median Home Costs About $2,020 Yearly
On a median home value of $108,400, Hancock County homeowners pay approximately $2,020 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,086 when including additional assessments.
Assessment Appeals May Lower Your Bill
Many Hancock County homeowners have been overassessed relative to comparable properties, making formal appeals a worthwhile strategy. Challenging an inflated assessment can result in meaningful annual savings for eligible property owners.
At 13.9%, Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national 30% affordability threshold and slightly undercuts Illinois's 14.7% state average. Renters enjoy moderate housing costs relative to their income, positioning the county as a middle-ground option statewide.
Mid-range affordability across Illinois
Hancock County's $755 median rent runs below the state average of $837, though it ranks higher than the state's most affordable counties. The 13.9% rent-to-income ratio reflects competitive pricing for central Illinois housing.
Pricier than Hamilton, cheaper than Henderson
Hancock County's $755 rent sits $189 higher than Hamilton County but $79 lower than Henderson County's $834 median. This middle positioning makes it a balanced choice for renters seeking moderate pricing without sacrificing access to nearby communities.
Balanced housing costs at 13.9% of income
With median household income of $65,044, residents pay $755 monthly rent, leaving strong purchasing power for non-housing expenses. Homeowners spend $723 monthly on properties averaging $108,400, creating affordable ownership pathways.
Considering central Illinois living?
Hancock County delivers reasonable housing costs without venturing into Illinois's cheapest or most expensive markets. Its balanced rent-to-income ratio and stable homeowner costs make it worth comparing to neighboring counties as you weigh your relocation options.
Hancock County's median household income of $65,044 falls roughly $9,700 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 13% income gap reflects the county's position as a small-town rural economy in a broader national context.
Slightly below Illinois state average
Hancock's $65,044 median trails the state average of $68,580 by about $3,536. The county ranks in the middle tier of Illinois counties, typical for rural and small-metro areas.
Competitive with surrounding counties
Hancock ($65,044) edges out Hamilton County ($61,520) and Iroquois County ($62,439), though it falls behind Henry County ($69,912). This positions Hancock as a middle-income anchor in a cluster of rural Illinois counties.
Rents rising; housing stress emerging
Hancock's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is borderline acceptable but trending toward the 15% stress threshold. With median home values near $108,400, renters and first-time buyers should budget carefully.
Seize opportunities to invest and save
Per capita income of $36,671 provides a foundation for wealth-building despite regional income constraints. Households benefit from exploring employer retirement plans, diversified savings, and financial literacy resources.
Hancock County residents live to 77.3 years on average, beating the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly a year. Only 15.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.3%, suggesting stronger overall population health.
Among Illinois's healthiest counties
At 77.3 years, Hancock County ranks above Illinois's 76.0-year average and is in the top tier of state counties for life expectancy. Its 5.9% uninsured rate falls below the state average of 6.3%, making healthcare coverage more accessible here than statewide.
Health leader in rural Illinois cluster
Hancock matches Henry County's 77.4-year life expectancy and beats most regional peers including Hamilton (76.1) and Hardin (71.6). Its low uninsured rate of 5.9% also ranks among the county group's best.
Mental health access strong, primary care adequate
Hancock stands out with 215 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far above most peer counties—offering robust psychiatric and counseling support. Primary care availability at 29 per 100,000 is modest but sufficient for a rural area.
Maintain your coverage with available options
With an uninsured rate below state average, Hancock County residents have strong coverage. Marketplace plans and employer options remain available—verify your coverage annually or explore plans at healthcare.gov if your circumstances change.
Hancock County scores 31.08 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that falls significantly below Illinois' state average of 54.46. Your county's hazard exposure sits roughly 43% lower than typical state-level risk, positioning it among America's safer counties for natural disasters. This protective standing reflects a mix of geographic and structural advantages.
One of Illinois' lowest-risk counties
Hancock County ranks in the bottom quartile of Illinois counties by composite score, with only a handful of peers experiencing lower overall natural disaster risk. At 31.08, your county underperforms the state average of 54.46 by more than 20 points, indicating substantial resilience compared to most Illinois communities. This favorable position reflects consistently moderate or low scores across all major hazard types.
Risk in context with neighbors
Hancock County's 31.08 score sits between safer Hardin County (8.30) and riskier Henry County (57.09), positioning it in the moderate-low range of west-central Illinois. Henderson County (17.53) offers slightly better protection, while Jackson County (87.12) to the south faces nearly three times the hazard exposure. Local variation suggests that county-level decisions about flooding and tornado preparedness matter significantly.
The hazards worth preparing for
Flooding carries the highest relative risk at 24.17, driven by Hancock's proximity to the Mississippi River and local stream networks that can swell during heavy rains. Tornadoes rank second at 34.51, a springtime threat that requires a practiced shelter plan and weather awareness during severe thunderstorm season. Earthquakes (40.55) and hurricanes (24.78) pose secondary but real risks that deserve periodic attention.
Insurance and preparedness steps
Flood insurance is essential in Hancock County, particularly for properties in mapped flood zones or near river corridors—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely. Add earthquake coverage to your homeowners policy if you lack it, given the moderate seismic hazard (40.55) that could damage foundations and structural integrity. Store emergency supplies, maintain a tornado safe room, and test your family's communication plan twice yearly.