Russell County, Virginia
Quick answer: Russell County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Lebanon. Its estimated population in 2025 was 25,332, down 1.8% since 2020. It covers about 474 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Lebanon |
| Established | 1786 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 25,332 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 25,761 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -1.7% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 72 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Russell County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Lebanon.[2] The county was established in 1786.[2] The name comes from William Russell.[2]
Population of Russell County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Russell County at 25,332 in July 2025, down 1.8% from the April 2020 base of 25,787.[1] That made it 72nd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 111th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,376 births and 2,197 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 821.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 344. Moves from abroad added 20.[1]
Geography
Russell County covers 473.5 square miles of land and 2.9 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 31st of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 53 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.93° N, 82.10° W.[3]
The county borders Buchanan County, Dickenson County, Scott County, Smyth County, Tazewell County, Washington County and Wise County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 130 named streams, 13 named summits, 9 lakes and reservoirs, 10 gaps and 1 island, including Big Falls, Tank Hollow Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Russell County has 4 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Lebanon (3,075), Honaker (1,191), St. Paul (159, part), Cleveland (136).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities. "Part" means only the share of the town inside this county.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Russell County?
Lebanon.
What is the population of Russell County?
About 25,332 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Russell County?
About 474 square miles of land, plus 2.9 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, Russell 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.russellcountyva.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.