Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Botetourt County, Virginia

Quick answer: Botetourt County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Fincastle. Its estimated population in 2025 was 34,144, up 1.7% since 2020. It covers about 541 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatFincastle
Established1769
Population, 2025 estimate34,144
Population, 2020 estimate33,636
Change 2020–20251.5%
Rank by population in Virginia51 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 Botetourt County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Fincastle.[2] The county was established in 1769.[2] The name comes from Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt.[2]

Population of Botetourt County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Botetourt County at 34,144 in July 2025, up 1.7% from the April 2020 base of 33,588.[1] That made it 51st of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 68th for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,318 births and 2,299 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 981.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,483. Moves from abroad added 75.[1]

Geography

Botetourt County covers 541.3 square miles of land and 4.7 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 15th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 63 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.57° N, 79.80° W.[3]

The county borders Alleghany County, Bedford County, Craig County, Roanoke County and Rockbridge County.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 98 named streams, 51 named summits, 4 lakes and reservoirs, 7 gaps and 2 islands, including Apple Orchard Falls in the county.[5]

Towns

Botetourt County has 3 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Buchanan (1,212), Fincastle (825), Troutville (468).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Botetourt County?
Fincastle.

What is the population of Botetourt County?
About 34,144 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Botetourt County?
About 541 square miles of land, plus 4.7 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.botetourt.org

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