Hancock
Tennessee

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hancock County is unusual in three ways: violent crime is among the highest in America (5.5 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (62 per 100,000), and the median household income is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($31,809). Within Tennessee it ranks 1st of 95 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Hancock County, Tennessee. 6,726 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +181).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $31,809 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $34,323. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 75% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $178K, cheaper than 72% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $574 a month. Property tax is 0.48% of home value, roughly $539 a year on that median home, lower than 89% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 62 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.2 years, shorter than 92% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 1.5 per 10,000 people. 11.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.58 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 94% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 73 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 53% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 69 and lows near 46, warmer than 57% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 5 out of 100, safer than 95% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 190 Mbps down, slower than 54% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.