Grayson County, Virginia
Quick answer: Grayson County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Independence. Its estimated population in 2025 was 15,230, down 0.7% since 2020. It covers about 442 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Independence |
| Established | 1793 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 15,230 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 15,282 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -0.3% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 98 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Grayson County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Independence.[2] The county was established in 1793.[2] The name comes from William Grayson.[2]
Population of Grayson County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Grayson County at 15,230 in July 2025, down 0.7% from the April 2020 base of 15,336.[1] That made it 98th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 94th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 544 births and 1,436 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 892.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 727. Moves from abroad added 65.[1]
Geography
Grayson County covers 441.8 square miles of land and 3.8 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 38th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 34 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.65° N, 81.22° W.[3]
The county borders Carroll County, the City of Galax, Smyth County, Washington County and Wythe County in Virginia, as well as land in North Carolina and land in Tennessee.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 100 named streams, 56 named summits, 3 lakes and reservoirs, 9 gaps and 1 waterfall, including The Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Grayson County has 3 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Independence (1,000), Fries (444), Troutdale (138).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Grayson County?
Independence.
What is the population of Grayson County?
About 15,230 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Grayson County?
About 442 square miles of land, plus 3.8 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, Grayson 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.graysoncountyva.com
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.