Hancock County, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
28,431
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,466/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,194
-0.2% year-over-year change

Hancock County population

How many people live in Hancock County

Hancock County is home to 28,431 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Hancock County locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
28,431
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
13,925
Female
51%
14,506
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,925 49% -0.7%
Female 14,506 51% -0.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Hancock County is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,239 14.9% -2.6%
15 to 24 2,967 10.4% -0.6%
25 to 44 6,244 22% -0.9%
45 to 64 7,980 28.1% -1.6%
Over 65 7,001 24.6% 1.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Hancock County, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,095 98.8% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 295 1% 24.5%
Non-citizens 41 0.1% -66.9%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 26,330 92.6%
Black or African American 501 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0%
Asian 146 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 84 0.3%
Two or more races 1,143 4%
Other 220 0.8%

Households in Hancock County

A peek inside Hancock County households

Hancock County has 12,824 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,824
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,159
Family households
7,665
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,159 40.2% 5.2%
Family households 7,665 59.8% -4.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Hancock County

The housing landscape of Hancock County

Hancock County's housing consists of 14,194 units, with 77.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,194
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,036 77.8%
1 unit, attached 534 3.8%
2 units 400 2.8%
3 or 4 units 376 2.6%
5 to 9 units 318 2.2%
10 to 19 units 204 1.4%
20 to 49 units 108 0.8%
50 or more units 217 1.5%
Mobile home 953 6.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 48 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
4
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hancock County

In Hancock County, the median construction year is 1959. About 16% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,275 16% -2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,133 8% -13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,144 29.2% 3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,774 12.5% 1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,152 15.2% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 745 5.2% -18.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 963 6.8% -6.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 650 4.6% 47.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 354 2.5% 18.8%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Hancock County occupancy rates

Out of the 12,824 occupied housing units in Hancock County, 74.5% are owner-occupied, while 25.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,824
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,271
Owner occupied
9,553
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,271 25.5% 0.1%
Owner occupied 9,553 74.5% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
9.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Hancock County housing costs

Housing costs in Hancock County come to a median of $680 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $771.

Median housing costs per month
$680/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Hancock County
$771/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Hancock County

Hancock County education at a glance

About 49.9% of the population in Hancock County went to high school, while 16.2% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 618 2.7% -17.5%
High school diploma 11,573 49.9% 2.5%
College diploma 3,749 16.2% -7.8%
Associate degree 2,780 12% 3.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,288 14.2% -3.1%
Graduate degree 1,202 5.2% 6.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Hancock County

How much people earn in Hancock County

The average annual household income in Hancock County was $81,029 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,466, reflecting a +0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hancock County
$81,029/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hancock County
$61,466/year
0.7% year-over-year change

Hancock County income by age

In Hancock County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,801. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,381 overall. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $67,801 1.9%
45 - 64 $74,381 2.9%
Over 65 $49,239 -2.2%
Above poverty level
23,618
Below poverty level
4,038
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,618 85.4% -0.3%
Below poverty level 4,038 14.6% -3.8%

Employment in Hancock County

Workforce and job types in Hancock County

The job market in Hancock County is powered by 12,598 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,598
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
8,642
Blue collar
3,956
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,642 68.6% -0.5%
Blue collar 3,956 31.4% 0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 853 6.8% -21.0%
Private companies 8,519 67.6% 3.5%
Governmental workers 2,087 16.6% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 1,139 9% -4.5%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hancock County stands at 8.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Hancock County

How people get around in Hancock County

Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,626 85.2% -2.0%
Taxicab 29 0.2% -30.9%
Bus or trolleybus 35 0.3% 84.2%
Ferryboat 11 0.1% 22.2%
Bicycle 24 0.2% 20.0%
Walk 166 1.3% -14.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Hancock County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26034 4,664 2,217 $56,556 $65,935
26047 5,357 2,359 $58,641 $86,369
26050 1,357 607 $50,139 $55,695
26056 233 84 $54,286 $78,012
26062 20,578 9,545 $60,702 $81,221

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FAQs about Hancock County demographics 

What is the total population of Hancock County?

Hancock County has a total population of 28,431 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hancock County?

The gender ratio in Hancock County is as follows:
  • 49% males (13,925 residents)
  • 51% females (14,506 residents)

What is the median age in Hancock County?

The median age in Hancock County is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hancock County?

The age distribution in Hancock County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (4,239 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (2,967 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (6,244 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (7,980 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.6% (7,001 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hancock County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hancock County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (26,330 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (501 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (84 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (1,143 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (220 residents)

What percentage of the population in Hancock County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Hancock County.

How many housing units are there in Hancock County?

There are 14,194 housing units in Hancock County, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Hancock County and what is the average household size?

Hancock County has a total of 12,824 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hancock County?

Hancock County has a median household income of $61,466, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hancock County?

The employment rate is 91.6% in Hancock County, with a workforce of 12,598 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (8,642 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (3,956 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (853 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (8,519 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (2,087 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (1,139 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025