Rappahannock County, Virginia
Quick answer: Rappahannock County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Washington. Its estimated population in 2025 was 7,439, up 1.2% since 2020. It covers about 266 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Washington |
| Established | 1833 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 7,439 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 7,322 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 1.6% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 121 of 133 |
Overview
Rappahannock County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Washington.[2] The county was established in 1833.[2] The name comes from Rappahannock River.[2]
Population of Rappahannock County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Rappahannock County at 7,439 in July 2025, up 1.2% from the April 2020 base of 7,351.[1] That made it 121st of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 72nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 247 births and 487 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 240.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 316. Moves from abroad added 22.[1]
Geography
Rappahannock County covers 266.4 square miles of land and 0.8 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 75th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 28 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 38.68° N, 78.17° W.[3]
The county borders Culpeper County, Fauquier County, Madison County, Page County and Warren County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 30 named streams, 54 named summits, 6 lakes and reservoirs and 8 gaps in the county.[5]
Towns
Rappahannock County has one incorporated town: Washington (84), 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 Rappahannock County?
Washington.
What is the population of Rappahannock County?
About 7,439 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Rappahannock County?
About 266 square miles of land, plus 0.8 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, Rappahannock 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: rappahannockcountyva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.