Hancock County is located in the west-central part of Illinois, and is part of the Burlington-Fort Madison, IA-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Carthage.

Hancock County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected from seven districts. The county is also served by a Sheriff, State's Attorney, Coroner, and Circuit Clerk.

The county is home to several state parks, including Nauvoo State Park, Fort Edwards State Park, and the Mississippi Palisades State Park. The county also has several museums, including the Hancock County Historical Society Museum, the Nauvoo Historical Society Museum, and the Fort Edwards Museum.

For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, please check the public records links below.