Rockbridge County, Virginia
Quick answer: Rockbridge County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Lexington. Its estimated population in 2025 was 22,663, down 0.0% since 2020. It covers about 597 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Lexington |
| Established | 1778 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 22,663 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 22,668 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -0.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 76 of 133 |
Overview
Rockbridge County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Lexington.[2] The county was established in 1778.[2] The name comes from Natural Bridge.[2]
Population of Rockbridge County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Rockbridge County at 22,663 in July 2025, down 0.0% from the April 2020 base of 22,669.[1] That made it 76th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 89th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 575 births and 1,573 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 998.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 985. Moves from abroad added 19.[1]
Geography
Rockbridge County covers 596.5 square miles of land and 3.4 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 11th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 38 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 37.81° N, 79.45° W.[3]
The county borders Alleghany County, Amherst County, Augusta County, Bath County, Bedford County, Botetourt County, the City of Buena Vista, the City of Lexington and Nelson County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 117 named streams, 96 named summits, 6 lakes and reservoirs, 16 gaps and 5 springs, including Gibbs Falls, Glenn Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Rockbridge County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Glasgow (1,049), Goshen (340).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Rockbridge County?
Lexington.
What is the population of Rockbridge County?
About 22,663 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Rockbridge County?
About 597 square miles of land, plus 3.4 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, Rockbridge 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.rockbridge.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.