Hancock County, West Virginia

Hancock County
Hancock County
U.S. county
	Location within the U.S. state of West Virginia
	West Virginia's location within the U.S.
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Country	United States ;
State	West Virginia
Founded	1848
Seat	New Cumberland
Area
• Total	88 sq mi (230 km2)
• Land	83 sq mi (210 km2)
• Water	5 sq mi (10 km2)
Population (2020)
• Total	29,095
• Density	350/sq mi (140/km2)

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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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.