Caroline County, Virginia
Quick answer: Caroline County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Bowling Green. Its estimated population in 2025 was 34,413, up 11.4% since 2020. It covers about 527 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Bowling Green |
| Established | 1727 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 34,413 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 30,922 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 11.3% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 50 of 133 |
Overview
Caroline County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Bowling Green.[2] The county was established in 1727.[2] The name comes from Caroline of Ansbach.[2]
Population of Caroline County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Caroline County at 34,413 in July 2025, up 11.4% from the April 2020 base of 30,880.[1] That made it 50th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 4th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,909 births and 1,788 deaths, a natural increase of 121.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 3,138. Moves from abroad added 259.[1]
Geography
Caroline County covers 527.4 square miles of land and 9.6 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 18th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 65 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 38.03° N, 77.35° W.[3]
The county borders Essex County, Hanover County, King George County, King William County, King and Queen County, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 65 named streams, 1 named summit and 51 lakes and reservoirs in the county.[5]
Towns
Caroline County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Bowling Green (1,284), Port Royal (220).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Caroline County?
Bowling Green.
What is the population of Caroline County?
About 34,413 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Caroline County?
About 527 square miles of land, plus 9.6 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, Caroline 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.co.caroline.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.