countyscore
51.2
County Score
Health 70.3Income & Jobs 65.4Schools 64.2

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Maine

Strong Standing on the National Stage

Hancock County's 51.2 composite score puts it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life that competes well with established communities across the country.

Leading the Maine State Average

Hancock exceeds the Maine state average of 48.0 by over three points. It represents the best of the Maine coast, combining economic stability with the high service levels expected in the region.

Low Taxes and Strong Health

The county boasts a tax score of 46.9, fueled by a low effective tax rate of 0.878%. It also performs strongly in health (70.3) and education (64.2), making it a well-rounded choice for all ages.

Water Concerns and Mid-Range Costs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of only 8.0. Furthermore, a cost score of 27.1 indicates that housing, with home values averaging $278,400, remains a hurdle for lower-income residents.

Perfect for Retirees and Professionals

Hancock County is ideal for those who value low property taxes and high-quality community services. Its coastal appeal and strong health systems make it a top choice for those with established savings or remote careers.

2040608010046.927.157.670.364.265.445858.3Tax46.9Cost27.1Safety57.6Health70.3Schools64.2Income65.4Risk45Water8Weather58.351.2/100
This county
National avg
3 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 Health (70.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.9
Cost
27.1-20.9
Safety
57.6
Health
70.3+20.299999999999997
Schools
64.2+10.200000000000003
Income
65.4+14.400000000000006
Risk
45
Water
8-50
Weather
58.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Hancock County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$278,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,000/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$278,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,630/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

39.2

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
Compare Hancock County with Alpine County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Waldo County
Maine
53.9
Knox County
Maine
50.5
Washington County
Maine
52.8
Penobscot County
Maine
38.7
Lincoln County
Maine
54.2
Kennebec County
Maine
40.2
Sagadahoc County
Maine
54.7
Androscoggin County
Maine
38.2

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 taxes among America's lowest

Hancock County's 0.878% effective tax rate ranks in the 20th percentile nationally, substantially below the national median of 1.1%. Residents pay $2,445 annually on a median home value of $278,400—nearly matching the national median home value while paying far less in taxes. Hancock offers one of New England's most tax-favorable property tax environments.

Second-lowest tax rate in Maine

Hancock's 0.878% effective rate ranks second-lowest among Maine's 16 counties, trailing only Franklin (1.074%). The median property tax of $2,445 falls $153 below Maine's state median of $2,598, remarkable for a county with above-average home values. Hancock delivers both affordability and tax restraint.

Most tax-friendly coastal county

Hancock's 0.878% rate substantially undercuts neighboring Knox County (1.253%) and Lincoln County (0.931%) along Maine's midcoast. On a median $278,400 home, Hancock residents pay roughly $1,040 less annually than Knox residents on comparable properties. Hancock's combination of coastal desirability and tax restraint is unmatched regionally.

Coastal living with tax restraint

A median Hancock home valued at $278,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,445, well below what comparable homes cost elsewhere. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $2,473, while those without mortgages pay around $2,395 annually. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $73,000 in property taxes on a median-priced home.

Verify assessments in favorable tax counties

Hancock's low tax rates attract many newcomers, sometimes prompting reassessment and higher valuations. Homeowners should monitor their assessments carefully and compare them against recent sales of comparable properties. An assessment appeal is free and can lock in your valuation at current market levels.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock's coastal charm carries modest premium

Hancock renters spend 17.2% of income on rent, matching the national average and falling just below Maine's state median of 17.4%. The county's median household income of $69,630 supports this balanced ratio, making Hancock an accessible coastal option.

Mid-tier affordability in Maine's ranking

Hancock ranks seventh among Maine's 16 counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that mirrors the state average. The county occupies the middle ground between the most affordable inland counties and the pricier coastal markets like Cumberland.

Pricier than inland, cheaper than Cumberland

Hancock's $1,000 rent exceeds Franklin ($759) and Aroostook ($736) but remains well below Cumberland's $1,492, positioning it as the affordable gateway to Maine's coast. Median home values of $278,400 reflect genuine coastal premium, yet remain substantially below Cumberland's $411,400.

Coastal living in balanced budget framework

Renters spend $1,000 monthly while homeowners invest $1,068, with the county's $69,630 median income maintaining the 17.2% rent-to-income ratio. Hancock households enjoy coastal access while preserving meaningful discretionary income.

Hancock delivers coast without coastal sticker shock

If you're drawn to Maine's renowned coast but wary of Cumberland's prices, Hancock offers genuine ocean access with moderate housing costs. The county's position between inland affordability and urban density makes it an ideal middle path for coastal-seeking relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock County approaches national income level

Hancock County's median household income of $69,630 comes within $5,125 of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the middle-to-upper tier nationally. The county reflects Maine's strongest coastal economic zones.

Above-average income within Maine

Hancock County ranks 5th among Maine's 16 counties with a median household income of $69,630, exceeding the state average of $66,872 by nearly $2,800. The county benefits from tourism, education, and professional services.

Competitive income profile for coastal Maine

Hancock's $69,630 sits between Knox County ($71,903) to the southwest and Aroostook County ($54,254) to the northwest, reflecting its position as a stronger regional earner. The county outpaces most inland peers.

Solid affordability with balanced housing costs

Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% keeps housing affordable, and median home values of $278,400 remain reasonable relative to median household income. The county offers good housing access for its income profile.

Capitalize on stable income with smart investing

Hancock County households earning $69,630 can confidently invest in diversified portfolios, real estate, and long-term retirement accounts. The county's economic stability supports aggressive long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Vast Safety on the Coast

Hancock County maintains a strong safety score of 98.5, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 974.0 per 100,000 is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5.

Beating the State Average

The county's safety score of 98.5 is higher than the Maine average of 98.3. Residents here enjoy a level of security that is superior even within a high-performing state like Maine.

Competitive Regional Safety

Hancock's crime rate of 974.0 is very similar to Knox County's 984.6. However, it remains higher than the exceptionally low rate found in Lincoln County at 611.8.

Focus on Property Security

Violent crime is extremely rare at 60.9 per 100,000, well below the state average of 82.4. Almost all reported crime is property-based, occurring at a rate of 913.1.

Protect Your Coastal Assets

With property crime as the primary concern, securing boats and seasonal residences is essential. Simple alarm systems and lighting provide effective protection for Hancock County homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Maine's Expansive District Network

Hancock County features 35 public schools serving 6,148 students across 25 different districts. While the number of students is modest, the high district count reflects the county's independent-minded coastal and island communities. Elementary schools dominate the landscape, making up 27 of the 35 total facilities.

High Investment and Academic Excellence

Hancock County invests significantly in its youth, spending $10,674 per pupil—well above the state average of $9,738. This funding pays off with an 87.8% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 60.3. These metrics consistently exceed both state and national averages.

Ellsworth Leads a Patchwork of Local Districts

Ellsworth Public Schools is the largest district, serving 1,328 students, followed by RSU 25 with 1,073 students. The county's remaining enrollment is split among 23 other smaller districts, ensuring hyper-local control. No charter schools operate in the county, emphasizing the role of community-run public schools.

The State's Smallest Average Class Sizes

Hancock County has an exceptionally small average school size of just 181 students, with 33 of its 35 schools in rural locales. Ellsworth Elementary-Middle is a rare exception, hosting 775 students in a more centralized setting. For most students, school life involves small cohorts and deep connections to the local landscape.

A Perfect Place for Personalized Education

Homebuyers looking for small class sizes and high per-pupil spending will find Hancock County unparalleled. Real estate near Ellsworth or Bar Harbor offers access to the county's largest and most well-resourced schools. Secure a home in a region that prizes local autonomy and academic quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock balances coastal and safety

Hancock County's composite risk score of 55.03 sits just below the national average, reflecting a balanced hazard profile. While hurricane risk (87.82) is significant due to coastal exposure, the county's strong performance on wildfire (10.85) and tornado (15.84) threats moderates overall risk.

Near-average risk for Maine

At 55.03, Hancock sits just below Maine's state average of 56.75, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The score shows Hancock's middle position between high-risk coastal areas and safer inland counties.

Safer than most coastal counties

Hancock's 55.03 score significantly outperforms adjacent Cumberland County (77.00), demonstrating lower overall coastal vulnerability. It matches more closely with Penobscot and interior regions, suggesting Hancock's exposure is less severe than counties to the south.

Hurricane and flood are primary concerns

Hurricane risk dominates at 87.82, reflecting Hancock's coastal and island geography, while flood risk reaches 77.00 in lower-lying areas. Earthquake risk (51.18) ranks notably lower than state peers, giving Hancock a relative advantage in seismic exposure.

Coastal homeowners need windstorm coverage

Your 87.82 hurricane risk score demands comprehensive wind and storm coverage—standard policies often have caps on windstorm damage. Add flood insurance, especially if you live near water, and note that Hancock's lower earthquake risk means that coverage may be optional depending on your home's construction.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hancock County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Challenges in Hancock

Hancock County receives a Water Quality Grade of F after reporting 84 health violations in the last five years. The violation rate of 426.2 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the state average of 150.7.

Exceptional Watershed Quality Across the County

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that none of the 81 assessed water bodies in Hancock County are impaired. This is an exceptional result compared to the statewide average of 18.3% impaired water bodies.

High Monitoring Density for Microbes

Data collection is active across 39 monitoring sites, which have logged 3,469 measurements in the last five years. Most research targets physical and microbiological markers to maintain the health of the county's lakes and streams.

Otter Creek Flows Below Average

Otter Creek near Bar Harbor currently records a discharge of 3 cfs, just 57% of its long-term mean. This low flow reflects recent dry conditions that may affect local water availability.

Prioritize Filtration Given High Violations

With the highest violation rate among these counties, residents should prioritize high-quality filtration systems and frequent private well testing. While the watersheds are healthy, the drinking water compliance signal is a call for increased household awareness.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Maine's warmest and wettest corner

Hancock’s 47.3°F average temperature is higher than the state average but still trails the national median. Its position on the coast provides a significant warming effect compared to inland Maine.

The warmest county in this region

With an average of 47.3°F, it sits nearly 4 degrees above the Maine average of 43.8°F. It is one of the mildest climatic regions in the entire state.

Warmer and wetter than its neighbors

Hancock averages 55.5 inches of annual precipitation, significantly higher than Kennebec’s 44.9 inches. The maritime climate keeps it warmer than almost anywhere else in northern or central Maine.

Mild winters and rare extreme heat

The county only experiences 3 days above 90°F, while January stays relatively mild at 23.8°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the 55.5 inches of total precipitation suggests a damp environment.

Focus on rain gear and drainage

High annual precipitation of 55.5 inches makes waterproof clothing and home drainage systems vital. Since summers are cool with a 67.5°F average, heavy cooling systems are rarely needed.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Granite-Based Coastal Acidity

This coastal county's soils are deeply influenced by the granite bedrock and maritime climate. Expect pH levels significantly lower than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the acidic nature of conifer forests.

Glacial Scour and Sandy Deposits

Quantitative data for sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for Hancock County. The local landscape features a complex mosaic of glacial deposits and thin soils over coastal ledge.

A Foundation for Blueberries

While specific organic matter percentages are missing, the state’s high average of 35.77% suggests a rich baseline. This organic wealth is a boon for the wild blueberries that define the local agricultural economy.

Varied Coastal Water Retention

Specific drainage classes aren't recorded in this dataset, but the coastal topography creates varied hydrologic conditions. Low-lying areas may retain moisture, while rocky outcrops drain almost instantly.

Maritime Mildness in Zone 6a

The maritime influence places Hancock in Hardiness Zone 6a, providing a buffered climate for gardeners. It is the perfect environment for wild blueberries, cranberries, and coastal-hardy shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Coastal Curveball

Hancock County sits at a difficulty score of 47.1, slightly trailing the state average for lawn ease. While the 6a hardiness zone is milder than inland Maine, the coastal climate introduces unique moisture and growth variables.

A Surplus of Rainfall

This county sees a high 55.5 inches of annual precipitation, which can sometimes lead to drainage issues or fungal growth if not managed. The 2291 growing degree days are the highest in this group, indicating a very active and long growing season.

Check for Coastal Soil Consistency

Specific soil data is limited, but the heavy rainfall often leaches nutrients and increases acidity in coastal regions. Homeowners should prioritize drainage checks to ensure that the 55.5 inches of rain doesn't result in standing water and root rot.

Surprising Drought in a Wet Climate

Despite high rain totals, 84.3% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions after 35 weeks of dry spells. It is vital to maintain a sharp mower blade, as clean cuts help grass retain moisture better than ragged, torn edges.

Harnessing the Long Growing Season

Take advantage of the early April 27 frost-free date to begin your lawn projects. The late October 22 fall frost provides an extended window for growth, making this an excellent area for high-quality Turf-Type Tall Fescue.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Maine has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Maine?
Hancock County ranks #6 among all counties in Maine 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, Maine?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $2,445, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 46.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Maine is $69,630 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Maine a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Maine. 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.