countyscore
52.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.5Water Quality 86Soil Quality 81.9

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Indiana

Hancock County Above National Median

Hancock County holds a composite score of 52.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This reflects a high-functioning community with significant economic strengths. It ranks well on the national stage for its ability to provide high-income opportunities.

A Strong Suburban Performer in Indiana

Hancock County's score of 52.8 is slightly under the state average of 55.9, largely due to housing costs as the area develops. However, it remains a key player in the Indianapolis metropolitan area's success. Its focus on infrastructure and income makes it a competitive choice within the state.

Superior Incomes and Water Quality

The county earns an exceptional income score of 92.5, supported by a median household income of $91,326. Water quality is also a standout strength with a score of 86.0. These factors contribute to a high standard of living for the local workforce.

Rising Costs and Moderate Safety

Rapid growth has led to a lower cost score of 17.9, with median home values now at $258,100. The safety score of 47.3 indicates that public safety metrics are currently in the middle of the pack. Balancing growth with community security and affordable housing remains a key priority.

Perfect for Middle-to-High Income Earners

Hancock County is an ideal match for professionals who want strong earning potential and high-quality utilities. It offers a suburban lifestyle with a median rent of $1,121, providing value compared to even more expensive neighbors. It is best for those who prioritize economic mobility and infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax65.4Cost17.9Safety47.3Health79Schools46.1Income92.5Risk56Water86Weather58.5
🏛65.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Rush County
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64.3
Marion County
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Shelby County
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48.5
Henry County
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Madison County
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Hamilton County
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Johnson County
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Fayette County
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Deep Dives

Hancock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hancock County

via TaxByCounty

Hancock's taxes fit U.S. patterns well

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 0.680% ranks in the bottom third nationally, offering below-average tax burden. Though the median annual bill of $1,756 exceeds national norms, this reflects higher-valued homes ($258,100 median) in a tax-friendly environment.

Hancock matches Indiana's typical tax rate

At 0.680%, Hancock County's effective rate virtually mirrors Indiana's state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $1,756 runs about 45% higher than the state median of $1,199, driven purely by above-average home values rather than higher tax rates.

Competitive rates in the central Indiana region

Hancock County's 0.680% rate matches Grant County (0.681%) exactly and undercuts Gibson County (0.730%) and Greene County (0.689%). For homeowners with higher-value properties, Hancock offers tax efficiency compared to neighboring Hamilton County (0.881%).

Hancock homeowners pay above-average amounts

The median Hancock County home valued at $258,100 generates an annual tax bill of $1,756. This reflects not higher tax rates but the county's concentration of middle-to-upper-class homes valued well above the state median.

Higher-value homes should verify assessments

In neighborhoods where homes regularly sell above assessed values, overassessment is common. Hancock County homeowners with properties worth $250,000 or more should compare their assessments to recent comparable sales—an appeal could save substantial money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock punches above Indiana's weight

Hancock County households earn $91,326—22% more than the national average—and maintain an excellent 14.7% rent-to-income ratio despite paying $1,121 monthly. This positions Hancock as Indiana's most affordably balanced county relative to incomes and rental costs.

Best affordability-to-income balance statewide

At 14.7%, Hancock's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties and notably below Indiana's 15.6% state average. The median rent of $1,121 runs 27% above the state mean, but higher incomes make the premium sustainable.

Strong incomes elevate affordability

Hancock's $91,326 median income sits between Gibson ($67,763) and the affluent Hamilton County ($117,957), while its $1,121 rent reflects suburban Indianapolis proximity without the extreme pricing of Hamilton. The $258,100 median home value offers reasonable entry-level appreciation opportunity.

Hancock's optimal housing ratio

Renters dedicate $1,121 monthly while homeowners pay $1,240—total housing costs of roughly 15-16% of the $91,326 median income. This leaves Hancock households the most breathing room for savings, healthcare, and quality-of-life investments among these eight counties.

Balanced Indiana living near Indianapolis

Hancock County delivers the rare combo: strong incomes, manageable housing costs, and suburb-quality amenities without Hamilton County's premium pricing. For relocators earning $80k+, Hancock offers the best bang-for-buck among these counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock pulls well above national average

Hancock County's median household income of $91,326 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $16,571—a healthy 22% premium. The county ranks well above average nationally, reflecting strong regional employment and business activity.

Second-highest income in Indiana survey

At $91,326, Hancock trails only Hamilton County ($117,957) among these eight counties and significantly outpaces the state average of $68,681 by $22,645. The county ranks in the top tier of Indiana's 92 counties.

Solid income advantage over peers

Hancock's $91,326 leads Harrison County ($72,468) and all lower-income neighbors by substantial margins, standing second only to Hamilton in this group. The county benefits from Indianapolis-area growth and manufacturing strength.

Excellent housing affordability

Hancock's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio—second-lowest across all eight counties—demonstrates strong affordability despite a $258,100 median home value. Higher incomes easily support homeownership without financial strain.

Build serious wealth on strong income

Hancock households earning $91,326 should prioritize maxing retirement account contributions and building diversified investment portfolios. With above-average income and favorable housing costs, the county's residents have exceptional capacity for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Half as Dangerous as U.S.

Hancock County reports a total crime rate of 1,183.7 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.1.

A Solid Safety Record in Indiana

With a safety score of 98.1, Hancock County stays within range of the 98.9 state average. Seven reporting agencies contribute data to track and manage local safety trends.

Hancock County vs Regional Peer Hendricks

Hancock's crime rate of 1,183.7 is lower than Hendricks County's rate of 1,289.5. Residents benefit from lower crime volumes than several adjacent counties.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate is 134.7, while property crime stands at 1,049.0 per 100,000. Property offenses are nearly eight times more common than violent incidents.

Reducing Risk at Home

Investing in smart locks and security cameras is the best way to combat local property crime trends. Vigilance remains key to keeping Hancock County's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock exceeds U.S. health averages

Hancock County residents live to 77.2 years, roughly 1.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With only 15.6% reporting poor or fair health—well below national rates—the county demonstrates strong chronic disease management.

Above-average health outcomes statewide

At 77.2 years, Hancock County's life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year state average by 2.1 years, placing it in the upper tier of counties. The 15.6% poor/fair health rate is notably better than state averages, reflecting effective healthcare delivery.

Strong performer in central Indiana

Hancock's 77.2-year life expectancy trails only Hamilton County's 80.7 in this region and significantly outpaces Grant's 70.8 and Fulton's 73.7. The county's 83 primary care providers per 100,000 and 125 mental health providers per 100,000 support this advantage.

Low uninsured rate enables consistent care

Hancock's 5.9% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 8.4%, ensuring most residents can access preventive and ongoing care. The county's robust provider network—83 primary care and 125 mental health per 100,000—reduces wait times and supports continuity of treatment.

Keep coverage strong to maintain progress

Hancock County has built a healthier community through consistent insurance access and provider investment. Verify your coverage annually through Indiana's marketplace to sustain the county's positive trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Suburban School System

Hancock County serves 14,345 students through 24 public schools across five districts. The system includes 12 elementary, seven middle, and four high schools. This infrastructure supports a mix of traditional rural roots and rapid suburban growth.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves an outstanding 95.5% graduation rate, well above the 87% national average. While per-pupil spending is lean at $5,001, the school score of 52.1 remains higher than the state average. This suggests Hancock County is highly effective at turning modest budgets into strong student outcomes.

Strong Districts Near the Indy Metro

Mt Vernon Community School Corp is the largest district, serving 4,677 students, followed by Greenfield-Central with 4,393. There is one charter school in the county, accounting for about 4% of the school landscape. These districts are popular choices for families commuting to nearby Indianapolis.

Rural Traditions Meet Suburban Growth

The county features 18 rural schools and six suburban schools, with an average school size of 598 students. Greenfield-Central High is the largest at 1,462 students, while Mt Vernon High is close behind with 1,431. Families can choose between smaller rural elementary schools or large, modern high schools.

Find Home in a High-Achieving Community

Hancock County offers some of the best graduation rates in the state, making it a top choice for home buyers. The districts provide a safe, high-performing environment for children without the higher costs of neighboring counties. Explore homes in Mt Vernon or Greenfield to join this successful academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock sits near national average

Hancock County's composite risk score of 44.02 earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits just below the national average. Tornado exposure (73.86) and moderate flood risk (57.06) are the county's primary concerns, though both remain manageable.

Below Indiana's average exposure

Hancock's 44.02 score runs slightly below Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing it in the safer half of state counties. Tornado risk remains above state average at 73.86, but flood and earthquake exposures are more moderate.

Safer than Hamilton, comparable to Greene

Hancock County's 44.02 score sits well below neighboring Hamilton County's 88.80, reflecting dramatically lower tornado and flood exposure. The county tracks closely with Greene County (42.49), making both reasonable risk profiles for the central Indiana region.

Tornadoes pose primary weather threat

Tornado risk at 73.86 is Hancock's dominant hazard, though still below the state's highest-exposure counties. Flooding (57.06) presents a secondary concern, particularly in creek valleys and low-lying agricultural areas during spring runoff and heavy storms.

Prepare for tornado season

Comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage is essential for tornado protection. Identify or build a safe room in your home, maintain a weather radio, and practice your family evacuation plan annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions Near the National Median

Hancock County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.9°F, placing it near the national median for temperate zones. It features the typical wet-dry cycles characteristic of the American interior.

Wetter Than the Indiana Average

At 51.9°F, Hancock County is right in line with Indiana’s state average temperature. However, it is significantly wetter than the state average, recording 47.8 inches of rain compared to 43.9 inches statewide.

Extra Moisture Compared to Hamilton County

Hancock is slightly warmer and significantly wetter than neighboring Hamilton County. While Hamilton receives 43.2 inches of rain, Hancock deals with nearly five more inches of annual precipitation.

Steady Heat and Moderate Snowfall

The county faces 16 days of extreme heat over 90°F during the 72.7°F average summer. Winter brings 20.2 inches of snow and average seasonal temperatures around 29.5°F.

Manage the Rain and Summer Humidity

Prioritize storm drainage and roof maintenance to handle the high annual precipitation of 47.8 inches. Ensure air conditioning is serviced to manage the mid-70s July averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Elite clay loam Mollisols define Hancock

Hancock County features productive clay loam soils from the prestigious Mollisols order. With an average pH of 6.26, the soil is less acidic than the state average and approaches the 6.5 national median. These characteristics contribute to an impressive overall soil score of 81.9.

Heavy textures provide strong nutrient beds

The soil is composed of 52.5% silt, 22.3% sand, and 21.8% clay. This high clay and silt combination makes for a heavy, nutrient-rich earth that holds its shape well. It provides a stable environment for large-scale crops but can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

High water capacity meets state standards

Hancock's organic matter content is 4.89%, perfectly aligning with the Indiana average of 4.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.212 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.202. This means the soil acts like a sponge, keeping moisture available for plants even when rain is scarce.

Poor drainage requires managed water flow

The county's soils are predominantly poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group B/D. This requires farmers and homeowners to use drainage solutions like tiles or rain gardens to manage excess water. Proper water management is key to unlocking the soil's high agricultural potential.

Thriving yields in Hardiness Zone 6a

As a 6a zone, Hancock is well-suited for traditional Indiana staples like corn, beans, and hardy fruit trees. The moisture-retentive clay loam is also excellent for late-season crops that need a steady water supply. Start your seeds early to make the most of this high-scoring land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

User-friendly lawn care in Hancock County

Hancock County earns a 70.6 difficulty score, indicating a relatively easy environment for maintaining healthy green spaces. This Zone 6a county benefits from a climate that is easier on turf than half the counties in the nation.

Abundant rain fuels heavy growth

Rainfall is abundant here, with 47.8 inches of annual precipitation surpassing the state average of 44.2 inches. Despite 16 extreme heat days, the 3,388 growing degree days provide ample energy for thick turf development.

Clay loam needs aeration for drainage

The clay loam soil is naturally well-balanced with a pH of 6.26, though its poorly drained classification can lead to standing water. Focus on core aeration to manage the 21.8% clay content and improve oxygen flow to the roots.

Combating abnormal dryness and evaporation

Over 92% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following 25 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. During these periods, keeping your grass at a higher mowing height helps shade the soil and retain precious moisture.

Establishment windows for Hancock County

The best results come from seeding cool-season blends in late April or early September. By timing your work around the April 19 and October 22 frost dates, you give your grass the best chance to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Indiana has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Indiana?
Hancock County ranks #62 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $1,756, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Indiana is $91,326 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 92.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Indiana a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Indiana. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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