Gloucester County, Virginia
Quick answer: Gloucester County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Gloucester Courthouse. Its estimated population in 2025 was 40,097, up 3.6% since 2020. It covers about 218 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Gloucester Courthouse |
| Established | 1651 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 40,097 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 38,723 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 3.5% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 46 of 133 |
Overview
Gloucester County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Gloucester Courthouse.[2] The county was established in 1651.[2] The name comes from Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester.[2]
Population of Gloucester County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Gloucester County at 40,097 in July 2025, up 3.6% from the April 2020 base of 38,714.[1] That made it 46th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 45th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,798 births and 2,569 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 771.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 2,145. Moves from abroad were -7.[1]
Geography
Gloucester County covers 217.8 square miles of land and 70.2 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 83rd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 184 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 37.40° N, 76.52° W.[3]
The county borders James City County, King and Queen County, Mathews County, Middlesex County and York County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 69 named streams, 2 named summits, 14 lakes and reservoirs and 10 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Gloucester County has no incorporated towns. Its communities are unincorporated and governed directly by the county.[6]
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Gloucester County?
Gloucester Courthouse.
What is the population of Gloucester County?
About 40,097 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Gloucester County?
About 218 square miles of land, plus 70.2 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, Gloucester 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.co.gloucester.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.