CountyScore

Hancock County

West Virginia · WV

#27 in West Virginia
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Hancock County, West Virginia

Above national average performance

Hancock County scores 72.7 on the composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This solid performance reflects generally favorable livability conditions and economic fundamentals.

Slightly above West Virginia average

At 72.7, Hancock edges above the state average of 72.2, placing it squarely in West Virginia's competitive middle tier. The county demonstrates balanced performance across dimensions.

Balanced tax and income profile

Hancock performs well on income (23.2) with median household income of $61,017, above many peer counties, and offers good tax terms (84.6) with a rate of 0.629%. Housing affordability (85.7) and health (64.5) also provide solid support.

Risk and overall score modesty

Risk is the county's lowest dimension at 59.3, indicating moderate economic uncertainty or volatility. Overall, the county lacks a distinctive strength to set it apart from competitors.

Good fit for practical middle-class families

Hancock County suits working families seeking a balanced combination of income opportunity, reasonable taxes, and affordable housing without dramatic trade-offs. It appeals to those prioritizing stability over exceptional advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.6Cost85.7SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.2Risk59.3WaterComing Soon
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.3
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

Marion County
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72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
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72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
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72.7
Median income: $60,051
Schley County
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72.7
Median income: $59,647
Wheeler County
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72.7
Median income: $45,262

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 rate slightly above national median

Hancock County's effective tax rate of 0.629% sits slightly below the national median of 0.66%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The median annual property tax of $752 on a $119,600 home represents just 28% of the national median tax of $2,690. This county ranks in approximately the 60th percentile nationally—meaning 40% of American counties tax property more heavily.

Well above West Virginia average

Hancock County's 0.629% effective rate substantially exceeds West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, marking it as a pricier county for property taxation. The median property tax of $752 comes in above the state median of $699, reflecting the combined burden of both higher rates and moderate home values. Hancock ranks among the more expensive counties across West Virginia.

Second-highest rate in the region

Hancock's 0.629% rate trails only Fayette County's 0.662%, exceeding all other neighbors including Greenbrier at 0.470% and Grant at 0.331%. Hardy County at 0.367% and Hampshire County at 0.364% offer substantially better tax relief, while Doddridge at 0.470% and Gilmer at 0.507% provide meaningful savings. For the region, Hancock represents one of the steeper tax burdens available.

Median annual property tax: $752

A homeowner with a $119,600 property in Hancock County pays approximately $752 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $848, while without one it drops to $657, reflecting loan servicing cost adjustments. Over 30 years, this totals roughly $22,560 in property taxes on a median-valued home.

Appeals especially valuable in high-tax county

In a higher-rate county like Hancock, successful assessment appeals deliver outsized returns—even small percentage reductions generate substantial annual savings. If you believe your property was overassessed or your valuation exceeds comparable homes, filing an appeal could recover hundreds yearly. With tax burdens already elevated, verification and appeal efforts pay dividends that compound over decades.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hancock County

via CostByCounty

Hancock offers solid affordability baseline

Hancock County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits below both the state average (16.9%) and most national benchmarks, indicating good housing affordability relative to income. With median household income at $61,017 and monthly rent of $766, Hancock residents maintain fiscal flexibility above the state norm.

Above-average affordability statewide

Hancock's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, outperforming half of peer counties. The county balances modest incomes with controlled housing costs effectively.

Moderate rents, stable incomes

Hancock's $766 monthly rent is middle-of-the-road for the region, matched by a solid $61,017 median income comparable to Doddridge and Hampshire. Homeownership costs $592 monthly with a median home value of $119,600, offering entry-level buying power for wealth-building.

15.1% of income to rent

Renters spend $766 monthly on housing, consuming 15.1% of Hancock's $61,017 median income, while homeowners pay $592. This leaves households resources for savings and unexpected expenses, positioning Hancock as stable middle ground.

Reliable choice for stable living

Hancock County delivers consistent affordability without extremes—neither the cheapest rents nor the tightest budgets. For relocators seeking predictable, middle-of-the-road housing costs with decent income prospects, Hancock warrants comparison against peers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hancock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hancock exceeds state, trails national median

Hancock County's median household income of $61,017 tops West Virginia's state average ($54,746) by 11.4%, yet falls $13,738 below the national median ($74,755). Hancock represents solid economic performance within its state.

Among West Virginia's top-earning counties

Hancock County ranks in the upper echelon of West Virginia's income distribution at $61,017, well above the state average. The county demonstrates consistent economic strength.

Top earner by per capita income

While Hancock's median household income of $61,017 ranks fourth among neighbors behind Grant, Doddridge, and Hampshire, its per capita income of $35,452 is the highest in the region. This suggests more balanced wealth distribution in Hancock compared to other counties.

Strong housing affordability metrics

Hancock's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs for median earners. Median home values of $119,600 remain accessible relative to the county's $61,017 household income.

Build wealth with steady income advantage

With above-state earnings, solid per capita income distribution, and low housing cost burdens, Hancock residents have room to prioritize savings and investing. Consider employer benefits, retirement accounts, and diversified investments that leverage the county's $61,017 median household income for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hancock County

via HealthByCounty

Hancock aligns with national averages

Hancock County's 72.6-year life expectancy falls 3.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though it performs better than many rural peers. With 23.5% reporting poor or fair health—among the lowest county rates—residents report relatively strong health status.

Slightly above West Virginia baseline

At 72.6 years, Hancock's life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.2 years by just 0.4 years, placing it near the state median. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate is among the best in West Virginia, indicating effective chronic disease management despite modest life expectancy.

Modest health profile regionally

Hancock's 72.6-year life expectancy sits above Fayette (69.8 years) and Greenbrier (71.4 years) but below all other neighbors—Doddridge (76.8 years), Gilmer (75.2 years), Grant (74.3 years), and Hampshire (74.5 years). The 23.5% poor/fair health rate remains strong despite this middle-range life expectancy.

Strong mental health, moderate primary care

Hancock has 59 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above county averages—plus exceptional mental health capacity at 185 providers per 100,000, the highest in the region. The 7.1% uninsured rate is the lowest among all counties surveyed, reflecting strong coverage and access overall.

Lead the region in staying insured

Hancock County has the lowest uninsured rate in this comparison, showing that residents here prioritize coverage. If you're uninsured, follow Hancock's example: visit healthcare.gov or contact your employer to secure protection and take full advantage of the county's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hancock County

via RiskByCounty

Hancock's risk slightly below state average

Hancock County's composite risk score of 40.68 and Very Low rating indicate below-average natural disaster exposure nationally. The score sits notably below West Virginia's state average of 49.21, reflecting moderate overall hazard resilience.

Low-risk county in northern panhandle

Hancock County's score of 40.68 ranks it below the West Virginia average of 49.21, placing it in the lower-risk category statewide. The northern panhandle location offers some geographic protection from major disaster types.

Moderate risk in mid-range cluster

Hancock's score of 40.68 falls between Doddridge County (14.44) and Hardy County (42.46), occupying the middle ground for northern West Virginia. The county faces notably lower wildfire risk (16.51) than most regional peers.

Flooding and tornadoes are key concerns

Hancock County residents face significant flood risk (66.32) and elevated tornado exposure (22.96), making these the county's primary hazard considerations. Earthquake and wildfire risks are moderate but less pressing at 30.63 and 16.51 respectively.

Flood insurance and storm preparedness essential

Hancock's flood risk score of 66.32 makes flood insurance a critical investment for residents in vulnerable areas, including near the Ohio River. The 22.96 tornado risk score means homeowners should develop storm plans and maintain safe rooms or shelters.

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.