Hancock County
KY · Pop. 9,032 · Suburban County
Hancock County is a suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 188 square miles with 9,032 residents at a density of 48 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on soybeans, hay, corn. A median home price of $138,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.68% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 87°F and average winter lows of 29.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 47.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Perry County Memorial Hospital is 9.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 217-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.68% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $138,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Annual rainfall of 47.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- The nearest hospital, Perry County Memorial Hospital, is 9.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Hancock County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 93/100
- Median home price
- $138k
- Property tax
- 0.68%
- Growing season
- 217 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 47.7"
- Broadband
- 96.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Perry County Memorial Hospital, 9.2 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 7a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 87°F, and average winter lows of 29.3°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $138,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.68%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Perry County Memorial Hospital is 9.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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.