City of Lynchburg, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Lynchburg is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 81,347, up 3.0% since 2020. It covers about 49 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1786 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 81,347 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 78,995 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 3.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 27 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Lynchburg 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 1786.[2] The name comes from John Lynch.[2]
Population of Lynchburg
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Lynchburg at 81,347 in July 2025, up 3.0% from the April 2020 base of 79,014.[1] That made it 27th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 49th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 6,225 births and 4,802 deaths, a natural increase of 1,423.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -28. Moves from abroad added 931.[1]
Geography
The City of Lynchburg covers 48.9 square miles of land and 0.6 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 102nd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 1,663 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.40° N, 79.20° W.[3]
The city borders Amherst County, Bedford County and Campbell County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 10 named streams, 1 named summit and 5 lakes and reservoirs in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Lynchburg in a county?
No. Lynchburg is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Lynchburg?
About 81,347 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Lynchburg?
About 49 square miles of land, plus 0.6 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, Lynchburg 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.lynchburgva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.