Census 2000 recorded Hanover County's population as 86,000, a 36.4% increase in the last decade.  The only incorporated town in Hanover County is Ashland, affectionately known as "The Center of The Universe" to its citizens, for its central location within both Virginia and Hanover County itself.  Born in the late 1840's as a Norfolk Railroad town, Ashland developed a reputation as a mineral springs resort.  Trains still make their daily treks through the center of the town, rolling past historical Victorian homes and modern day shopping.  Ashland is home to the oldest Methodist College in the nation, Randolph-Macon College.  Eight other colleges and universities lie within a twenty-mile radius of Hanover.

 The other small communities of Hanover County include Beaverdam, Doswell, Glen Allen, Mangohick, Montpelier, Rockville, Studley and Hanover itself, the county seat.

The rest of Hanover County remains rural farmland, home of the famous Hanover Tomato, as well as some of the best horse country in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Hanover County boasts more than 680 farms. 

Steeped in history and committed to preserving it, Hanover's native sons include both Henry Clay and Patrick Henry.  Henry’s elegant Scotchtown Plantation is open to the public, perfectly restored to its original state and furnishings.  This was the childhood home of Dolly Madison.  Soldiers fought many Civil War battles in Hanover, including The Seven Days Battle, Cold Harbor, and North Anna.  Visitors to these sites can relax in the ambience of the renowned Revolutionary War era Hanover Tavern or dine at the Houndstooth Cafe in an old country story refurbished as a restaurant.  

Hanover County, VA lies in the east-central Coastal Plain, approximately 90 miles south of Washington D.C.  The two busiest Interstate Highways  in the country, I-95 and I-295 run directly through Hanover, and the County sits on the crossroads of I-64 and I-95.  Easy access to the Ports of Richmond and Virginia, along with several railroads, provide manufacturers quick and easy delivery of goods.  Both the Hanover County Airport and the Richmond International Airport service the region, making this a prime location for new business growth.

Hanover County also boasts the lowest real estate tax in the Greater Richmond Area, and there are many county, regional and state incentives to attract new corporations.  The Hanover Public School system commits to providing quality education to its students; twelve colleges and universities  lie in or near Hanover County.

Hanover, Virginia displays diversity of culture and a superb quality of life.  With strong civic leaders who have a keen vision of the future, Hanover stays one of the fastest growing areas in the commonwealth.