Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Accomack County, Virginia

Quick answer: Accomack County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Accomac. Its estimated population in 2025 was 33,859, up 1.3% since 2020. It covers about 449 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatAccomac
Established1663
Population, 2025 estimate33,859
Population, 2020 estimate33,400
Change 2020–20251.4%
Rank by population in Virginia52 of 133
Tall pine and open ground on Jamestown Island, Virginia
Photo: Cbaile19 · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Accomack County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Accomac.[2] The county was established in 1663.[2] The name comes from Accomac Shire.[2]

Population of Accomack County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Accomack County at 33,859 in July 2025, up 1.3% from the April 2020 base of 33,423.[1] That made it 52nd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 71st for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,846 births and 2,635 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 789.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 152. Moves from abroad added 1,080.[1]

Geography

Accomack County covers 449.3 square miles of land and 860.7 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 36th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 75 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.77° N, 75.76° W.[3]

The county borders Lancaster County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, Northampton County and Northumberland County in Virginia, as well as land in Maryland.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 148 named streams, 2 named summits, 15 lakes and reservoirs and 64 islands in the county.[5]

Towns

Accomack County has 14 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Chincoteague (3,309), Onancock (1,177), Parksley (823), Onley (541), Accomac (522), Belle Haven (472, part), Tangier (442), Melfa (405), Bloxom (386), Painter (278), Wachapreague (257), Hallwood (208), Saxis (169), Keller (145).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities. "Part" means only the share of the town inside this county.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Accomack County?
Accomac.

What is the population of Accomack County?
About 33,859 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Accomack County?
About 449 square miles of land, plus 860.7 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.co.accomack.va.us

Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.