Arlington County, Virginia
Quick answer: Arlington County is a county in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 243,931, up 2.2% since 2020. It covers about 26 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| Established | 1801 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 243,931 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 238,825 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 2.1% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 8 of 133 |
Overview
Arlington County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county was established in 1801.[2] The name comes from Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial.[2]
Population of Arlington County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Arlington County at 243,931 in July 2025, up 2.2% from the April 2020 base of 238,647.[1] That made it 8th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 57th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 12,843 births and 5,635 deaths, a natural increase of 7,208.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -14,531. Moves from abroad added 12,848.[1]
Geography
Arlington County covers 26.0 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 106th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 9,383 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 38.88° N, 77.10° W.[3]
The county borders the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia, as well as land in the District of Columbia and land in Maryland.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 9 named streams and 3 named summits in the county.[5]
Towns
Arlington County has no incorporated towns. Its communities are unincorporated and governed directly by the county.[6]
Frequently asked questions
Is Arlington County growing?
Yes. The Census Bureau estimates a 2.2% increase from 2020 to 2025.
What is the population of Arlington County?
About 243,931 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Arlington County?
About 26 square miles of land, plus 0.1 square miles of water.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Wikidata, Arlington County, Virginia (open data, CC0) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
- [6] U.S. Census Bureau, City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025 – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.arlingtonva.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.