Dickenson County, Virginia
Quick answer: Dickenson County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Clintwood. Its estimated population in 2025 was 13,236, down 6.3% since 2020. It covers about 330 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Clintwood |
| Established | 1880 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 13,236 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 14,075 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -6.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 106 of 133 |
Overview
Dickenson County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Clintwood.[2] The county was established in 1880.[2] The name comes from William J. Dickenson.[2]
Population of Dickenson County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Dickenson County at 13,236 in July 2025, down 6.3% from the April 2020 base of 14,128.[1] That made it 106th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 132nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 590 births and 1,262 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 672.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -223. Moves from abroad added 11.[1]
Geography
Dickenson County covers 330.4 square miles of land and 3.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 60th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 40 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.14° N, 82.35° W.[3]
The county borders Buchanan County, Russell County and Wise County in Virginia, as well as land in Kentucky.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 232 named streams, 5 named summits, 6 lakes and reservoirs, 29 gaps and 1 spring in the county.[5]
Towns
Dickenson County has 3 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Clintwood (1,297), Haysi (472), Clinchco (227).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Dickenson County?
Clintwood.
What is the population of Dickenson County?
About 13,236 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Dickenson County?
About 330 square miles of land, plus 3.1 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, Dickenson 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.dickensonva.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.