countyscore
58.6
County Score
Safety 87.5Soil Quality 80Health 79.2

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Illinois

Above the National Median

Hancock County carries a 58.6 composite score, comfortably outranking the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability and services compared to the rest of the country.

Stronger Than the State Average

At 58.6, Hancock County outperforms the Illinois state average score of 52.8. It maintains a competitive edge in the state by balancing affordability with public health and safety.

Safe Streets and Healthy Living

The county excels in public safety and health, scoring 87.5 and 79.2 respectively. Residents benefit from a safe environment and a median home value of $108,400, contributing to a high cost score of 70.2.

Tax and Water Hurdles

The tax burden is a significant pain point, earning a very low score of 4.5 due to a 1.863% effective rate. Additionally, a water score of 24.7 suggests local infrastructure may require more attention or investment.

A Haven for Retirees

This county is a great fit for retirees or health-conscious residents who value low crime and affordable property. While taxes are high, the low cost of living and high health scores provide a stable lifestyle.

204060801004.570.287.579.24554.768.924.750.4Tax4.5Cost70.2Safety87.5Health79.2Schools45Income54.7Risk68.9Water24.7Weather50.458.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Hancock County DNA

Foverall

How Hancock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hancock County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (87.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.5-47.5
Cost
70.2+22.200000000000003
Safety
87.5+32.5
Health
79.2+29.200000000000003
Schools
45-9
Income
54.7
Risk
68.9+21.900000000000006
Water
24.7-33.3
Weather
50.4
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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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$108,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$755/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$108,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,044/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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Henderson County
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Deep Dives

Hancock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hancock County

via TaxByCounty

Hancock County's Tax Rate Slightly Above National

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock County offers solid rental affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock trails the national income benchmark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Hancock County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.6, placing it far above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 267.3 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier Safety Performer in Illinois

The county's total crime rate is roughly one-third of the Illinois state average of 835.0 per 100,000 residents. With six reporting agencies contributing data, this high safety ranking is well-documented and reliable.

Superior Regional Safety in Hancock County

Compared to surrounding regions, Hancock County demonstrates a significantly more secure environment for its residents. Its low incident volume makes it a standout for public safety among its Midwestern peers.

Low Violent Crime Rates Define the Area

Violent crime is notably rare at 85.3 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 182.0 incidents. These figures are substantially lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7, ensuring a quiet local atmosphere.

Maintain Security in a Safe Community

Even in high-safety areas, smart home security can further deter opportunistic property crime. Consider installing motion-sensing lights and smart locks to protect your property and peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Local Districts

Hancock County supports 2,791 students across a robust network of 15 public schools and 8 distinct school districts. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring seven elementary schools, six high schools, and one middle school. This high number of districts relative to the population ensures localized control over education across the county.

Investing Locally for Future Growth

The county's graduation rate currently stands at 83.3%, which sits below the Illinois average of 88.8%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,517 is lower than the state's $9,250 benchmark, the county maintains a school score of 53.3. These figures highlight an opportunity for continued investment to bring performance closer to national standards.

A Multi-District Educational Landscape

Education is spread across several small districts, with Hamilton CCSD 328 being the largest, serving 589 students. Southeastern CUSD 337 and Carthage ESD 317 also play major roles, managing 454 and 416 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional community-based public schooling.

A Balance of Town and Rural Settings

Attending school here offers a mix of environments, with eight schools located in towns and seven in rural settings. The average school size is 233 students, providing a small-campus feel where educators can know their students personally. Hamilton Elementary is the largest campus with 419 students, while Warsaw Elementary is among the smaller primary options with 211 students.

Find Your Place in a Local District

With eight different districts to choose from, Hancock County offers a variety of localized educational environments for growing families. School quality is a major driver of property value, and this county provides numerous small-town options for buyers. Explore available homes today to find the right district fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock County's national standing

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hancock County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking water grade drops to an F

Hancock County recorded 11 health violations over five years, resulting in a violation rate of 91.8 per 100,000 people. This rate is nearly double the Illinois state average of 48.7, signaling significant drinking water challenges.

Watershed health outperforms the state average

Only 21.0% of the 205 assessed water bodies in Hancock County are considered impaired according to the 2022 cycle. While this is better than the state's 38.0% average, mercury and phosphorus remain the top concerns for local waterways.

Moderate monitoring focused on organics and pesticides

Five monitoring sites across the county generated 1,129 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include organics, pesticides, and minor metals, providing a baseline for chemical runoff.

Gaps in real-time streamflow data coverage

No primary USGS streamgage is currently active within the county to provide live discharge readings. Residents must rely on regional watershed reports and compliance data to gauge water health and quantity.

High violation rates require active water testing

Given the F grade and high violation rate, residents should use certified home filtration systems and stay informed about EPA health notices. Although the watershed is relatively healthy, phosphorus levels suggest caution regarding local agricultural runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Hancock County is cooler than the national median

The county's average temperature of 51.8°F sits below the U.S. median of approximately 53°F. It experiences a classic humid continental climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Below the Illinois state temperature average

Hancock's annual temperature of 51.8°F is exactly 1.0°F lower than the Illinois average of 52.8°F. This reflects its position in the west-central part of the state.

Drier than southern neighbors, wetter than northern ones

The county receives 40.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly less than the state average of 41.7 inches. It remains significantly wetter than Henderson County to its north.

Sweating through nearly a month of extreme heat

Residents face 28 days per year with temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winter brings 22.9 inches of snow and average January lows of 24.6°F.

Prepare for significant winter snow and summer humidity

Homeowners should winterize for 22.9 inches of snow and ensure HVAC systems can handle the 75.5°F July average. Outdoor planning should account for the 28 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Hancock's Perfectly Balanced pH

Hancock County boasts an average soil pH of 6.50, exactly matching the national median for ideal nutrient uptake. This puts it slightly above the Illinois state average of 6.39, creating an optimal environment for most row crops and gardens. This neutral chemistry is a primary factor in the county's impressive 80.0 soil score.

Smooth Textures for Better Growth

The soil profile is dominated by 64.1% silt and 22.1% clay, with a small 13.9% sand component. This silty composition creates a smooth, flour-like texture that retains nutrients better than sandy soils. It provides a stable base for root systems while resisting the rapid drying seen in coarser grounds.

Strong Water Storage Capacity

The county holds an organic matter level of 2.63%, which beats the national average but falls just short of the 2.94% state benchmark. However, its available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This ensures that the soil acts like a sponge, keeping moisture available to plants during the peak of summer.

High Performance Agricultural Land

With a soil score of 80.0, Hancock's land outperforms the state average of 73.6 by a significant margin. While specific hydrologic groups are not provided, the high clay and silt mix suggests high retention and moderate drainage speeds. These characteristics make it premium real estate for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

Abundance in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennial fruits and annual vegetables. The balanced pH and high water capacity are perfect for growing deep-rooted crops like berries and orchard trees. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the highest-rated soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

High Performance in Western Illinois

Hancock County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 73.1, outperforming both the national average and the Illinois state average of 69.8. This Hardiness Zone 6a region offers a generally favorable environment for traditional Midwestern turf varieties.

Moderate Rain and Manageable Heat

With 40.2 inches of annual precipitation and 28 extreme heat days, the climate closely mirrors ideal growing conditions. The 3514 growing degree days provide a steady pace for development without the explosive, unmanageable growth seen further south.

Perfect pH for Healthy Roots

The soil pH in Hancock County is a near-perfect 6.50, falling squarely in the middle of the ideal range for nutrient uptake. While regional drainage data is limited, the 22.1% clay content suggests a stable foundation that benefits from occasional organic matter top-dressing.

Battling Long-Term Dry Spells

The county has struggled with 39 weeks of drought over the past year, and 64.2% of the area is currently in severe drought. To protect your investment, allow your grass to grow taller to shade the soil and reduce moisture evaporation during these extended dry periods.

Seeding for the Season Ahead

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues thrive here once the risk of frost passes after April 21. Aim to complete all overseeding and fertilization by the first fall frost on October 22 to give your lawn time to harden off.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Illinois has a composite county score of 58.6 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 Illinois?
Hancock County ranks #29 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $2,020, with an effective tax rate of 1.86%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 4.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Illinois is $65,044 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Illinois a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Illinois. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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