Hancock
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hancock County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is in the top 2% of American counties (60 inches a year), the share working from home is in the bottom 4% of American counties (2%), and home internet speed is in the top 4% of American counties (303 Mbps). Within Kentucky it ranks 39th of 120 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Hancock County, Kentucky. 9,058 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -90).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $68,102 a year, higher than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $80,392. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 75% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,384 a year.

Home

The median home costs $207K, cheaper than 60% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $820 a month. Property tax is 0.74% of home value, roughly $865 a year on that median home, lower than 61% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.2 per 10,000 people. 6.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 39 points. 70% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky 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 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 51% of American counties. About 60 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 36 out of 100, safer than 64% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 303 Mbps down, faster than 96% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.