Hancock
Georgia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hancock County is unusual in three ways: the school test score is among the lowest in America (1.59 where 3.0 is grade level), the median household income is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($31,767), and high-school completion is in the bottom 3% of American counties (75%). Within Georgia it ranks 1st of 158 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hancock County, Georgia. 8,588 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 3.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +353).

Georgia moved to a flat income tax in 2024 with a rate scheduled to fall each year, and it exempts up to $65,000 of retirement income per person for residents 65 and over. Metro Atlanta holds more than half the state's population and its airport is the busiest in the world by passengers. Property taxes vary widely by county because school districts set most of the rate.

Money

The typical household here brings in $31,767 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,202. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 88% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Georgia takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,585 a year.

Home

The median home costs $222K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $554 a month. Property tax is 1.05% of home value, roughly $980 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.1 years, shorter than 93% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.3 per 10,000 people. 14.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 1.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 75% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Georgia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 64°F, highs near 77 and lows near 52, warmer than 81% of American counties. About 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 7 out of 100, safer than 93% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 187 Mbps down, slower than 56% of American counties.