City of Hampton, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Hampton is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 137,315, up 0.1% since 2020. It covers about 51 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1610 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 137,315 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 137,279 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 0.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 15 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Hampton is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1] Its founding date is recorded as 1610.[2] The name comes from Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton.[2]
Population of Hampton
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Hampton at 137,315 in July 2025, up 0.1% from the April 2020 base of 137,160.[1] That made it 15th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 88th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 8,095 births and 7,756 deaths, a natural increase of 339.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -1,270. Moves from abroad added 1,030.[1]
Geography
The City of Hampton covers 51.5 square miles of land and 84.8 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 101st of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 2,668 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.05° N, 76.30° W.[3]
The city borders the City of Newport News, the City of Norfolk, Northampton County, the City of Poquoson, the City of Portsmouth, the City of Virginia Beach and York County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 17 named streams and 5 lakes and reservoirs in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Hampton in a county?
No. Hampton is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Hampton?
About 137,315 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Hampton?
About 51 square miles of land, plus 84.8 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, Hampton city, 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
Official website: www.hampton.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.