Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Franklin County, Virginia

Quick answer: Franklin County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Rocky Mount. Its estimated population in 2025 was 55,526, up 2.0% since 2020. It covers about 691 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatRocky Mount
Established1785
Population, 2025 estimate55,526
Population, 2020 estimate54,478
Change 2020–20251.9%
Rank by population in Virginia34 of 133
Hay bales and a farm in the misty Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Franklin County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Rocky Mount.[2] The county was established in 1785.[2] The name comes from Benjamin Franklin.[2]

Population of Franklin County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Franklin County at 55,526 in July 2025, up 2.0% from the April 2020 base of 54,457.[1] That made it 34th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 63rd for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 2,556 births and 3,894 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 1,338.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 2,296. Moves from abroad added 137.[1]

Geography

Franklin County covers 690.6 square miles of land and 21.0 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 7th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 80 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.99° N, 79.88° W.[3]

The county borders Bedford County, Floyd County, Henry County, Patrick County, Pittsylvania County and Roanoke County.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 107 named streams, 31 named summits, 9 lakes and reservoirs, 8 gaps and 1 island, including Falling Rock Falls in the county.[5]

Towns

Franklin County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Rocky Mount (4,973), Boones Mill (258).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Franklin County?
Rocky Mount.

What is the population of Franklin County?
About 55,526 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Franklin County?
About 691 square miles of land, plus 21.0 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.franklincountyva.org

Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.