Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Campbell County, Virginia

Quick answer: Campbell County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Rustburg. Its estimated population in 2025 was 55,629, down 0.0% since 2020. It covers about 503 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatRustburg
Established1782
Population, 2025 estimate55,629
Population, 2020 estimate55,598
Change 2020–20250.1%
Rank by population in Virginia33 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

Campbell County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Rustburg.[2] The county was established in 1782.[2] The name comes from William Campbell.[2]

Population of Campbell County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Campbell County at 55,629 in July 2025, down 0.0% from the April 2020 base of 55,654.[1] That made it 33rd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 90th for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 2,085 births and 3,702 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 1,617.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,311. Moves from abroad added 265.[1]

Geography

Campbell County covers 503.3 square miles of land and 3.4 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 23rd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 111 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.21° N, 79.10° W.[3]

The county borders Amherst County, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Charlotte County, Halifax County, the City of Lynchburg and Pittsylvania County.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 82 named streams, 12 named summits, 20 lakes and reservoirs, 3 islands and 1 spring in the county.[5]

Towns

Campbell County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Altavista (3,353), Brookneal (1,083).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Campbell County?
Rustburg.

What is the population of Campbell County?
About 55,629 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Campbell County?
About 503 square miles of land, plus 3.4 square miles of water.

References

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

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