Patrick County, Virginia
Quick answer: Patrick County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Stuart. Its estimated population in 2025 was 17,424, down 1.0% since 2020. It covers about 483 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Stuart |
| Established | 1791 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 17,424 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 17,583 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -0.9% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 86 of 133 |
Overview
Patrick County is one of the 95 counties of Virginia.[1] The county seat is Stuart.[2] The county was established in 1791.[2] The name comes from Patrick Henry.[2]
Population of Patrick County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Patrick County at 17,424 in July 2025, down 1.0% from the April 2020 base of 17,601.[1] That made it 86th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 99th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 739 births and 1,687 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 948.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 788. Moves from abroad were -7.[1]
Geography
Patrick County covers 483.0 square miles of land and 2.8 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 27th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 36 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.67° N, 80.29° W.[3]
The county borders Carroll County, Floyd County, Franklin County and Henry County in Virginia, as well as land in North Carolina.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 109 named streams, 43 named summits, 6 lakes and reservoirs, 4 gaps and 2 islands, including Great Falls of Dan, Smith River Falls, White Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Patrick County has one incorporated town: Stuart (1,409), with its estimated 2025 population in brackets.[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Patrick County?
Stuart.
What is the population of Patrick County?
About 17,424 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Patrick County?
About 483 square miles of land, plus 2.8 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, Patrick 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.patrick.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.