City of Williamsburg, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Williamsburg is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 15,861, up 2.9% since 2020. It covers about 9 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1638 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 15,861 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 15,459 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 2.6% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 93 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Williamsburg 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] Williamsburg is also the county seat of James City County, even though the city is legally separate from that county.[2] Its founding date is recorded as 1638.[2] The name comes from William III of England.[2]
Population of Williamsburg
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Williamsburg at 15,861 in July 2025, up 2.9% from the April 2020 base of 15,417.[1] That made it 93rd of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 50th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 293 births and 550 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 257.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 329. Moves from abroad added 329.[1]
Geography
The City of Williamsburg covers 8.9 square miles of land and 0.2 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 122nd of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 1,775 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.27° N, 76.71° W.[3]
The city borders James City County and York County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 3 lakes and reservoirs in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Williamsburg in a county?
No. Williamsburg is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Williamsburg?
About 15,861 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Williamsburg?
About 9 square miles of land, plus 0.2 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, Williamsburg 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.williamsburgva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.