Chesterfield County, Virginia
Quick answer: Chesterfield County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Chesterfield Court House. Its estimated population in 2025 was 397,148, up 9.1% since 2020. It covers about 424 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Chesterfield Court House |
| Established | 1749 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 397,148 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 365,330 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 8.7% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 5 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Chesterfield County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Chesterfield Court House.[2] The county was established in 1749.[2] The name comes from Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield.[2]
Population of Chesterfield County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Chesterfield County at 397,148 in July 2025, up 9.1% from the April 2020 base of 364,084.[1] That made it 5th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 13th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 21,288 births and 16,463 deaths, a natural increase of 4,825.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 20,023. Moves from abroad added 8,096.[1]
Geography
Chesterfield County covers 423.5 square miles of land and 13.5 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 41st of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 938 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 37.38° N, 77.59° W.[3]
The county borders Amelia County, Charles City County, the City of Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County, Goochland County, Henrico County, the City of Hopewell, the City of Petersburg, Powhatan County, Prince George County and the City of Richmond.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 62 named streams, 1 named summit, 42 lakes and reservoirs, 12 islands and 2 springs in the county.[5]
Towns
Chesterfield County has no incorporated towns. Its communities are unincorporated and governed directly by the county.[6]
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield Court House.
What is the population of Chesterfield County?
About 397,148 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Chesterfield County?
About 424 square miles of land, plus 13.5 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, Chesterfield 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.chesterfield.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.