Hampshire County
countyHampshire County, located in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands, is the state's oldest county, established in 1754. Romney, its county seat, shares the distinction of being West Virginia's oldest town. The county is characterized by its rural landscape, featuring rolling hills, river valleys, and significant natural features like the South Branch Potomac River and Ice Mountain. Agriculture, logging, and limited manufacturing form the basis of Hampshire County's economy. The county also benefits from tourism, drawing visitors to attractions like Capon Springs and the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. The median household income was approximately $60,299 in 2023, and the unemployment rate was 3.3% as of March 2025. Hampshire County's rich history is evident in its well-preserved historical sites and strong ties to its colonial heritage. The county played a significant role in frontier defense and was a contested area during the Civil War. Its location and natural beauty contribute to a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Hampshire County, West Virginia
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 54027
- Country
- United States
- County
- Hampshire County
- Region
- Eastern Panhandle, Potomac Highlands
- Elevation
- 3,200 ft
- Total Area
- 645 sq mi
- Land Area
- 640 sq mi
- Water Area
- 4.4 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.31
- Longitude
- -78.61
- Climate
- The county experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- South Branch Potomac River · Cacapon River · Ice Mountain · South Branch Mountain · North River Mountain · Capon Springs
- Neighboring Areas
- Allegany County, MD · Frederick County, VA · Grant County, WV · Hardy County, WV · Mineral County, WV · Morgan County, WV
- Population (2020)
- 23,093
- Est. Population (2026)
- 24,115
- Median Age
- 48.1
- Median Income
- $60,299
- Poverty Rate
- 13.07%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 93.9% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, 0.7% from some other race, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.5% of the population.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Hampshire County Commission
- Body Size
- 3 members
- School District
- Hampshire County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Law enforcement · Emergency services · Parks and Recreation · Courts
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.3%
- Economic Profile
- Rural, agricultural, tourism-based
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Construction · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail · Education
- Major Employers
- Information not readily available
- Schools
- 11
- Students
- 2,735
- Teachers
- 219
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Hampshire County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University (nearby)
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 50 · West Virginia Route 28 · West Virginia Route 29
- Utilities
- Varies by location; includes electricity, natural gas, water, and broadband access.
- Major Facilities
- Hampshire Memorial Hospital · Hampshire County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area · Short Mountain Wildlife Management Area · Hampshire Park
- Parks & Trails
- Hampshire County Parks and Recreation areas · Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
- Founded
- 1754
- Named After
- Hampshire, England
- Historical Significance
- Hampshire County is the oldest county in West Virginia and played a crucial role in the early settlement and defense of the region.
- Key Events
- French and Indian War · American Revolutionary War · American Civil War