Craig County, Virginia
Quick answer: Craig County is a county in Virginia with its seat at New Castle. Its estimated population in 2025 was 4,800, down 1.9% since 2020. It covers about 328 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | New Castle |
| Established | 1851 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 4,800 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 4,876 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -1.6% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 130 of 133 |
Overview
Craig County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is New Castle.[2] The county was established in 1851.[2] The name comes from Robert Craig.[2]
Population of Craig County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Craig County at 4,800 in July 2025, down 1.9% from the April 2020 base of 4,893.[1] That made it 130th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 114th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 218 births and 419 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 201.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 106. Moves from abroad added 4.[1]
Geography
Craig County covers 328.1 square miles of land and 1.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 61st of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 15 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.47° N, 80.23° W.[3]
The county borders Alleghany County, Botetourt County, Giles County, Montgomery County and Roanoke County in Virginia, as well as land in West Virginia.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 68 named streams, 28 named summits, 3 lakes and reservoirs, 1 gap and 1 spring, including Meadow Creek Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Craig County has one incorporated town: New Castle (120), with its estimated 2025 population in brackets.[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Craig County?
New Castle.
What is the population of Craig County?
About 4,800 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Craig County?
About 328 square miles of land, plus 1.1 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, Craig 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.craigcountyva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.