Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

City of Poquoson, Virginia

Quick answer: The City of Poquoson is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 13,292, up 6.7% since 2020. It covers about 15 square miles of land.
Typeindependent city
Founded1630
Population, 2025 estimate13,292
Population, 2020 estimate12,472
Change 2020–20256.6%
Rank by population in Virginia105 of 133
Poquoson River, VA
Photo: Steve Riggins · CC BY 3.0 (license), via Wikimedia Commons, resized

Overview

The City of Poquoson 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 1630.[2]

Population of Poquoson

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Poquoson at 13,292 in July 2025, up 6.7% from the April 2020 base of 12,455.[1] That made it 105th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 23rd for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 613 births and 670 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 57.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 887. Moves from abroad added 23.[1]

Geography

The City of Poquoson covers 15.4 square miles of land and 63.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 110th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 866 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 37.13° N, 76.30° W.[3]

The city borders the City of Hampton, Northampton County and York County.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 12 named streams, 2 lakes and reservoirs and 7 islands in the city.[5]

Frequently asked questions

Is Poquoson in a county?
No. Poquoson is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.

What is the population of the City of Poquoson?
About 13,292 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is the City of Poquoson?
About 15 square miles of land, plus 63.1 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.poquoson-va.gov

Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.