Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Amherst County, Virginia

Quick answer: Amherst County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Amherst. Its estimated population in 2025 was 31,962, up 2.1% since 2020. It covers about 474 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatAmherst
Established1758
Population, 2025 estimate31,962
Population, 2020 estimate31,312
Change 2020–20252.1%
Rank by population in Virginia57 of 133
Eaton Hollow Overlook on Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Photo: G. Edward Johnson · CC BY 4.0 (license), via Wikimedia Commons, resized

Overview

Amherst County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Amherst.[2] The county was established in 1758.[2] The name comes from Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst.[2]

Population of Amherst County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Amherst County at 31,962 in July 2025, up 2.1% from the April 2020 base of 31,313.[1] That made it 57th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 61st for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,726 births and 2,302 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 576.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,070. Moves from abroad added 136.[1]

Geography

Amherst County covers 474.0 square miles of land and 5.0 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 30th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 67 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.63° N, 79.15° W.[3]

The county borders Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, Nelson County and Rockbridge County.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 110 named streams, 70 named summits, 18 lakes and reservoirs, 14 gaps and 11 islands, including Panther Falls, Statons Creek Falls in the county.[5]

Towns

Amherst County has one incorporated town: Amherst (2,146), with its estimated 2025 population in brackets.[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Amherst County?
Amherst.

What is the population of Amherst County?
About 31,962 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Amherst County?
About 474 square miles of land, plus 5.0 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.countyofamherst.com

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