Hancock County, Illinois

county in Illinois, United States

Hancock County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 17,620.[1] Its county seat is Carthage,[2] and largest city is Hamilton. The county is made up of rural towns with many farmers.

Hancock County
Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage
Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage
Map of Illinois highlighting Hancock County
Location within the U.S. state of Illinois
Map of the United States highlighting Illinois
Illinois's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°24′N 91°10′W / 40.4°N 91.17°W / 40.4; -91.17
Country United States
State Illinois
Founded1825
Named forJohn Hancock
SeatCarthage
Largest cityHamilton
Area
 • Total814 sq mi (2,110 km2)
 • Land794 sq mi (2,060 km2)
 • Water21 sq mi (50 km2)  2.5%
Population
 • Total17,620
 • Density22/sq mi (8.4/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Websitewww.hancockcounty-il.gov

Hancock County was founded in 1825 and named in honor of John Hancock, who clearly signed the Declaration of Independence.[3]

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 "QuickFacts: Hancock County, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 148.