List of Counties in Virginia
Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities that function similarly to counties. The most populous counties are Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Arlington County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Albemarle County, and Hanover County. Fairfax County, located near Washington, D.C., is the most populous and one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S. Northern Virginia, which includes counties like Prince William and Loudoun, is part of the Washington, D.C. metro area and is rapidly growing. Other populous counties like Chesterfield and Henrico are part of the Richmond metropolitan area.
List of All Counties in Virginia
- Accomack County, Virginia
- Albemarle County, Virginia
- Alexandria City County, Virginia
- Alleghany County, Virginia
- Amelia County, Virginia
- Amherst County, Virginia
- Appomattox County, Virginia
- Arlington County, Virginia
- Augusta County, Virginia
- Bath County, Virginia
- Bedford County, Virginia
- Bland County, Virginia
- Botetourt County, Virginia
- Bristol City County, Virginia
- Brunswick County, Virginia
- Buchanan County, Virginia
- Buckingham County, Virginia
- Buena Vista City County, Virginia
- Campbell County, Virginia
- Caroline County, Virginia
- Carroll County, Virginia
- Charles City County, Virginia
- Charlotte County, Virginia
- Charlottesville City County, Virginia
- Chesapeake City County, Virginia
- Chesterfield County, Virginia
- Clarke County, Virginia
- Colonial Heights City County, Virginia
- Covington City County, Virginia
- Craig County, Virginia
- Culpeper County, Virginia
- Cumberland County, Virginia
- Danville City County, Virginia
- Dickenson County, Virginia
- Dinwiddie County, Virginia
- Emporia City County, Virginia
- Essex County, Virginia
- Fairfax City County, Virginia
- Fairfax County, Virginia
- Falls Church City County, Virginia
- Fauquier County, Virginia
- Floyd County, Virginia
- Fluvanna County, Virginia
- Franklin City County, Virginia
- Franklin County, Virginia
- Frederick County, Virginia
- Fredericksburg City County, Virginia
- Galax City County, Virginia
- Giles County, Virginia
- Gloucester County, Virginia
- Goochland County, Virginia
- Grayson County, Virginia
- Greene County, Virginia
- Greensville County, Virginia
- Halifax County, Virginia
- Hampton City County, Virginia
- Hanover County, Virginia
- Harrisonburg City County, Virginia
- Henrico County, Virginia
- Henry County, Virginia
- Highland County, Virginia
- Hopewell City County, Virginia
- Isle of Wight County, Virginia
- James City County, Virginia
- King and Queen County, Virginia
- King George County, Virginia
- King William County, Virginia
- Lancaster County, Virginia
- Lee County, Virginia
- Lexington City County, Virginia
- Loudoun County, Virginia
- Louisa County, Virginia
- Lunenburg County, Virginia
- Lynchburg City County, Virginia
- Madison County, Virginia
- Manassas City County, Virginia
- Manassas Park City County, Virginia
- Martinsville City County, Virginia
- Mathews County, Virginia
- Mecklenburg County, Virginia
- Middlesex County, Virginia
- Montgomery County, Virginia
- Nelson County, Virginia
- New Kent County, Virginia
- Newport News City County, Virginia
- Norfolk City County, Virginia
- Northampton County, Virginia
- Northumberland County, Virginia
- Norton City County, Virginia
- Nottoway County, Virginia
- Orange County, Virginia
- Page County, Virginia
- Patrick County, Virginia
- Petersburg City County, Virginia
- Pittsylvania County, Virginia
- Poquoson City County, Virginia
- Portsmouth City County, Virginia
- Powhatan County, Virginia
- Prince Edward County, Virginia
- Prince George County, Virginia
- Prince William County, Virginia
- Pulaski County, Virginia
- Radford City County, Virginia
- Rappahannock County, Virginia
- Richmond City County, Virginia
- Richmond County, Virginia
- Roanoke City County, Virginia
- Roanoke County, Virginia
- Rockbridge County, Virginia
- Rockingham County, Virginia
- Russell County, Virginia
- Salem City County, Virginia
- Scott County, Virginia
- Shenandoah County, Virginia
- Smyth County, Virginia
- Southampton County, Virginia
- Spotsylvania County, Virginia
- Stafford County, Virginia
- Staunton City County, Virginia
- Suffolk City County, Virginia
- Surry County, Virginia
- Sussex County, Virginia
- Tazewell County, Virginia
- Virginia Beach City County, Virginia
- Warren County, Virginia
- Washington County, Virginia
- Waynesboro City County, Virginia
- Westmoreland County, Virginia
- Williamsburg City County, Virginia
- Winchester City County, Virginia
- Wise County, Virginia
- Wythe County, Virginia
- York County, Virginia
Largest Counties in Virginia
1. Pittsylvania County
Overview
Pittsylvania County is the largest county in Virginia by land area, covering 978 square miles in the south-central part of the state. It borders North Carolina to the south, Halifax County to the east, Franklin County to the west, and Bedford and Campbell counties to the north. Established in 1767, the county was named after British statesman William Pitt. Historically, Pittsylvania County was a significant tobacco-producing region, and agriculture remains a key part of its economy today. The county’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and rivers, including the Dan River, which provides recreational opportunities and natural resources. The county’s rural nature is complemented by its proximity to the city of Danville, which borders the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 60,000
- County Seat: Chatham
- Major Airports: Danville Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 29, U.S. Highway 58, U.S. Highway 360
2. Augusta County
Overview
Augusta County, located in the Shenandoah Valley, spans 970 square miles, making it the second-largest county in Virginia. It is bordered by Rockingham County to the north, Nelson County to the east, and Highland County to the west. Established in 1738, Augusta County was named after Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III. The county is known for its scenic beauty, including the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. Agriculture, particularly livestock and crop farming, has historically been the backbone of Augusta County’s economy. The county also benefits from its central location in the Valley and its proximity to the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 75,000
- County Seat: Staunton (independent city within the county)
- Major Airports: Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 81, Interstate 64, U.S. Highway 11, U.S. Highway 250
3. Rockingham County
Overview
Rockingham County is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and covers 853 square miles. It is bordered by Augusta County to the south, Page County to the northeast, and West Virginia to the west. Established in 1778, the county is named after Charles Watson-Wentworth, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, a British Prime Minister who supported American independence. Rockingham County is known for its strong agricultural heritage, particularly in poultry production, making it one of the leading agricultural counties in the state. The Shenandoah River runs through the county, adding to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city of Harrisonburg is an independent city located within the county but functions as the cultural and economic center of the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 83,000
- County Seat: Harrisonburg (independent city)
- Major Airports: Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 81, U.S. Highway 33, U.S. Highway 11
4. Bedford County
Overview
Bedford County, located in south-central Virginia, covers 769 square miles. It is bordered by Amherst County to the northeast, Franklin County to the southwest, and Lynchburg City to the east. Established in 1754, Bedford County was named after John Russell, the 4th Duke of Bedford, a British statesman. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including Smith Mountain Lake, a major recreational area that attracts residents and tourists alike. Bedford County has a mix of rural and suburban areas, with agriculture playing an important role in its history and economy. In addition to farming, the county’s economy benefits from tourism, manufacturing, and a growing residential population.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 80,000
- County Seat: Bedford
- Major Airports: Lynchburg Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 460, U.S. Highway 221, Virginia State Route 122
5. Halifax County
Overview
Halifax County, located in southern Virginia, covers 817 square miles and shares a border with North Carolina. It is bordered by Pittsylvania County to the west, Charlotte County to the northeast, and Mecklenburg County to the southeast. Halifax County was established in 1752 and named after George Montagu-Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax, a British nobleman. The county’s economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, although manufacturing and forestry have also been significant. Halifax County’s rural landscape is marked by rolling hills, forests, and the scenic Dan River. The county is home to several historic sites and outdoor recreational opportunities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 34,000
- County Seat: Halifax
- Major Airports: Danville Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 501, U.S. Highway 360, U.S. Highway 58
6. Franklin County
Overview
Franklin County is located in southwestern Virginia, covering 711 square miles. It is bordered by Bedford County to the northeast, Pittsylvania County to the south, and Roanoke County to the northwest. Established in 1785, the county was named after Benjamin Franklin. The county’s landscape includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smith Mountain Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Virginia. Historically, Franklin County was known for its moonshine production, which became part of the county’s lore during Prohibition. Today, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are the main economic drivers. Smith Mountain Lake is a key recreational and residential area, attracting both visitors and new residents.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 56,000
- County Seat: Rocky Mount
- Major Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 220, Virginia State Route 40, Virginia State Route 122
7. Loudoun County
Overview
Loudoun County, located in northern Virginia, covers 522 square miles and is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. It is bordered by Fairfax County to the southeast, Clarke County to the west, and Maryland to the north across the Potomac River. Established in 1757, the county was named after John Campbell, the 4th Earl of Loudoun, a British military leader. Historically an agricultural area, Loudoun County has transformed in recent decades into one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest counties in the United States, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C. and the growth of technology, telecommunications, and data centers. The county’s mix of suburban developments and rural farmland is home to many residents who work in the nation’s capital.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 430,000
- County Seat: Leesburg
- Major Airports: Washington Dulles International Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 15, U.S. Highway 50, Virginia State Route 7, Virginia State Route 28
8. Fauquier County
Overview
Fauquier County, located in northern Virginia, covers 651 square miles. It is bordered by Loudoun County to the northeast, Culpeper County to the south, and Prince William County to the east. The county was established in 1759 and named after Francis Fauquier, a lieutenant governor of Virginia during the colonial period. Fauquier County is known for its rolling hills, horse farms, and historic estates, and it is part of the Piedmont region of Virginia. Agriculture, particularly equine activities, vineyards, and cattle farming, continues to play an important role in the county’s economy. The county’s proximity to Washington, D.C. has also led to an increase in residential development, especially in the eastern part of the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 73,000
- County Seat: Warrenton
- Major Airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 15, U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 29
9. Albemarle County
Overview
Albemarle County, located in central Virginia, covers 726 square miles. It is bordered by Greene County to the north, Nelson County to the south, and Fluvanna County to the east. Established in 1744, the county was named after the 2nd Earl of Albemarle, a British statesman. Albemarle County is known for its rolling countryside and historical significance, as it is home to Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson. The city of Charlottesville, an independent city located within the county, serves as a major cultural and educational hub, home to the University of Virginia. The county’s economy is driven by education, tourism, and agriculture, with wineries and horse farms dotting the landscape.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 112,000
- County Seat: Charlottesville (independent city)
- Major Airports: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 29, U.S. Highway 250, Virginia State Route 20
10. Shenandoah County
Overview
Shenandoah County is located in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley, covering 512 square miles. It is bordered by Warren County to the north, Rockingham County to the south, and the state of West Virginia to the west. Established in 1772 as Dunmore County, it was renamed Shenandoah in 1778 after the Shenandoah River, which runs through the county. The county is known for its scenic beauty, including the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains, and its rural character. Historically, Shenandoah County’s economy was based on agriculture, and today, farming remains important, with a focus on poultry, dairy, and cattle farming. The county also benefits from tourism, with attractions like Shenandoah Caverns and Civil War battlefields.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 44,000
- County Seat: Woodstock
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: Interstate 81, U.S. Highway 11, Virginia State Route 55