Hancock County, West Virginia
Hancock County sits at the northernmost tip of West Virginia, a narrow strip of land tucked between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Ohio River forms its western boundary, giving the county a strong connection to its industrial and river-town past.
This has long been steel country, especially around Weirton, the county’s largest city. The steel industry shaped generations of local life, and while times have changed, that hardworking spirit is still easy to find. But Hancock County isn’t all factories and industry. Tomlinson Run State Park offers forests, trails, lakes, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
The Mountaineer Casino attracts visitors from across the region, adding another piece to the local economy. New Cumberland, the county seat, is small but full of pride. That same spirit runs throughout Hancock County—tough, resilient, and always ready to move forward.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Hancock County |
| County Seat | New Cumberland |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Weirton, Chester, New Cumberland, Newell, Lawrenceville |
| Interstates and Highways | US-22, WV-2, WV-8 |
| Etymology | Named after John Hancock, a Founding Father of the United States |
| FIPS Code | 54-029 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 88 sq mi (Land: 83 sq mi; Water: 5 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 40.5312° N, 80.5677° W |
| Major Landmarks | Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, Tomlinson Run State Park, Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Columbiana County, Ohio (Northwest), Beaver County, Pennsylvania (East), Washington County, Pennsylvania (Southeast), Brooke County (South), Jefferson County, Ohio (West) |
| Population | Approximately 29,000 |
