CountyScore

Hancock County

Mississippi · MS

#60 in Mississippi
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Mississippi

Hancock outperforms typical U.S. county

Hancock County's composite score of 65.5 clearly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it in approximately the 41st national percentile. This above-average performance reflects a county with solid livability across multiple key dimensions.

Close to Mississippi's statewide average

With a score of 65.5, Hancock sits just slightly below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. It represents mainstream livability for Mississippi residents.

Highest incomes plus low taxes and health

Hancock County boasts the highest income score (27.6) in this cohort, with median household income of $67,728—offering residents genuine earning potential. Combined with a tax score of 82.1 and health score of 62.3, Hancock delivers balanced economic strength.

Housing costs run higher than peers

The cost score of 77.0 reflects Hancock's relative affordability challenge: median home values of $206,600 and rent at $999/month are notably above several peer counties. This limits accessibility for lower-income families despite the county's income advantages.

Ideal for working families with stable income

Hancock County suits dual-income households, young professionals, and families with regional employment who can leverage the county's income opportunities and reasonable tax structure. It's the strongest pick for those wanting to earn and save without leaving Mississippi.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.1Cost77SafetyComing SoonHealth62.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk17.3WaterComing Soon
🏛82.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.3
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

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818

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 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

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

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

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.