Places of Virginia

The geography and history of the Commonwealth

Southampton County, Virginia

Quick answer: Southampton County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Courtland. Its estimated population in 2025 was 18,110, up 0.6% since 2020. It covers about 599 square miles of land.
Typecounty
County seatCourtland
Established1749
Population, 2025 estimate18,110
Population, 2020 estimate17,950
Change 2020–20250.9%
Rank by population in Virginia85 of 133
Tall pine and open ground on Jamestown Island, Virginia
Photo: Cbaile19 · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Southampton County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of 95 in the state.[1] The county seat is Courtland.[2] The county was established in 1749.[2] The name comes from Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton and Southampton.[2]

Population of Southampton County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Southampton County at 18,110 in July 2025, up 0.6% from the April 2020 base of 17,995.[1] That made it 85th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 81st for growth since 2020.[1]

From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 602 births and 1,174 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 572.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 657. Moves from abroad added 39.[1]

Geography

Southampton County covers 599.2 square miles of land and 3.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 10th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 30 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.72° N, 77.10° W.[3]

The county borders the City of Franklin, Greensville County, Isle of Wight County, the City of Suffolk, Surry County and Sussex County in Virginia, as well as land in North Carolina.[4]

The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 55 named streams, 1 named summit, 15 lakes and reservoirs and 2 islands in the county.[5]

Towns

Southampton County has 6 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Courtland (1,299), Boykins (517), Ivor (314), Newsoms (284), Capron (138), Branchville (119).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the county seat of Southampton County?
Courtland.

What is the population of Southampton County?
About 18,110 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How big is Southampton County?
About 599 square miles of land, plus 3.1 square miles of water.

References

Official website: www.southamptoncounty.org

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