Hancock County, West Virginia

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Hancock County

General Information
Name
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Settlement Type	U.S. county
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Location
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Population
Total	29095
Density	per km²
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Time Zone
Standard	UTC
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Hancock County is the northernmost county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,095. Its county seat is New Cumberland, and its largest city is Weirton. The county was founded in 1848 and named for John Hancock, a prominent patriot of the American Revolution.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 88 square miles (230 km²), of which 83 square miles (210 km²) is land and 5.7% is water. Hancock County is part of the Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Hancock County was created from Brooke County in 1848. It was named in honor of John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county has a rich history tied to the early development of the Ohio River Valley and the growth of the steel industry in the region.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 29,095 people, 12,000 households, and 7,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 350 people per square mile (135/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Hancock County has historically been driven by the steel industry, with Weirton Steel Corporation being a major employer. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail.

Education

Hancock County is served by the Hancock County Schools system, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and Weir High School and Oak Glen High School.

Communities

Cities

• Weirton

Towns

• New Cumberland
• Chester

Unincorporated communities

• New Manchester
• Newell

Notable People

• John Hancock - Namesake of the county, prominent patriot of the American Revolution.

See Also

• List of counties in West Virginia
• Ohio River
• Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area