Stafford County, Virginia
Quick answer: Stafford County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Stafford. Its estimated population in 2025 was 170,803, up 8.8% since 2020. It covers about 268 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Stafford |
| Established | 1664 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 170,803 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 157,763 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 8.3% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 12 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Stafford County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Stafford.[2] The county was established in 1664.[2] The name comes from Staffordshire.[2]
Population of Stafford County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Stafford County at 170,803 in July 2025, up 8.8% from the April 2020 base of 156,937.[1] That made it 12th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 14th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 9,479 births and 5,223 deaths, a natural increase of 4,256.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 6,862. Moves from abroad added 2,855.[1]
Geography
Stafford County covers 268.5 square miles of land and 11.6 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 74th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 636 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 38.42° N, 77.46° W.[3]
The county borders Caroline County, Culpeper County, Fauquier County, the City of Fredericksburg, King George County, Prince William County and Spotsylvania County in Virginia, as well as land in Maryland.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 29 named streams, 12 lakes and reservoirs and 4 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Stafford County has no incorporated towns. Its communities are unincorporated and governed directly by the county.[6]
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Stafford County?
Stafford.
What is the population of Stafford County?
About 170,803 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Stafford County?
About 268 square miles of land, plus 11.6 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, Stafford 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: staffordcountyva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.