Hancock County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Hancock County, West Virginia is 28,658 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $61,017, the median home value is $119,600, and the median age is 46.8.
The population of Hancock County has declined 8.6% since 2010 (30,686 → 28,054), a -0.64% annualized rate.
28,658
Population
-0.64%
Annual growth
347
People / sq mi
$61,017
Median Income
$119,600
Median Home Value
Hancock County covers 83 sq mi of land at 346.9 people per square mile.
About Hancock County, WV
Hancock County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 28,658. It ranks #19 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 46.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Hancock County is $61,017, below the US median of $74,580. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $119,600, with monthly rent averaging $766. The homeownership rate of 74.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hancock County reflects 20.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.5 minutes each way.
Hancock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hancock County had a population of 30,686 in 2010 and 28,054 in 2024, a -8.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 30,686 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.64%.
28,054
Population (2024)
30,686
Population (2010)
30,686
Peak (2010)
-0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 30,686 |
| 2011 | 30,644 |
| 2012 | 30,480 |
| 2013 | 30,408 |
| 2014 | 30,293 |
| 2015 | 30,014 |
| 2016 | 29,679 |
| 2017 | 29,411 |
| 2018 | 29,096 |
| 2019 | 28,834 |
| 2020 | 29,043 |
| 2021 | 28,604 |
| 2022 | 28,265 |
| 2023 | 28,191 |
| 2024 | 28,054 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
46.8
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
24.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 24.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,017+$3,100 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,641 |
| Per-capita income | $35,452 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hancock County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,600$-36,000 vs state
Median home value
$766
Median rent
74.6%
Homeownership rate
14,218
Total housing units
90.7%
Occupied
9.3%
Vacant
25.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
58.7%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County, West Virginia has a population of 28,658 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 347 people per square mile.
The population of Hancock County has declined 8.6% since 2010 (30,686 → 28,054), a -0.64% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hancock County, West Virginia is $61,017, with mean (average) household income of $78,641 and per-capita income of $35,452. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hancock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hancock County, West Virginia is 46.8 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Hancock County is $119,600 and median monthly rent is $766. 74.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,218 total housing units, 9.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hancock County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Hancock County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
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Statewide data for West Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across West Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.