countyscore
68.7
County Score
Safety 87.7Water Quality 86Lawn Care 74.3

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Kentucky

Leading the Nation in Quality

Hancock County's composite score of 68.7 is nearly 20 points higher than the national median. This exceptional score ranks it as one of the premier living destinations in the United States.

A Standout Performer in Kentucky

Hancock County far exceeds the state average of 58.6 with its 68.7 score. It represents the gold standard for Kentucky living across almost every data category.

Safe, Wealthy, and Reliable

The county earns an elite Safety Score of 87.7 and a strong Income Score of 58.7. Residents enjoy a high median income of $66,836 alongside excellent water quality and low environmental risk.

Balanced Growth in Schools and Health

While still strong, the county's School Score of 54.9 and Health Score of 56.9 are its lowest marks. These areas represent the final frontiers for making this high-performing county even better.

The Ultimate All-Rounder

Hancock County is perfect for professionals and families seeking a high-quality, safe, and prosperous community. It offers one of the best balances of high income and low crime in the entire state.

2040608010065.570.387.756.954.958.771.38670.6Tax65.5Cost70.3Safety87.7Health56.9Schools54.9Income58.7Risk71.3Water86Weather70.668.7/100
This county
National avg
6 above average

Hancock County DNA

C-overall

How Hancock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hancock County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (87.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.5+13.5
Cost
70.3+22.299999999999997
Safety
87.7+32.7
Health
56.9
Schools
54.9
Income
58.7
Risk
71.3+24.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
70.6+14.599999999999994
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,836/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.1

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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Counties with similar scores

Winnebago County
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Owsley County
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Claiborne Parish
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Big Stone County
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Norman County
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Faulk County
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Median income: $58,000
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Nearby counties

Spencer County
Indiana
68.6
Perry County
Indiana
59.4
Daviess County
Kentucky
41.9
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65
Ohio County
Kentucky
56.7
Warrick County
Indiana
51.4
Meade County
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58.1
Crawford County
Indiana
62.4

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 taxes rank below national average

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 0.679% falls below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $935 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Kentucky's average

Hancock County's 0.679% effective rate sits just below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it a typical Kentucky county for tax purposes. Residents pay a median of $935 versus the state median of $1,093, saving about $158 annually.

Mid-range taxes in its peer group

Hancock County's $935 median tax positions it between Graves County ($929) and Grant County ($1,339) in the regional ranking. The modest median home value of $137,600 keeps the county competitive for budget-conscious homebuyers.

What your Hancock County home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $137,600 pays approximately $935 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,257 when including escrow and insurance; without a mortgage, it drops to $683.

Appeals can lower your tax burden

Many Hancock County property owners are paying more than necessary due to outdated or inflated assessments. File an appeal with the Hancock County Property Valuation Administrator if you believe your property is overvalued—it's a free process that could save you hundreds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock County's exceptional affordability

Hancock County renters spend just 13.5% of income on housing—the best ratio in this dataset and far below national standards of 28-30%. At $752 monthly rent against $66,836 median income, the county delivers uncommon affordability.

Kentucky's affordability standout

With a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio, Hancock County decisively beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average and ranks among the state's most affordable counties. The combination of moderate rent and strong income makes this county exceptionally livable.

Best affordability in the region

Hancock County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio tops every other county in this analysis, including Grant County (15.1%) and Greenup County (16.8%). Its balanced rents and strong median income of $66,836 stand out starkly.

Housing that leaves room to breathe

Renters allocate $752 monthly while homeowners pay $726 against a median income of $66,836. Housing claims roughly 13-14% of earnings, the lowest burden in this dataset and well within financial health guidelines.

Top choice for affordability seekers

Hancock County offers the rare combination of affordable rents and strong wages, making it Kentucky's standout option for those prioritizing financial breathing room. If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, Hancock deserves your first serious look.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock County earns above national median

Hancock County's median household income of $66,836 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 10.6%, demonstrating solid earning power for a Kentucky county. The strong position reflects a relatively vibrant local economy.

Well above Kentucky's state average

At $66,836, Hancock County's median household income runs 19.5% higher than Kentucky's state average of $55,909, ranking it among the state's most prosperous communities. Households here significantly outpace typical statewide earnings.

Competitive with nearby high-earners

Hancock County's $66,836 median income rivals Grant County ($67,940) and Hardin County ($67,608), making it part of a prosperous northern Kentucky cluster. All three counties substantially outperform state and regional averages.

Most affordable housing in group

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Hancock County has the lowest housing-cost burden among sampled counties, freeing up income for savings and investments. A median home value of $137,600 aligns well with household earning capacity.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Hancock County's strong income and low housing burden position residents to aggressively fund retirement accounts and build investment portfolios. Working with a financial planner can help optimize tax strategies and diversify assets across stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County is among the safest

Hancock County boasts an elite safety score of 99.6, marking it as a national leader in security. Its total crime rate of 265.0 per 100K is nearly 90% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceptional safety within the state

Hancock County's safety score of 99.6 is far higher than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. The local crime rate of 265.0 per 100K is a small fraction of the state's 786.2 average.

Setting the regional safety standard

With a crime rate of only 265.0 per 100K, Hancock County is significantly safer than neighboring Hardin County (1023.4). Three reporting agencies contribute to the high-quality safety data for this region.

Broad safety across crime types

The violent crime rate is just 44.2 per 100K, while the property crime rate sits at 220.8 per 100K. Both figures are drastically lower than the national rates of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively.

Maintaining peace in Hancock County

Despite the exceptionally low crime numbers, residents can help preserve this safety by reporting suspicious activity. Basic home security measures ensure Hancock County remains one of Kentucky's most secure areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Focused Rural Schools

Hancock County operates five public schools for 1,524 students through a single unified district. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high school programs.

Above-Average Investment and Performance

The county spends $7,150 per pupil, surpassing the state average of $6,894. This commitment supports a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national benchmark of 87%.

One District, Targeted Excellence

The Hancock County district oversees all local education, focusing resources on its five traditional public campuses. No charter schools exist, ensuring a concentrated effort on the county's core public schools.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is rural, and the average school size is a small 305 students. North Hancock Elementary and the local high school are the largest campuses, each serving roughly 470 to 480 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Great Schools

Families seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil spending will find Hancock County highly attractive. Consider making a move to this tight-knit community where every student has room to grow.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock County enjoys low disaster risk

Hancock County scores 28.75 on the composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, substantially below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This represents one of Kentucky's safer profiles for natural disaster exposure.

Well below Kentucky's average risk

Hancock County ranks in Kentucky's lower-risk tier, with its 28.75 score placing it safely below the state mean. The county avoids the elevated risks that characterize many other Kentucky regions.

Comparable to nearby low-risk counties

Hancock County's 28.75 score mirrors nearby Grant County (16.29) and outperforms Grayson County (45.26). Both Grant and Hancock counties offer well-below-average disaster risk for the region.

Earthquake and flood are secondary concerns

Earthquake risk at 70.42 is Hancock County's highest score, followed by flood risk at 48.25—both still below Kentucky's state average in overall impact. Tornado risk at 34.35 rounds out the county's modest hazard profile.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Hancock County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with tornado coverage as baseline protection, though the county's low overall risk means comprehensive riders are less critical. Flood insurance remains a prudent addition for riverside properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hancock County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Water Quality Grade for Hancock

Hancock County earns a Grade A for its drinking water compliance, maintaining zero health violations over five years. This perfect record places the county well ahead of the national and state average violation rates.

Federal Assessment Shows Zero Impairment

The 2022 reporting cycle assessed one major water body in Hancock County and found 0.0% impairment. While this area meets Clean Water Act standards, other local water bodies remain unassessed by federal agencies.

Monitoring Prioritizes Pesticides and Organics

With 5 monitoring sites and 4,165 measurements, Hancock County maintains a strong data record. The most-measured characteristic groups include organics and pesticides, providing critical data on agricultural runoff.

Live USGS Flow Data Unavailable

Hancock County currently lacks an active USGS streamgage to report real-time discharge levels. Residents should use the county's excellent tap water compliance as their primary guide for water safety.

Maintain Zero-Violation Status

Hancock County's water is currently in excellent standing, but the heavy focus on pesticide monitoring suggests an awareness of agricultural risks. Homeowners should continue to support watershed protection to maintain their Grade A status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Ohio Valley

Hancock County receives 49.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the median for the United States. The region experiences a humid climate characteristic of the Ohio River Valley.

Lower Rainfall Than State Average

Hancock’s 49.1 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. While specific temperature data is limited, its riverfront location often moderates local weather patterns.

Higher Snow Totals than Western Neighbors

With 11.3 inches of annual snowfall, Hancock County sees significantly more winter accumulation than Graves County. This indicates a more active winter storm track along the northern border of the state.

Snowy Winters Along the River

The county experiences a true four-season cycle, highlighted by 11.3 inches of average annual snowfall. Although summer temperature data is missing, the high precipitation suggests a humid and lush growing season.

Ready the Snow Blower

With over 11 inches of snow annually, residents should ensure snow removal equipment is serviced before December. The high annual precipitation also makes basement waterproofing a wise investment for local homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Ohio River Valley Soil Identity

Hancock County's specific pH and soil order data are not currently available. Most local soils require monitoring to move closer to the national median pH of 6.5 for optimal nutrient availability.

Diverse Textures Along the River

The mix of sand, silt, and clay remains unrecorded for this county in the central database. The county's location suggests a variety of alluvial and upland soils that each require different management.

Targeting Peak Soil Performance

There is no current data for organic matter or water capacity in Hancock County. Using the state organic matter average of 3.55% as a benchmark helps growers know when they have achieved high-quality soil.

Watching the Water Line

Drainage and hydrologic data are missing, making on-site assessment critical for new projects. Check for natural drainage patterns to ensure your garden or building site stays dry.

Excellent Gardening in Zone 7a

Zone 7a provides a fantastic environment for a wide range of horticultural pursuits. From berry patches to vegetable rows, Hancock County's climate is ready for your next project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Smooth Sailing in Hancock

Hancock County offers a very hospitable environment for lawns, with a difficulty score of 74.3. This puts it well ahead of the Kentucky state average of 66.3 and makes it easier than most of the country. Zone 7a gardeners here have a high chance of success with minimal stress.

Balanced Moisture and Sun

The county receives 49.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is very close to the state average of 50.4. This creates a stable moisture profile that supports consistent turf growth throughout the year. The lack of temperature extremes further helps in maintaining a healthy, green carpet.

Solid Earth for Grass

Local soil details are limited, but the county's strong score indicates that the ground is generally supportive of turf. Standard lawn amendments like organic compost can enhance the natural soil structure. Regular mowing and clean-up will help maintain the health of your 7a landscape.

Watching for Dry Spells

While only three weeks were spent in drought last year, 32.4% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should keep an eye on the forecast and provide supplemental water when rainfall dips below one inch per week. Staying ahead of these dry patches will prevent long-term turf damage.

Ready to Grow

Heat-tolerant tall fescues are a great match for Hancock's 7a climate and rainfall levels. Although specific frost dates are not listed, typical regional patterns suggest starting your lawn projects in early spring. Don't wait—take advantage of the county's favorable 74.3 difficulty score today.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 68.7 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 Kentucky?
Hancock County ranks #11 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $935, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Kentucky is $66,836 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 68.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Kentucky. 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

ByCounty Network

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.