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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 58.7% of the population. 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 typical household here earns about $61,017, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $119,600, with typical rent around $766.
20.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Hancock County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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
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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.