Wythe County, Virginia
Quick answer: Wythe County is a county in Virginia with its seat at Wytheville. Its estimated population in 2025 was 27,983, down 1.1% since 2020. It covers about 462 square miles of land.
| Type | county |
|---|---|
| County seat | Wytheville |
| Established | 1790 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 27,983 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 28,324 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -1.2% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 68 of 133 |
Overview
Virginia has 95 counties, and Wythe County is one of them.[1] The county seat is Wytheville.[2] The county was established in 1790.[2] The name comes from George Wythe.[2]
Population of Wythe County
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Wythe County at 27,983 in July 2025, down 1.1% from the April 2020 base of 28,292.[1] That made it 68th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 100th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 1,460 births and 2,449 deaths, so deaths outnumbered births by 989.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 658. Moves from abroad added 10.[1]
Geography
Wythe County covers 462.0 square miles of land and 2.8 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 34th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 61 people per square mile in 2025, so it is mostly rural. Its geographic center lies near 36.90° N, 81.08° W.[3]
The county borders Bland County, Carroll County, Grayson County, Pulaski County and Smyth County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 66 named streams, 41 named summits, 3 lakes and reservoirs, 4 gaps and 2 islands in the county.[5]
Towns
Wythe County has 2 incorporated towns. With their estimated 2025 populations, they are: Wytheville (8,128), Rural Retreat (1,521).[6] In Virginia, towns remain part of the county around them, unlike independent cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the county seat of Wythe County?
Wytheville.
What is the population of Wythe County?
About 27,983 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is Wythe County?
About 462 square miles of land, plus 2.8 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, Wythe 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.wytheco.org
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.