City of Staunton, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Staunton is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 26,801, up 4.1% since 2020. It covers about 20 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1747 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 26,801 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 25,810 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 3.8% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 69 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Staunton is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1] Staunton is also the county seat of Augusta County, even though the city is legally separate from that county.[2] Its founding date is recorded as 1747.[2]
Population of Staunton
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Staunton at 26,801 in July 2025, up 4.1% from the April 2020 base of 25,750.[1] That made it 69th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 40th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,785 births and 2,084 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 299.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,002. Moves from abroad added 338.[1]
Geography
The City of Staunton covers 19.9 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 108th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 1,345 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 38.16° N, 79.06° W.[3]
The city borders Augusta County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 1 named stream, 2 named summits and 1 lake or reservoir in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Staunton in a county?
No. Staunton is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Staunton?
About 26,801 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Staunton?
About 20 square miles of land, plus 0.1 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, Staunton city, 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
Official website: www.staunton.va.us
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.