Nelson County, Virginia
Quick answer: Nelson County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Lovingston. Its estimated population in 2025 was 14,920, up 1.0% since 2020. It covers about 471 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Lovingston |
| Established | 1807 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 14,920 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 14,737 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 1.2% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 100 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Nelson County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Lovingston.[2] The county was established in 1807.[2] The name comes from Thomas Nelson.[2]
Population of Nelson County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Nelson County at 14,920 in July 2025, up 1.0% from the April 2020 base of 14,769.[1] That made it 100th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 73rd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 773 births and 1,090 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 317.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 309. Moves from abroad added 172.[1]
Geography
Nelson County covers 470.7 square miles of land and 3.5 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 32nd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 32 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.79° N, 78.88° W.[3]
The county borders Albemarle County, Amherst County, Appomattox County, Augusta County, Buckingham County and Rockbridge County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 84 named streams, 71 named summits, 10 lakes and reservoirs, 9 gaps and 6 islands, including Crabtree Falls, The Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Nelson 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 Nelson County?
Lovingston.
What is the population of Nelson County?
About 14,920 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Nelson County?
About 471 square miles of land, plus 3.5 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, Nelson 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.nelsoncounty-va.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.