Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Frederick County, Virginia

Quick answer: Frederick County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Winchester. Its estimated population in 2025 was 99,955, up 9.3% since 2020. It covers about 413 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatWinchester
Established1743
Population, 2025 estimate99,955
Population, 2020 estimate91,891
Change 2020–20258.8%
Rank by population in Virginia19 of 133
Reenactors, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, Frederick County, VA
Photo: olekinderhook · CC BY 3.0 (license), via Wikimedia Commons, resized

Overview

Frederick County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Winchester.[2] The county was established in 1743.[2] The name comes from Frederick, Prince of Wales.[2]

Population of Frederick County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Frederick County at 99,955 in July 2025, up 9.3% from the April 2020 base of 91,445.[1] That made it 19th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 12th for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 4,998 births and 4,821 deaths, a natural increase of 177.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 7,583. Moves from abroad added 834.[1]

Geography

Frederick County covers 413.1 square miles of land and 2.3 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 43rd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 242 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 39.20° N, 78.26° W.[3]

The county borders Clarke County, Shenandoah County, Warren County and the City of Winchester in Virginia, as well as land in West Virginia.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 65 named streams, 19 named summits, 25 lakes and reservoirs, 14 gaps and 9 springs, including Mountain Falls in the county.[5]

Towns

Frederick County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Stephens City (2,207), Middletown (1,471).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Frederick County?
Winchester.

What is the population of Frederick County?
About 99,955 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Frederick County?
About 413 square miles of land, plus 2.3 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.fcva.us

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