Clarke County, Virginia
Quick answer: Clarke County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Berryville. Its estimated population in 2025 was 15,609, up 5.5% since 2020. It covers about 176 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Berryville |
| Established | 1836 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 15,609 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 14,817 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 5.3% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 97 of 133 |
Overview
Clarke County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Berryville.[2] The county was established in 1836.[2] The name comes from George Rogers Clark.[2]
Population of Clarke County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Clarke County at 15,609 in July 2025, up 5.5% from the April 2020 base of 14,789.[1] That made it 97th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 32nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 773 births and 1,028 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 255.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,008. Moves from abroad added 52.[1]
Geography
Clarke County covers 176.0 square miles of land and 2.2 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 91st of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 89 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 39.12° N, 77.99° W.[3]
The county borders Fauquier County, Frederick County, Loudoun County and Warren County in Virginia, as well as land in West Virginia.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 17 named streams, 6 named summits, 3 lakes and reservoirs, 3 islands and 2 springs in the county.[5]
Towns
Clarke County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Berryville (4,828), Boyce (794).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Clarke County?
Berryville.
What is the population of Clarke County?
About 15,609 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Clarke County?
About 176 square miles of land, plus 2.2 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, Clarke 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.clarke.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.