countyscore
46.4
County Score
Soil Quality 75.3Lawn Care 73Health 68.5

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Ohio

Balanced Living Near Median

Hancock County earns a composite score of 46.4, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard Midwestern quality of life with few extreme outliers.

Competitive with Ohio Peers

The county is almost on par with the Ohio state average of 48.6. It remains a solid option for those who want a mix of economic stability and health services.

Wellness and Low Taxes

Health and income scores lead the way at 68.5 and 65.6 respectively. Residents also benefit from a very competitive 1.000% effective tax rate.

Water and Housing Costs

Water quality and housing costs are the primary concerns, with scores of 34.4 and 34.2. Rents are slightly higher than rural neighbors, averaging $926 per month.

The Healthy Middle-Class Hub

Hancock County is a great choice for families who prioritize healthcare and stable, tax-efficient incomes. It appeals to those seeking a reliable, moderate lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax38Cost34.2Safety38.6Health68.5Schools53Income65.6Risk45.9Water34.4Weather58.2
🏛38
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73
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

Wyandot County
Ohio
67.1
Hardin County
Ohio
50.9
Seneca County
Ohio
54.2
Putnam County
Ohio
65.2
Wood County
Ohio
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Allen County
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34
Marion County
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36.5
Henry County
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53.4

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 offers favorable tax rates nationally

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 1.000% matches the national median of 0.95%, making it perfectly aligned with America's typical property tax burden. However, the median property tax of $1,966 remains 27% below the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Ohio

Hancock's rate of 1.000% sits just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the more affordable counties. The median tax of $1,966 is 8% lower than Ohio's $2,145 state median.

Northwest Ohio's middle option

Hancock's $1,966 median tax sits between Fulton ($2,348) to the east and rural Gallia ($1,351) further south, reflecting northwest Ohio's agricultural and small-town character. Hancock offers reasonable property tax costs without the extremes of either region.

Median home costs $1,966 yearly in taxes

A typical Hancock County home valued at $196,500 generates approximately $1,966 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, the total may reach $2,050.

Modest taxes still worth reviewing

Even in affordable counties, overassessments add up over time. Request a free property assessment review through Hancock County's Board of Revision to confirm your home's value matches current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock County stays near national norm

Hancock County residents spend 15.9% of income on rent, slightly above the national average of 15.6%. With median household income at $69,699 and rent at $926, this northwest Ohio county delivers relatively straightforward housing affordability.

Just above Ohio's affordability average

Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% hovers just above Ohio's 15.6% state average, ranking it in the mid-tier for affordability. The median rent of $926 sits $53 above the state median, reflecting modest regional demand.

Balanced rural-suburban option

Hancock County's $926 median rent exceeds affordable Fulton ($832) but stays well below expensive Franklin ($1,233), with income ($69,699) close to state patterns. It offers a middle path between rural affordability and urban pricing.

Stable, predictable housing costs

Renters here spend $926 monthly and homeowners $1,001 against median income of $69,699, consuming 16% and 17% respectively. Hancock County delivers one of Ohio's most balanced housing-to-income ratios across both renters and owners.

Hancock County suits practical relocators

If you value predictable housing costs without extreme affordability challenges or luxury pricing, Hancock County deserves consideration. Verify that your industry has presence in northwest Ohio before moving, as this county's strength lies in solid, unglamorous affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock slightly below national average

Hancock County's median household income of $69,699 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,056, positioning it modestly below the U.S. average. The gap reflects a regional economy less robust than the nation's largest metropolitan areas, though still solidly middle-class.

Edging above Ohio's middle

At $69,699, Hancock County exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $1,598, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of Ohio's 88 counties. Per capita income of $39,313 also tops the state average of $35,642 by 11%, signaling reasonable earning capacity across the population.

Moderate income in diverse company

Hancock County's $69,699 income ranks below Franklin ($73,795) and Fulton ($72,866) to the south and east, but exceeds Gallia ($56,455) and Guernsey ($55,756) to the southeast. Its position reflects a small-city county economy with stable manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% means housing consumes just under one-sixth of household income, well within the 30% affordability standard. At a median home value of $196,500, homeownership is achievable for middle-income families with conventional financing.

Stable employment enables consistent saving

Hancock County's modest $69,699 median income provides enough breathing room for families to set aside $200–300 monthly for long-term investing, especially if housing costs remain controlled. Automating contributions to employer 401(k)s and individual IRAs transforms steady paychecks into generational wealth over 25–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Safely Below National Rates

Hancock County maintains a total crime rate of 1,402.7 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.8 out of 100. It offers a much higher level of security than the average American community.

Mirroring the Ohio Safety Average

Hancock County’s safety score of 97.8 perfectly matches the Ohio state average. Its total crime rate of 1,402.7 is also very close to the state average of 1,412.3. The county serves as a representative baseline for public safety within the state.

Comparing Hancock to Nearby Counties

Hancock County has a higher crime rate than Fulton County (1,007.0) and Guernsey County (315.1). However, it remains significantly safer than more urbanized areas like Hamilton County. It represents a middle ground for safety in the regional landscape.

Analysis of Local Incident Types

The local violent crime rate is 137.2 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime makes up the majority of reports at 1,265.5 per 100,000 residents. This suggests that the primary safety challenge in the area is theft rather than physical violence.

Securing Property in Hancock County

Given that property crime is the main concern, residents should focus on home security basics. Lighting, strong locks, and keeping valuables out of sight can deter most opportunistic crimes. These steps help keep Hancock County a safe and stable place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock County's health tracks near U.S. average

Hancock County's life expectancy of 76.1 years sits just below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, with 17.1% reporting poor or fair health. The county's solid longevity and moderate health burden reflect typical outcomes for rural northwest Ohio.

Hancock County outpaces Ohio health average

At 76.1 years, Hancock County's life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 1.3 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate ranks slightly below the state typical, indicating effective disease management.

Hancock competes well in northwest Ohio

Hancock County's 76.1-year life expectancy ranks well among rural peers, trailing Fulton County (76.4 years) but ahead of Gallia (71.7 years) and Guernsey (72.5 years). The county's limited provider networks (52 primary care and 232 mental health per 100K) reflect rural constraints typical of northwest Ohio.

Hancock County maintains solid insurance rates

At 6.5% uninsured, Hancock County slightly exceeds Ohio's state average of 7.5%, suggesting strong insurance enrollment despite rural limitations. However, the county's modest primary care density (52 per 100K) means insured residents may still face travel barriers for routine care.

Maintain Hancock County's coverage gains

With 93.5% of Hancock County residents insured, the county has built strong coverage momentum—help close remaining gaps for the 6.5% uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to assist uninsured neighbors in finding affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Well-Structured Mix of Town and Country

Hancock County manages 37 public schools and 10 districts, educating a total of 11,758 students. The system is built with 15 elementary and 14 high schools, offering a balanced geographic spread.

Beating State Averages in Graduation Success

With a 90.1% graduation rate, Hancock County exceeds both Ohio and national benchmarks. This success comes with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $7,528, resulting in a solid 54.7 composite school score.

Findlay City Leads a Strong Local Network

Findlay City is the largest district, serving 5,565 students across 13 schools. Most education remains in traditional districts, as only one charter school currently operates within the county.

Small School Sizes and Strong Community Ties

The county features a mix of rural and town schools with a comfortable average size of 327 students. Findlay High School is the largest campus at 1,915 students, serving as a major focal point for the county.

Make Hancock County Your Family's Home

Hancock County offers a winning combination of high graduation rates and community-oriented schools. Explore homes in Findlay or Liberty-Benton to join some of the region's most successful school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock County sits near national risk average

Hancock County's composite risk score of 54.07 aligns closely with the typical U.S. county profile, indicating a balanced but not exceptional hazard exposure. The county faces manageable risks across most disaster categories without concentration in any single threat.

Close to Ohio's average risk level

Hancock County's score of 54.07 sits just marginally below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it squarely in the middle range of state counties. The northwestern location and agricultural character define its risk profile.

Similar risk to surrounding northwestern counties

Hancock County's 54.07 score tracks closely with neighboring Fulton (33.56) and Putnam Counties, which occupy comparable risk bands. The region's shared landscape and weather patterns create aligned hazard exposures across the county cluster.

Tornado and flood risks warrant attention

Tornado risk reaches 67.33 in Hancock County, followed by flood risk at 65.39, making severe weather the primary natural hazard concern. Earthquake risk (60.59) adds a secondary but measurable threat, while wildfire risk remains exceptionally low at just 1.88.

Standard coverage with weather preparedness focus

Hancock County residents should ensure homeowners policies are current and consider flood insurance if in a flood zone, given the county's moderate flood exposure of 65.39. A storm shelter or safe room rated for tornadoes and a weather radio provide practical protection against the county's primary natural disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hancock County

via WeatherByCounty

Continental Extremes in Northwest Ohio

Hancock County averages 51.8°F, falling slightly below the national median temperature. Its climate is strictly humid continental, featuring cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Right in Line with State Norms

The county's 51.8°F annual temperature matches the Ohio average of 51.5°F almost perfectly. However, its 35.7 inches of annual precipitation is notably lower than the state's 41.2-inch average.

The Drier Side of the Region

Hancock is one of the driest counties in the area, receiving only 35.7 inches of rain. It receives slightly less snow (23.8 inches) than neighboring Hardin County to the south.

Warm Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Hancock sees 16 extreme heat days per year with July temperatures averaging 74.5°F. Winter precipitation includes 23.8 inches of snow, often driven by winds across the flat plains.

Plan for Seasonal Dry Spells

Landscaping should account for the lower 35.7-inch rainfall average with drought-resistant plants. Standard snow removal is required for the roughly 24 inches of snow that falls each winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Hancock County's Productive Soil

Hancock County features a pH of 6.36, which is nearly ideal when compared to the national median of 6.5. This value is significantly higher than the Ohio state average of 5.97, making it a top-tier location for diverse agriculture.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil is composed of 40.5% silt and 37.1% sand, which creates a very balanced and workable texture. With 21.4% clay, the soil retains the necessary structure to hold onto water and nutrients without becoming overly dense.

Excellent Water Capacity

The available water capacity is impressive at 0.198 in/in, well above the state average of 0.186. Organic matter stands at 3.34%, which is robust compared to the national average of 2.0%, even if it trails the state average.

High Soil Quality Rankings

Hancock County boasts a soil score of 75.3, far exceeding the state average of 66.0. This high score suggests the land is naturally well-suited for high-yield farming and stable construction projects.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6a

In Zone 6a, Hancock County's soil is a powerhouse for growing corn, soybeans, and hardy vegetables. The combination of high water capacity and balanced pH makes this some of the best gardening land in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Challenges for Hancock Yard Care

Hancock County's lawn difficulty score of 73.0 is slightly below the state average of 76.0. Located in Zone 6a, this county faces more frequent dry spells that require active management to maintain a lush appearance.

Lower Rainfall Limits Natural Growth

At 35.7 inches, Hancock’s annual precipitation is lower than most of Ohio. Coupled with 3,358 growing degree days, the environment is productive but often lacks the natural water required for peak performance during the 16 annual heat days.

Balanced Soil with Moderate Sand Content

The soil pH of 6.36 is nearly ideal for turf, providing a solid chemical base for growth. A sand content of 37.1% suggests better-than-average drainage, which is a benefit during heavy rains but can lead to faster drying.

Significant Drought History Requires Diligence

Hancock County is currently 100% abnormally dry, with 38.2% in severe drought. Having faced 29 weeks of drought in the past year, homeowners should prioritize drought-resistant grass varieties and efficient watering.

Plan for Late April Establishment

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue blends are reliable choices for this 6a zone. To avoid early season damage, time your seeding projects for after the last spring frost on April 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Ohio has a composite county score of 46.4 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 Ohio?
Hancock County ranks #58 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $1,966, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 38/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Ohio is $69,699 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Ohio a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Ohio. 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.