countyscore
35.6
County Score
Property Tax 61.1Income & Jobs 61Weather & Climate 40.4

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Mississippi

Hancock County Falls Below National Median

With a composite score of 35.6, Hancock County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the unique balance of a coastal economy against higher environmental risks.

Trailing the Mississippi Livability Average

The county's score of 35.6 is nearly 13 points lower than the Mississippi state average of 48.4. While it is a key coastal destination, other inland counties score higher due to lower environmental risks and better safety metrics.

Solid Incomes and Favorable Tax Rates

Hancock County shows strength in its economic profile with an income score of 61.0 and a median household income of $67,728. Its tax score of 61.1 is supported by a competitive 0.719% effective tax rate.

High Environmental Risk and Safety Concerns

The county faces significant environmental vulnerability with a risk score of 17.3. Combined with a safety score of 17.5, these factors weigh down the overall livability profile of the area.

Best for Coastal Workers and Commuters

Hancock County is a good fit for professionals working in the aerospace or maritime sectors who enjoy coastal living and solid wages. It suits those willing to trade higher natural risk for proximity to the Gulf and lower taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax61.1Cost36.2Safety17.5Health33.1Schools31.4Income61Risk17.3Water36Weather40.4
🏛61.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.6
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

Harrison County
Mississippi
30.1
St. Tammany Parish
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44.1
Pearl River County
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42.5
Orleans Parish
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St. Bernard Parish
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Stone County
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Washington Parish
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Jackson 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 tax rate slightly below national

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 0.719% sits slightly below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 45th percentile nationally. Annual median taxes of $1,485 represent roughly 55% of the national median of $2,690.

Hancock slightly below Mississippi average

At 0.719%, Hancock County's effective tax rate is slightly below Mississippi's 0.743% state average. Residents pay roughly 59% of the state's median tax of $931, making Hancock a relatively affordable county.

Hancock moderate among regional peers

Hancock County's 0.719% rate falls in the middle of the region: lower than Grenada (1.010%), Forrest (0.840%), and Greene (0.814%), but higher than DeSoto, Franklin, George, and Harrison. On median home values, Hancock residents pay roughly $400 more than the lowest-tax neighbors.

Median Hancock home costs $1,485 yearly

The median Hancock County home valued at $206,600 generates $1,485 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes reach $1,705; without one, they drop to $1,277.

Verify Hancock assessment accuracy

Hancock County homeowners should ensure their property is assessed at fair market value by comparing to recent sales of similar homes. Filing an appeal with evidence of comparable properties often results in tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Higher income, excellent affordability

Hancock County's median household income of $67,728 exceeds the national average by 10%, and its 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below national affordability benchmarks. Residents enjoy one of the best combinations of earnings and housing cost balance in the sample.

Strong income supports reasonable rents

Hancock's $999 monthly rent runs 28% above Mississippi's state average, but the county's $67,728 income and 17.7% ratio beat the state average of 19.6%. This is a county where above-average earnings help offset higher housing costs.

Premium housing, premium income

Hancock's $999 rent ranks second-highest in the sample behind DeSoto ($1,341), yet the county's $67,728 income supports it better than Harrison's $1,074 rent on $57,233 earnings. Hancock proves that higher costs are manageable when paired with proportional income.

Balanced costs across tenure types

Renters pay $999 monthly (17.7% of income) while owners pay $873 (15.5% of income), a relatively modest gap that reflects overall affordability. The $206,600 median home value is substantial but accessible on Hancock's stronger incomes.

Best value for mid-to-upper income relocators

Hancock County delivers strong income prospects paired with excellent rent-to-income ratios—ideal for relocators earning $65,000+. If you're moving to Mississippi with solid earning power and want a balanced community with modest affordability pressure, Hancock outperforms all but DeSoto.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock nears national income

Hancock County's median household income of $67,728 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 9%, making it one of the stronger performers among Mississippi counties. This relatively close alignment reflects economic strength driven by Gulf Coast development and energy sectors.

Top earner in Mississippi

Hancock County's $67,728 median household income exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by 40%, ranking it among the highest-income counties in the state. Per capita income of $38,730 similarly dominates the state average of $27,136 by 43%.

Hancock commands regional position

Hancock County's $67,728 income ranks second only to DeSoto County ($82,980) among regional peers, significantly outpacing Harrison County ($57,233) and George County ($54,822). The advantage reflects Hancock's economic diversification and proximity to coastal employment centers.

Excellent housing affordability

Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks among the lowest, with renters spending well below the 30% affordability ceiling. Median home values of $206,600 remain accessible for median-income households, supporting both rental and ownership paths.

Maximize Hancock's economic edge

With strong household income and manageable housing costs, Hancock County residents are positioned to aggressively build wealth through diversified investments and retirement accounts. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring real estate investment, and establishing a brokerage account for additional portfolio growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Safety at a Glance

Hancock County maintains a safety score of 96.5, with a total crime rate of 2,206.1 per 100,000 residents. This keeps the county safer than the national crime average of 2,385.5.

Safety Scores on the Coast

The county's safety score is slightly under the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Three agencies report data here, providing a clear picture of the coastal safety landscape.

How Hancock Compares to Neighbors

At 2,206.1 incidents per 100,000, Hancock County has a higher crime rate than the state average of 978.4. It shares similar patterns with its neighbors along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

A Look at Crime Categories

The vast majority of incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 2,082.2 per 100,000. Conversely, violent crime is quite low at 123.9, which is far below the national average.

Fortifying Your Coastal Home

Since property crime is the primary concern, homeowners should focus on securing valuables and locking vehicles. Alarm systems can provide an extra layer of protection for coastal residences.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock Exceeds National Life Expectancy

At 74.3 years, Hancock County residents live 6.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 68.0 years. Its 21.8% poor/fair health rate nearly matches the national baseline, suggesting a healthy population with good longevity.

Among Mississippi's Healthiest

Hancock's 74.3-year life expectancy ranks among Mississippi's highest, exceeding the state average of 70.9 by 3.4 years. Its 12.4% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 13.9%.

Hancock a Regional Health Leader

Hancock's 74.3-year life expectancy trails only Greene (74.7) and matches DeSoto (73.8) among comparison counties, making it a regional outlier for health. This small county punches well above its weight.

Solid Healthcare Access

Hancock has 43 primary care and 48 mental health providers per 100,000—modest but adequate for a rural county. Residents enjoy reasonable appointment access and a stable healthcare infrastructure that supports preventive care.

Keep Momentum Going

At 12.4% uninsured, Hancock is doing better than most. Ensure your coverage stays current by visiting healthcare.gov—maintaining universal access is key to sustaining this county's exceptional health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Framework on the Coast

Hancock County provides a robust school system for 5,732 students across 11 public schools. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools serving the coastal community.

Outperforming State Standards

Hancock County achieves an 89.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 87.1% and the national average. The county spends $5,998 per pupil, slightly above the state average, resulting in a strong school score of 51.3.

Two Districts Serving the County

The Hancock County School District is the larger of the two, serving 4,060 students, while the Bay St. Louis Waveland School District serves 1,672 students. Neither district includes charter schools, focusing instead on high-performing traditional public education.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Spaces

The county features a blend of 7 rural schools and 4 suburban schools, creating diverse campus vibes. Schools average 573 students, with Hancock High School being the largest at 1,187 students.

Invest in a High-Achieving Coastal Community

With graduation rates nearly hitting 90%, Hancock County is a smart choice for families seeking educational quality. Look for homes near the Bay St. Louis or Hancock County districts to secure a place in this thriving system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock County faces substantial disaster risk

Hancock County's composite risk score of 82.73 and relatively moderate rating place it well above the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county experiences significant vulnerability across multiple disaster categories, requiring proactive resident preparedness.

Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties

At 82.73, Hancock County scores notably higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper tier of the state's risk distribution. Residents face substantially greater disaster exposure than the typical Mississippi county.

Riskier than inland counties, comparable to coast

Hancock County's 82.73 score significantly exceeds Franklin County's 17.33 and Greene County's 42.18 to the north, while closely approaching Harrison County's 95.61 on the coast. The county represents a high-risk zone within its region.

Hurricanes, wildfire, and flooding dominate

Hancock County faces exceptional hurricane risk at 95.24, wildfire risk at 90.43, and severe flood risk at 86.20—a dangerous trio reflecting coastal and low-lying geography. Tornado risk at 76.56 adds a fourth significant threat to homes and infrastructure.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical

Hancock County homeowners must secure robust coverage for wind, water, and fire damage, with flood insurance essential given the 86.20 flood risk score. Review policies annually, maintain defensible space around structures, and keep comprehensive emergency supplies and plans current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Warmth on the Gulf

Hancock County averages 66.3°F annually, reflecting its position on the warm Gulf Coast. This maritime influence keeps the county significantly warmer than the national average year-round.

Warmer Than the State Average

At 66.3°F, Hancock County is 2.4 degrees warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its coastal location moderates temperature swings but keeps the overall baseline high.

Mississippi’s High Rainfall Coastline

With 65.0 inches of annual precipitation, Hancock is one of the wettest counties in the state. It receives more rain than its inland neighbor, Forrest County (61.7 inches).

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

The county experiences zero inches of annual snowfall and a very mild winter average of 51.8°F. Summers are hot with 64 days above 90°F and a July average of 80.8°F.

Protecting Against Heat and Rain

Coastal residents should prioritize storm readiness and moisture control given the 65.0 inches of annual rain. Heavy-duty cooling is necessary to combat the consistent 80.0°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

Hancock County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.93. This is significantly lower than the national 6.5 median and also below the 5.30 Mississippi state average.

Sand and Silt Dominance

The soil is composed of 59.7% sand and 30.0% silt, creating a light and easily tilled landscape. With only 10.3% clay, the soil offers excellent drainage but may lack the mineral richness found in heavier clay soils.

Rich Organic Coastal Matter

The county has a strong organic matter content of 2.27%, exceeding both state and national averages. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.138 in/in, which is lower than the state average due to the high sand content.

Excellent Coastal Drainage

While specific drainage and taxonomic data are unavailable, the sand-heavy profile indicates very high permeability. This helps the ground dry out quickly after coastal storms, making it stable for various land uses.

Semi-Tropical Zone 9a

In Hardiness Zone 9a, Hancock County gardeners can grow semi-tropical plants and citrus. Focus on heat-tolerant species that thrive in the county's naturally sandy and acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Lawn Care in Hancock

Hancock County features a lawn difficulty score of 24.6, placing it below both the state and national averages. Located in Zone 9a, this coastal region offers a unique but challenging set of growing conditions for homeowners.

Extreme Rain on the Gulf Coast

With 65.0 inches of annual precipitation, Hancock is significantly wetter than the 30-50 inch ideal range. The 6,262 growing degree days ensure a very long season, but the 64 heat days require heat-tolerant turf choices.

Sandy Foundations and High Acidity

The local soil is nearly 60% sand with a very low pH of 4.93. This combination means water and nutrients move through the soil rapidly, requiring consistent monitoring and likely frequent, small-scale fertilization.

Managing Coastal Dry Spells

The county faced 13 weeks of drought last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Because sandy soil dries out so fast, focus on adding organic compost to improve water retention and soil structure.

Maximize Your Long Growing Season

In Zone 9a, the last spring frost usually hits by March 6, giving you a massive window for growth. St. Augustine grass is a coastal favorite that thrives in these warm, humid conditions through the first frost in early December.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 35.6 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 Mississippi?
Hancock County ranks #75 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $1,485, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 61.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Mississippi is $67,728 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 61/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 35.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Mississippi. 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.