Northampton County, Virginia
Quick answer: Northampton County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Eastville. Its estimated population in 2025 was 11,879, down 3.3% since 2020. It covers about 212 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Eastville |
| Established | 1634 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 11,879 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 12,217 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -2.8% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 109 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Northampton County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Eastville.[2] The county was established in 1634.[2] The name comes from Northamptonshire.[2]
Population of Northampton County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Northampton County at 11,879 in July 2025, down 3.3% from the April 2020 base of 12,282.[1] That made it 109th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 122nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 521 births and 1,054 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 533.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 6. Moves from abroad added 123.[1]
Geography
Northampton County covers 211.7 square miles of land and 583.5 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 85th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 56 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.30° N, 75.92° W.[3]
The county borders Accomack County, the City of Hampton, Mathews County, Middlesex County, the City of Norfolk, the City of Poquoson, the City of Virginia Beach and York County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 45 named streams, 1 named summit, 13 lakes and reservoirs and 23 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Northampton County has 6 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Exmore (1,396), Cape Charles (1,314), Nassawadox (512), Cheriton (446), Eastville (286), Belle Haven (72, part).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities. "Part" means only the share of the town inside this county.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Northampton County?
Eastville.
What is the population of Northampton County?
About 11,879 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Northampton County?
About 212 square miles of land, plus 583.5 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, Northampton 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.northampton.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.