CountyScore

Hancock County

Maine · ME

#5 in Maine
68.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Maine

Above-average livability, 38% better than nation

Hancock's composite score of 68.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's better counties for overall livability. This coastal Maine county delivers strong community conditions across multiple dimensions.

Top third of Maine, slight edge above state

At 68.8, Hancock exceeds Maine's state average of 66.9, placing it in the state's top tier. The county competes well with wealthier coastal peers while maintaining lower housing costs than Cumberland and Knox counties.

Tax efficiency and health outcomes standout

Hancock's tax score of 77.6 reflects Maine's lowest effective tax rate at 0.878%, and health outcomes score 74.4, suggesting strong hospital access and preventive care. These advantages create a financially stable environment for residents across income tiers.

Income growth remains modest concern

The income score of 28.8 and median household income of $69,630 trail wealthier Maine counties by 20-35%. A risk score of 45.0 suggests moderate economic or environmental vulnerabilities that could affect long-term stability.

Great fit for coastal seekers on moderate budgets

Hancock attracts professionals and retirees who want Maine coastal living—scenic beauty, tourism economy, strong health care—without paying Cumberland's premium prices. The county offers excellent tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs for mid-income families valuing quality of life over income maximization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth74.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.8Risk45WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45
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

Marshall County
Alabama
68.8
Median income: $60,946
Independence County
Arkansas
68.8
Median income: $56,009
Habersham County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $65,622
Hancock County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $33,182
Appanoose County
Iowa
68.8
Median income: $51,146

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 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

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock outperforms national average

At 78.1 years, Hancock residents live 1.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county well above the national norm for life expectancy. With 12.8% reporting poor or fair health, well below U.S. averages, Hancock's residents enjoy measurably better health outcomes than typical Americans. The county's coastal assets and educated workforce appear to translate into health advantages.

Above Maine average despite insurance gaps

Hancock's 78.1-year life expectancy exceeds Maine's 76.7-year average by 1.4 years, earning top-tier status statewide. However, its 11.5% uninsured rate—the highest in Maine—contradicts this health advantage, suggesting that strong economic fundamentals and provider access can offset coverage gaps. The county's 12.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among Maine's best.

Strong despite coverage challenges

Hancock's 78.1-year life expectancy rivals nearby Knox County (78.9 years) and Lincoln County (78.8 years), placing it among Maine's coastal health leaders. Its 11.5% uninsured rate is the highest among these three coastal peers, yet health outcomes remain strong—evidence that other factors drive results. The county's 105 primary care providers per 100K offer competitive access.

Strong outcomes despite high uninsurance

Paradoxically, Hancock's 11.5% uninsured rate—Maine's highest—coexists with strong life expectancy and low poor/fair health rates, suggesting wealth and access matter beyond insurance alone. The county provides 105 primary care providers per 100K and 471 mental health providers per 100K, supporting steady care. Yet more than 1 in 9 residents lack health coverage, creating vulnerability for those without other resources.

Uninsured rate demands attention

At 11.5% uninsured, Hancock residents face the highest coverage gap in Maine—even in a healthy county, one unexpected illness can devastate families. Visit maine.gov/dhhs to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid, or subsidized coverage that fits your income. Protection starts with enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.