Washington County, Virginia
Quick answer: Washington County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Abingdon. Its estimated population in 2025 was 53,898, down 0.1% since 2020. It covers about 561 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Abingdon |
| Established | 1776 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 53,898 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 53,910 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -0.0% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 35 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Washington County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Abingdon.[2] The county was established in 1776.[2] The name comes from George Washington.[2]
Population of Washington County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Washington County at 53,898 in July 2025, down 0.1% from the April 2020 base of 53,946.[1] That made it 35th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 92nd for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 2,419 births and 4,492 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 2,073.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 1,885. Moves from abroad added 95.[1]
Geography
Washington County covers 561.2 square miles of land and 5.0 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 14th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 96 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.75° N, 81.95° W.[3]
The county borders the City of Bristol, Grayson County, Russell County, Scott County and Smyth County in Virginia, as well as land in Tennessee.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 158 named streams, 29 named summits, 5 lakes and reservoirs, 21 gaps and 3 islands, including Abrams Falls in the county.[5]
Towns
Washington County has 4 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Abingdon (8,284), Glade Spring (1,366), Damascus (780), Saltville (160, part).[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 Washington County?
Abingdon.
What is the population of Washington County?
About 53,898 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Washington County?
About 561 square miles of land, plus 5.0 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, Washington 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.washcova.com
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.