countyscore
59.9
County Score
Cost of Living 98Property Tax 90.4Disaster Risk 88.1

County Report Card

About Hancock County, Tennessee

Outperforming National Livability Medians

Hancock County achieves a composite score of 59.8, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking highlights its exceptional performance in rural stability and affordability.

A Top Performer in Tennessee

The county sits well above the state average composite score of 51.3. Its ability to maintain low costs while ensuring environmental resilience makes it a standout in the Tennessee valley.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Taxes

The county boasts a near-perfect cost score of 98.0, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.452%. With a median gross rent of just $592, it is one of the most affordable places in the country.

Limited Economic and Health Outcomes

Economic growth is a major hurdle, evidenced by a very low income score of 0.4 and a median income of $31,995. Healthcare access remains a concern, with a health score of only 18.2.

Ideal for Remote Workers and Retirees

Hancock County is perfect for those with outside income sources seeking a high quality of life at a low price point. It offers peace, safety, and immense value for budget-conscious residents.

Score breakdown

Tax90.4Cost98Safety32.3Health18.2Schools62.3Income0.4Risk88.1Water86Weather67.9
🏛90.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠98
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.5
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

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Hawkins County
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46.5
Harlan County
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Deep Dives

Hancock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hancock County

via TaxByCounty

Hancock keeps taxes well below national level

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 0.452% falls notably below the national median of 0.51%, offering relative relief from the tax burden many Americans face. Its median property tax of $533 is just 20% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values averaging $118,000 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Second-lowest property taxes in Tennessee

Hancock County ranks among Tennessee's most tax-friendly counties, with an effective rate of 0.452% well below the state average of 0.511%. Its median annual tax of $533 represents less than half the state median of $1,016, making it one of the cheapest places to own property in the state.

Hancock undercuts regional tax rates

At 0.452%, Hancock County's rate is lower than all nearby counties, including Hardin County (0.432%)—actually the lowest in this comparison—and Henderson County (0.469%). Hancock's low tax burden reflects its affordable housing market, with median values substantially below the regional average.

Median home costs just $533 yearly

A typical Hancock County home valued at $118,000 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $533. This low cost reflects both the affordable housing market and the county's below-average tax rate, making it attractive for budget-conscious homeowners.

Even low taxes can be reduced further

While Hancock County's rates are low, homeowners should still verify their assessments for accuracy—overvaluation happens everywhere. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could trim your already modest tax burden by identifying inflated property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Nation's poorest county, housing crunch

Hancock County renters spend 22.2% of income on housing—a significant burden compared to the national average near 18%. With a median household income of just $31,995, far below the national median of $74,755, every dollar stretches thin.

Tennessee's most unaffordable county

Hancock County's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in Tennessee, climbing 4.6 percentage points above the state average of 17.6%. The county's median income ranks among the lowest statewide, making housing genuinely unaffordable for most residents.

Cheapest rent, tightest wallets

At $592 monthly, Hancock has Tennessee's lowest median rent—cheaper than Hardeman ($818), Hawkins ($744), and Henry ($741). But this bargain matters little when household income ($31,995) is half that of neighboring Hardeman ($46,173), leaving residents with the state's worst affordability crisis.

Housing eats most monthly income

Renters pay $592 monthly on a median income of $2,666—leaving just 78% for everything else including food, transport, and healthcare. Even cheaper homeownership at $395 monthly still consumes 15% of income, a burden made worse by low wages.

Affordability alone isn't enough

Hancock's rock-bottom rents mask a deeper challenge: income growth lags far behind the state and nation. Before relocating here for cheap housing, research job opportunities carefully—low cost of living means little without wages to sustain it.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock County faces significant income gap

Hancock County's median household income of $31,995 is less than half the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the lowest-income counties in America. This substantial gap reflects limited economic opportunities and the county's rural, agriculture-dependent economy.

Lowest-income county in Tennessee

Hancock County earns just 54% of Tennessee's state median income of $58,994, making it the state's most economically challenged county. Per capita income of $24,037 falls far short of the state average of $31,458, indicating pervasive income constraints across households.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

Hancock County's $31,995 median income trails every neighboring county measured, including Hawkins ($55,278) and Hardeman ($46,173), by $14,000–$23,000. This isolation from regional economic activity compounds the county's income challenges.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% pushes housing affordability to the edge, consuming over one-fifth of median household income on rent alone. With a median home value of $118,000 and limited household income, many residents struggle to save for down payments or emergency reserves.

Strengthen financial foundations in Hancock

Building wealth from a lower income requires disciplined prioritization: start by establishing a small emergency fund of $500–$1,000, then explore local workforce development programs or community college courses that could increase earning potential. Even modest increases in income compound significantly over time when matched with basic financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Outperforms National Safety Scores

Hancock County boasts a high safety score of 97.5, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,590.9 per 100K. This rate is substantially lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking High Among Tennessee Counties

The county's total crime rate of 1,590.9 is better than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Its safety score of 97.5 also slightly edges out the state average of 97.2.

Strong Safety Profile in the Region

Hancock is significantly safer than neighboring Hawkins County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 6,025.5. As a single-agency county, these figures provide a clear but focused view of local law enforcement activity.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime remains low at 327.1 per 100K, staying below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also limited, recorded at 1,263.8 compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a Safe Community

Even in low-crime areas, keeping doors locked and maintaining exterior visibility is a smart practice. Staying connected with your neighbors helps preserve the high safety standards Hancock County currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock County faces significant health challenges

At 70.8 years, Hancock County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 5.6 years, marking one of Tennessee's lowest outcomes. Nearly 30.4% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 21%—reflecting substantial chronic disease burden and preventable illness.

Among Tennessee's least healthy counties

Hancock County ranks near the bottom of Tennessee health outcomes, with a 70.8-year life expectancy more than 1.6 years below the state average of 72.4 years. Its 30.4% poor/fair health rate is among the worst statewide, indicating pervasive health challenges.

Similar struggles across rural region

Hancock County's 70.8-year life expectancy mirrors nearby Hardin County (also 70.8) and exceeds only Hardeman (70.3), placing it in a cluster of underperforming rural counties. However, its 30.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest among neighbors, suggesting acute healthcare access or chronic disease management gaps.

Limited provider access worsens health gaps

Hancock County reports critically low mental health provider capacity at just 14 per 100,000 residents—about 20 times lower than Hamilton County's 281—while primary care provider data is unavailable, suggesting severe access constraints. With a 10.5% uninsured rate and sparse provider networks, residents face formidable barriers to preventive and specialty care.

Insurance is a first step toward care

10.5% of Hancock County residents lack health insurance, a barrier that compounds the county's limited provider network. Apply for coverage at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans that connect you to available providers and essential preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small, Focused School System

Hancock County operates a lean educational infrastructure consisting of just 3 public schools. This single-district system serves 954 students across one elementary school, one high school, and an early learning center. The small scale allows for a highly concentrated focus on the county's student population.

High Graduation Rates and Investment

The county boasts an impressive 95% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the national average of 87% and the state average of 93.3%. Academic quality is high, reflected in a school score of 56.1, which sits well above the national median. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,953, the highest in this regional set and well above the Tennessee state average.

Single District Oversight

Hancock County Schools manages the entire student body of 954 children with no charter schools in operation. This traditional public school model ensures all resources are directed through one central administration. The system is designed for consistency in a small-population environment.

Quiet, Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a quiet and intimate learning atmosphere. The average school size is just 318 students, significantly smaller than more urbanized neighbors. Hancock High School is the largest campus, yet it remains relatively small with only 485 students.

Finding a Home in Hancock

For those seeking a tight-knit community where every teacher knows their students, Hancock County is an excellent choice. The high graduation rates make it a hidden gem for families prioritizing academic outcomes in a rural setting. Consider the benefits of a small-school environment when researching your next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Tennessee's safest county overall

Hancock County scores just 11.93 on the composite risk index, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it in the bottom tier of U.S. disaster risk—far safer than Tennessee's average of 52.45. This unusually low score reflects moderate-to-low hazard exposure across all disaster types, from tornadoes (20.17) to earthquakes (43.99). Hancock stands out as one of the most stable communities in America for natural disaster risk.

Safest county in Tennessee by far

Hancock County ranks last among Tennessee's counties for disaster risk, with a score less than one-quarter the state average and significantly lower than any neighboring county. Its tornado risk of 20.17 is the lowest in the state, and its earthquake, flood, and hurricane risks all fall well below the 52.45 state benchmark. This exceptional safety profile makes Hancock uniquely resilient to natural disasters statewide.

Dramatically safer than nearby counties

Hancock County's 11.93 risk score is roughly one-quarter that of Hawkins County (55.76) to the south and far below Hardin County (70.71) to the west. Even among its safest regional peers, Hancock maintains a clear protective advantage across all hazard categories. This geographic luck—combined with low population density—creates exceptional natural disaster safety.

Minimal natural disaster exposure

Tornado risk here is negligible at 20.17, and earthquake risk of 43.99 remains well below state and national averages, with seismic events historically mild or absent. Flood risk scores 32.73, chiefly affecting properties immediately adjacent to waterways rather than the broader community. Overall, residents face far fewer disaster concerns than most Americans.

Basic coverage provides ample protection

Standard homeowners insurance covers the limited risks Hancock County faces, and flood insurance is only necessary if your property sits in a mapped flood zone. Your low-risk profile means premiums should reflect this exceptional safety—shop around to ensure you're not overpaying for unnecessary coverage. Annual disaster preparedness reviews confirm your policy remains aligned with your county's minimal exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Limited Data on Local Soil Profiles

Current digital surveys do not provide a specific taxonomic order or pH level for Hancock County. Local growers generally encounter the varied, rocky profiles typical of the Ridge and Valley region.

Texture Data Currently Unavailable

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently mapped for this county. Understanding your specific plot's workability will require a manual ribbon test or local extension office assistance.

Awaiting Fertility and Water Capacity Data

There is no available data for organic matter or water capacity compared to the 2.44% Tennessee average. Gardeners should prioritize adding organic compost to ensure a healthy baseline for nutrient retention.

Hydrology Mapping is Pending

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded in the current data set. Observational evidence of how water moves across your specific landscape is critical for planning any new construction.

Mountainous Growth in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone supports cool-weather favorites like kale and resilient berries. Even without detailed soil scores, the climate is ideal for starting a diverse home orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Hancock County's Superior Lawn Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.5, Hancock County is one of the easiest places in Tennessee to maintain a healthy yard. This score far exceeds the state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 7a region enjoy a climate that naturally supports turf without excessive intervention.

Moderate Temperatures and Ideal Rainfall

The county receives 49.7 inches of rain annually, placing it perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawn health. With only 15 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less thermal stress compared to the state average of 36 days. While specific frost dates and growing degree data are limited, the mild 74.1°F July average suggests a gentle growing season.

Awaiting Local Soil Insights

Current soil data for pH, texture, and drainage in Hancock County is unavailable at the regional level. Local residents should conduct a private soil test to determine if their lawn needs specific amendments like lime or fertilizer. Standard Tennessee soils often lean toward acidity, so testing is a vital first step.

Consistent Moisture and Low Drought Risk

Hancock County shows strong drought resilience, having spent only 7 weeks in drought over the past year. Although the entire county is currently labeled as abnormally dry, none of the area is in severe drought. This consistency makes it easier to keep lawns green without relying heavily on supplemental irrigation.

Building a Thriving Zone 7a Lawn

In Zone 7a, tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent cool-season choices, while Zoysia can handle the warmer months. Focus on seeding in early fall to take advantage of the moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures. Even with limited local data, the high difficulty score suggests that basic care will go a long way here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 59.9 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 Tennessee?
Hancock County ranks #15 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $533, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, Tennessee is $31,995 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 59.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Tennessee. 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.