Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Hanover County, VA, had a population of approximately 109,979. The median age was 43.4 years, with 21.2% under 18 and 17.8% aged 65 or older. The gender split was roughly equal, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county was 83.1% White, 10.6% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Hanover County, VA, has over 81,000 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including gubernatorial, presidential, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 62% voted Republican and 36% Democrat. There are 30 polling locations administered by the Hanover County Electoral Board and Registrar. Key issues include education funding and property taxes. Major parties are Republican and Democratic; the county traditionally leans Republican. Early voting and absentee options are available. Recent turnout was 77% in major elections, reflecting strong civic engagement.

Education, Employment and Housing

Hanover County, VA, features 25 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving over 17,000 students. The high school graduation rate is 95%, with 40% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Average school ratings are 8/10 (GreatSchools). The district offers robust AP and career/technical programs, as well as adult education and GED classes. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all schools. Elementary and high schools consistently exceed state standards for student achievement.

Hanover County, VA, enjoys a low unemployment rate of about 2.5% (May 2024). Major employment sectors include education and health services (22%), trade, transportation, and utilities (20%), and manufacturing (13%). Top occupation types are management, business, and financial (29%), followed by sales and office (24%). Approximately 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; many residents work locally or in nearby Richmond. The county’s stable economy and diverse industries make it a strong employment hub in the region.

Hanover County, VA features a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values around $390,000 as of early 2024. Rental units comprise roughly 18% of housing, with median monthly rents near $1,450. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, in neighborhoods like Mechanicsville, Ashland, and Atlee. The property tax rate is approximately $0.81 per $100 of assessed value. Market trends show steady appreciation, with values rising 4-6% annually over the past few years, reflecting strong demand in a suburban setting close to Richmond.

County Crime & Safety

Hanover County, VA, consistently reports lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county recorded a violent crime rate of 1.8 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents, both notably below Virginia’s averages of 2.1 and 13.6, respectively. The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes community policing and encourages active incident reporting, contributing to clearances above 40% for major crimes. Overall, Hanover remains among Virginia’s safer counties, with law enforcement utilizing regular data analysis to maintain and improve safety.