Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Quick answer: Isle of Wight County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Isle of Wight. Its estimated population in 2025 was 41,321, up 7.0% since 2020. It covers about 316 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Isle of Wight |
| Established | 1634 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 41,321 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 38,711 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 6.7% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 45 of 133 |
Overview
Isle of Wight County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Isle of Wight.[2] The county was established in 1634.[2] The name comes from Isle of Wight.[2]
Population of Isle of Wight County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Isle of Wight County at 41,321 in July 2025, up 7.0% from the April 2020 base of 38,612.[1] That made it 45th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 19th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,978 births and 2,416 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 438.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 2,950. Moves from abroad added 185.[1]
Geography
Isle of Wight County covers 315.7 square miles of land and 47.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 64th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 131 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.90° N, 76.71° W.[3]
The county borders the City of Franklin, James City County, the City of Newport News, Southampton County, the City of Suffolk and Surry County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 50 named streams, 24 lakes and reservoirs and 4 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Isle of Wight County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Smithfield (9,112), Windsor (2,947).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Isle of Wight County?
Isle of Wight.
What is the population of Isle of Wight County?
About 41,321 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Isle of Wight County?
About 316 square miles of land, plus 47.1 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, Isle of Wight 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.isle-of-wight.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.