Hanover County, Virginia
Quick answer: Hanover County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Hanover Courthouse. Its estimated population in 2025 was 116,423, up 5.9% since 2020. It covers about 468 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Hanover Courthouse |
| Established | 1720 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 116,423 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 110,211 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 5.6% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 17 of 133 |
Overview
Hanover County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Hanover Courthouse.[2] The county was established in 1720.[2] The name comes from Electorate of Hanover.[2]
Population of Hanover County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Hanover County at 116,423 in July 2025, up 5.9% from the April 2020 base of 109,982.[1] That made it 17th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 31st for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 5,523 births and 6,133 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 610.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 6,467. Moves from abroad added 600.[1]
Geography
Hanover County covers 467.6 square miles of land and 4.9 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 33rd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 249 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 37.76° N, 77.49° W.[3]
The county borders Caroline County, Goochland County, Henrico County, King William County, Louisa County, New Kent County and Spotsylvania County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 67 named streams, 2 named summits, 39 lakes and reservoirs, 1 island and 1 spring in the county.[5]
Towns
Hanover County has one incorporated town: Ashland (7,982), with its estimated 2025 population in brackets.[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Hanover County?
Hanover Courthouse.
What is the population of Hanover County?
About 116,423 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Hanover County?
About 468 square miles of land, plus 4.9 square miles of water.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Wikidata, Hanover County, Virginia (open data, CC0) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
- [6] U.S. Census Bureau, City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025 – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.co.hanover.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.