City of Colonial Heights, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Colonial Heights is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 18,738, up 3.3% since 2020. It covers about 8 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | 18,738 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 18,162 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 3.2% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 83 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Colonial Heights is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1]
Population of Colonial Heights
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Colonial Heights at 18,738 in July 2025, up 3.3% from the April 2020 base of 18,145.[1] That made it 83rd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 48th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,375 births and 1,496 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 121.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 559. Moves from abroad added 159.[1]
Geography
The City of Colonial Heights covers 7.5 square miles of land and 0.3 square miles of water.[2] By land area it ranks 125th of 133 in Virginia.[2] It had about 2,492 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.26° N, 77.40° W.[2]
The city borders Chesterfield County and the City of Petersburg.[3]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 2 named streams and 1 lake or reservoir in the city.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Colonial Heights in a county?
No. Colonial Heights is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Colonial Heights?
About 18,738 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Colonial Heights?
About 8 square miles of land, plus 0.3 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] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.colonialheightsva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.