CountyScore

Hancock County

Indiana · IN

#55 in Indiana
71.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Indiana

Hancock matches national excellence

Hancock County's composite score of 71.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it firmly in the upper half of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects balanced strength across tax, cost, and health dimensions.

Right at Indiana's state average

Hancock's score of 71.2 precisely matches Indiana's state average, positioning it as a representative Indiana county. This middle-of-the-road standing masks its unique strengths and trade-offs.

Upper-middle income and strong health

Hancock's income score of 43.0 reflects median household earnings of $91,326, the second-highest in this group. The health score of 76.4 and tax score of 83.1 signal excellent wellness access and favorable tax rates.

Housing costs climbing steadily

The cost score of 69.1 reveals median home values of $258,100 and rent at $1,121/month—significantly higher than rural peers. This limits first-time homebuyers seeking entry-level options.

Sweet spot for middle-class families

Hancock County suits established middle-income families seeking balance: solid incomes, good health services, reasonable taxes, and a thriving suburban feel. It's Indiana's Goldilocks option—not too expensive, not too cheap, just right.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.1Cost69.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome43Risk56WaterComing Soon
🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56
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

Alamosa County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $51,445
Grand County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $84,558
Bingham County
Idaho
71.2
Median income: $76,842
Hamilton County
Illinois
71.2
Median income: $61,520
Calhoun County
Iowa
71.2
Median income: $66,875

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'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

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

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

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.