Median Income
$90,799
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$140,100
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Hanson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population989
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density456/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,799
Per Capita$36,382
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$2,661M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,100
Rent$850
Ownership92.9%
Zillow$246,804
Housing Units433
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property1,989/100K
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.2 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation420 ft (128 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute19 min
Broadband97.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Hanson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hanson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Hanson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hanson is $90,799, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hanson is $140,100, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hanson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,989 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hanson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hanson has a population of 989 with a density of 456 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 40.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Hanson is $90,799, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,382. The average weekly wage is $1,054, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,209 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,799 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,382 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,054 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,081 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,209 |
| County GDP | $2,661M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 125 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,074 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Hanson is $140,100, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,804, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 433 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,074. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,100 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,804 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.1% |
| Housing Units | 433 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,074 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Hanson, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,003. The dentist ratio is 1:2,037. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hanson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,003 |
| Dentists | 1:2,037 |
| Mental Health | 1:725 |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,560/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 125 |
Hanson has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,989 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hanson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hanson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 96.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,988.9/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hanson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 420 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 420 ft (128 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 456/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4188°N, 87.4807°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hopkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.2"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
73 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
120 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
121 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
69 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
147 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
63 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
118 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
2 km NNW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 103 fatalities, 1,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
97 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
91 km |
31 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
16 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
36 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
53 km |
24 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,008 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Hanson has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 37°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Hanson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $525 |
| Toddler | $494 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanson
What is the population of Hanson?
Hanson has a population of 989 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 456 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Hanson expensive to live in?
Hanson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,799, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,100 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hanson safe?
Hanson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,989 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hanson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hanson?
Hanson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hanson?
The job market in Hanson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,054. There are 1,209 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hanson?
The median home value in Hanson is $140,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,804. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,074.
How are the schools in Hanson?
Schools in Hanson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Hanson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hanson?
The obesity rate in Hanson is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,003.
What is transportation like in Hanson?
The average commute in Hanson is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hanson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hanson is 94.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 40.3% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.