City of Emporia, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Emporia is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 5,447, down 5.3% since 2020. It covers about 7 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 5,447 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 5,697 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -4.4% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 129 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Emporia 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] Emporia is also the county seat of Greensville County, even though the city is legally separate from that county.[2] Its founding date is recorded as 1967.[2] The name comes from Emporia.[2]
Population of Emporia
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Emporia at 5,447 in July 2025, down 5.3% from the April 2020 base of 5,753.[1] That made it 129th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 130th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 385 births and 514 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 129.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -184. Moves from abroad added 5.[1]
Geography
The City of Emporia covers 6.6 square miles of land and 0.0 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 127th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 822 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 36.70° N, 77.54° W.[3]
The city borders Greensville County.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Emporia in a county?
No. Emporia is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Emporia?
About 5,447 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Emporia?
About 7 square miles of land, plus 0.0 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, Emporia city, 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
Official website: www.ci.emporia.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.