Essex County, Virginia
Quick answer: Essex County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Tappahannock. Its estimated population in 2025 was 10,654, up 0.5% since 2020. It covers about 257 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Tappahannock |
| Established | 1692 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 10,654 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 10,597 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 0.5% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 115 of 133 |
Overview
Essex County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Tappahannock.[2] The county was established in 1692.[2] The name comes from Essex.[2]
Population of Essex County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Essex County at 10,654 in July 2025, up 0.5% from the April 2020 base of 10,600.[1] That made it 115th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 84th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 566 births and 874 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 308.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 335. Moves from abroad added 21.[1]
Geography
Essex County covers 257.4 square miles of land and 28.9 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 78th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 41 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.94° N, 76.93° W.[3]
The county borders Caroline County, King George County, King and Queen County, Lancaster County, Middlesex County, Richmond County and Westmoreland County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 45 named streams, 14 lakes and reservoirs and 2 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Essex County has one incorporated town: Tappahannock (2,193), 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 Essex County?
Tappahannock.
What is the population of Essex County?
About 10,654 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Essex County?
About 257 square miles of land, plus 28.9 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, Essex 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.essex-virginia.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.