Smyth County, Virginia
Quick answer: Smyth County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Marion. Its estimated population in 2025 was 28,882, down 3.1% since 2020. It covers about 451 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Marion |
| Established | 1832 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 28,882 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 29,780 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -3.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 65 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Smyth County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Marion.[2] The county was established in 1832.[2] The name comes from Alexander Smyth.[2]
Population of Smyth County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Smyth County at 28,882 in July 2025, down 3.1% from the April 2020 base of 29,794.[1] That made it 65th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 120th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,423 births and 2,931 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 1,508.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 524. Moves from abroad added 60.[1]
Geography
Smyth County covers 451.4 square miles of land and 1.3 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 35th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 64 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.84° N, 81.54° W.[3]
The county borders Bland County, Grayson County, Russell County, Tazewell County, Washington County and Wythe County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 114 named streams, 53 named summits, 1 lake or reservoir, 14 gaps and 5 springs in the county.[5]
Towns
Smyth County has 3 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Marion (5,555), Saltville (1,600, part), Chilhowie (1,599).[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 Smyth County?
Marion.
What is the population of Smyth County?
About 28,882 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Smyth County?
About 451 square miles of land, plus 1.3 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, Smyth 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.smythcounty.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.