countyscore

Hancock County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#18 in West Virginia

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
67
County Score
Safety 93.7Lawn Care 83Cost of Living 78.2

County Report Card

About Hancock County, West Virginia

Hancock County Leads National Averages

Hancock County’s score of 67.0 puts it well above the 50.0 national median. It represents a high-performing pocket of the Ohio River Valley with strong overall metrics.

Ranking Above the State Average

With a composite score of 67.0, Hancock County outperforms the West Virginia state average of 62.0. This makes it one of the more desirable northern panhandle counties for general livability.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordable Living

Safety is nearly unmatched in the region, earning an impressive score of 93.7. The county also offers great value with a cost score of 78.2 and a median home value of $119,600.

Health and Infrastructure Lags

Water quality (33.7) and health (39.1) are the primary areas where the county could improve. Median incomes are also moderate, reflected in an income score of 42.0.

Perfect for Security-Conscious Homeowners

Hancock County is ideal for people who prioritize safety and low housing costs above all else. It offers a stable, budget-friendly environment for retirees and young families alike.

Score breakdown

Tax71.1Cost78.2Safety93.7Health39.1Schools58.4Income42Risk59.3Water33.7Weather61.3
🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hancock County?

Many homeowners in Hancock County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Hancock County with Esmeralda County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Esmeralda County
Nevada
67
Borden County
Texas
Median income: $64,250
67
Union County
Indiana
Median income: $79,500
67.1
Robertson County
Kentucky
Median income: $52,337
67.1
Pipestone County
Minnesota
Median income: $66,073
66.9
Wyandot County
Ohio
Median income: $71,878
67.1
Surry County
Virginia
Median income: $71,458
67.1
Cherokee County
Iowa
Median income: $64,478
66.8

Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Ohio
47.8
Brooke County
West Virginia
70.7
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.3
Columbiana County
Ohio
53.1
Carroll County
Ohio
56.7
Ohio County
West Virginia
66.6
Washington County
Pennsylvania
55.1
Lawrence County
Pennsylvania
52.2

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'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

Safety in Hancock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hancock County Boasts Elite Safety Levels

Hancock County has an incredibly low total crime rate of 51.9 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,385.5. It achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.9 out of 100. This makes it one of the safest counties in the entire United States.

The Gold Standard for West Virginia

With a safety score of 99.9, Hancock County far exceeds the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 51.9 per 100K is a small fraction of the state average of 949.0. Seven reporting agencies work together to maintain this remarkable level of security.

Unequaled Safety in the Region

Hancock County's crime rate of 51.9 is significantly lower than Hampshire County (502.7) and Grant County (208.4). It sets a high bar for safety that few neighboring counties can approach. Residents here live in one of the state's most peaceful environments.

Crime is Virtually Nonexistent Here

Violent crime is extremely rare at 24.2 per 100K, while property crime is just 27.7. These figures are negligible compared to national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively. The data shows that serious crime is an outlier in Hancock County.

Protecting a Near-Perfect Safety Record

Even with an elite property crime rate of 27.7, residents should remain aware of their surroundings. Keeping doors locked and using basic home security ensures these historic lows continue. Community engagement is the final piece of Hancock's safety puzzle.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Hancock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Hancock County's Nine-School System

Hancock County operates nine public schools serving 3,497 students in the state's northern panhandle. The system includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, along with two other specialized facilities. All schools are managed by a single county-wide district.

Strong Graduation Outcomes and Lean Funding

Hancock County achieves a high 95.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 92.8% and the national average of 87.0%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,674, which is lower than the state's $7,773 average. The county maintains a school score of 55.5, very close to the state average.

Hancock County Schools District Overview

Hancock County Schools oversees all 3,497 students across nine traditional public campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a focused district-wide curriculum. Weirton Elementary is the largest campus, serving nearly 800 students in the primary grades.

From City Centers to Rural Ridges

The county features a diverse locale mix with four schools in city settings, four in rural areas, and one in a town. The average school size is 500 students, ranging from Weirton Elementary (793 students) to Oak Glen High (486 students). This variety allows families to choose between a more urban or a more secluded educational environment.

Invest in a Home Near Top Schools

With a 95.0% graduation rate, Hancock County is a standout choice for homebuyers focused on academic success. The mix of city and rural locales provides housing options for every preference. Look for properties in the Weirton area to be near the county's largest educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Hancock County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Panhandle Soil Profiles

Hancock County, located at the state's northernmost tip, currently has limited specific soil taxonomic data available. The region generally follows the state's average pH of 5.25, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the industrial and forested landscapes of the Ohio River Valley.

River Valley Soil Characteristics

While specific sand, silt, and clay data are restricted, the county's geography is defined by its proximity to the Ohio River. Soils in this area often feature silty loam textures typical of floodplains and surrounding terraces. These textures generally offer a good balance of drainage and workability for local developers.

Nutrient-Rich Regional Benchmarks

Hancock County lacks specific organic matter data but operates within a state that averages a high 21.03%. The available water capacity likely mirrors the state average of 0.142 in/in, providing a solid foundation for plant growth. These conditions support the diverse flora found in the state's northern reach.

Strategic Water Management

The hydrology here is influenced by the river valley's industrial history and natural topography. Without specific drainage class data, land use decisions rely on historical performance and regional soil surveys. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining the stability of the county's varied hills and valleys.

Reliable Growth in Zone 6b

Hancock County sits in Zone 6b, offering a standard Appalachian growing season for home gardeners. The climate is well-suited for traditional vegetable gardens featuring corn, beans, and squash. With a bit of soil testing and amendment, this northern soil can be highly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hancock County

via LawnByCounty

Hancock County leads in lawn ease

Hancock County earns an exceptional lawn difficulty score of 83.0, the highest in this group. This score far exceeds both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 66.5, making it an ideal place for low-maintenance turf. In this Zone 6b climate, lawns tend to flourish with very little human intervention.

Ideal rain and moderate summer air

The county receives 42.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is perfectly situated within the ideal 30-50 inch range. With only 11 extreme heat days, the summer stress is significantly lower than the state average of 17 days. These conditions maintain green grass throughout the summer without the frequent threat of scorching or drought stress.

Building on a strong foundation

While specific soil pH and texture data are not provided, the high difficulty score suggests that local conditions are naturally conducive to grass. Homeowners should still perform a basic test to ensure the pH remains near the 6.0-7.0 ideal for West Virginia. Healthy drainage is likely a standard feature of the local landscape given the high overall score.

High moisture stability for lawns

Hancock County is currently free of any drought conditions, having experienced only 9 weeks of drought over the entire past year. This is one of the most stable moisture profiles in the state, reducing the need for expensive irrigation systems. Natural rainfall handles most of the work, allowing for a more sustainable and cost-effective lawn.

Simple steps for a great lawn

The Zone 6b climate is perfect for traditional cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Although specific frost dates were not recorded, following general regional guidelines for early spring and late summer seeding will yield excellent results. With a difficulty score of 83.0, you are starting with a major advantage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hancock County's county score?
Hancock County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 67 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 West Virginia?
Hancock County ranks #18 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Hancock County is $752, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Hancock County a tax score of 71.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hancock County?
The median household income in Hancock County, West Virginia is $61,017 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hancock County earns an income score of 42/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hancock County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Hancock County scores 67/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in West Virginia. 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.