Hancock County
IL · Pop. 17,434 · Rural County
Hancock County, Illinois covers 794 square miles with a population of 17,434 and a density of 22 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $108,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.86% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 180-day growing season, average summer highs of 86°F and average winter lows of 18.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 40.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Memorial Hospital Association is 3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.3% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $108,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Memorial Hospital Association, with an emergency room, is just 3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 22 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.86% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Hancock County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 67/100
- Median home price
- $108k
- Property tax
- 1.86%
- Growing season
- 180 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 40.8"
- Broadband
- 89.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Memorial Hospital Association, 3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hancock County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hancock County?
- Hancock County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 180-day growing season, average summer highs of 86°F, and average winter lows of 18.5°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $108,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.86%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Memorial Hospital Association is 3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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