Hancock County's SSURGO septic rating
Very limited
USDA puts Hancock County, KY at "Very limited" for septic absorption fields, the dominant reading across 84% of the county's soil. Practically, that rules out a simple gravity system for most of the county - 84% of it sits in USDA's most-constrained bucket. The county spans 187.675 square miles, home to 9,013 people.
What this number does and doesn't tell you
Two lots a mile apart in Hancock County can carry different soil, even though they share one countywide rating. Budget $750-$1,850 for a real perc test on any specific parcel - that's the only figure a permit application accepts.
Hancock County: conventional vs. engineered cost
84% of Hancock County carrying a "Very limited" reading changes the realistic budget here. Conventional systems run $3,000-$8,000 where they pass; where they don't, engineered alternatives (mound or aerobic treatment, whichever the health department requires) run $10,000-$40,000 - budget toward the higher figure until a perc test says otherwise.
Where this sits nationally
Among the 3,058 rated counties on this site, Hancock County, KY ranks 1,782 most-constrained nationally, and 82 of 119 within Kentucky.
Related guides
How this rating is built, and its real limits · Conventional vs. engineered septic systems