Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Alleghany County, Virginia

Quick answer: Alleghany County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Covington. Its estimated population in 2025 was 14,546, down 4.4% since 2020. It covers about 447 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatCovington
Established1822
Population, 2025 estimate14,546
Population, 2020 estimate15,187
Change 2020–2025-4.2%
Rank by population in Virginia101 of 133
Hay bales and a farm in the misty Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Virginia has 95 counties, and Alleghany County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Covington.[2] The county was established in 1822.[2] The name comes from Allegheny Mountains.[2]

Population of Alleghany County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Alleghany County at 14,546 in July 2025, down 4.4% from the April 2020 base of 15,216.[1] That made it 101st of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 126th for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 533 births and 1,377 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 844.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 140. Moves from abroad added 33.[1]

Geography

Alleghany County covers 446.6 square miles of land and 3.2 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 37th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 33 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.79° N, 80.01° W.[3]

The county borders Bath County, Botetourt County, the City of Covington, Craig County and Rockbridge County in Virginia, as well as land in West Virginia.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 91 named streams, 42 named summits, 4 lakes and reservoirs, 6 gaps and 3 springs, including Beaverdam Falls, Falling Spring Falls in the county.[5]

Towns

Alleghany County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Clifton Forge (3,372), Iron Gate (305).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Alleghany County?
Covington.

What is the population of Alleghany County?
About 14,546 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Alleghany County?
About 447 square miles of land, plus 3.2 square miles of water.

References

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

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