City of Petersburg, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Petersburg is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 33,734, up 0.8% since 2020. It covers about 23 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1748 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 33,734 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 33,398 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 1.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 53 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Petersburg 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 1748.[2]
Population of Petersburg
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Petersburg at 33,734 in July 2025, up 0.8% from the April 2020 base of 33,464.[1] That made it 53rd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 77th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 3,640 births and 3,254 deaths, a natural increase of 386.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -327. Moves from abroad added 217.[1]
Geography
The City of Petersburg covers 22.7 square miles of land and 0.2 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 107th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 1,485 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.20° N, 77.39° W.[3]
The city borders Chesterfield County, the City of Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie County and Prince George County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 4 named streams and 2 lakes and reservoirs in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Petersburg in a county?
No. Petersburg is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Petersburg?
About 33,734 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Petersburg?
About 23 square miles of land, plus 0.2 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, Petersburg 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.petersburg-va.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.