The question of how many counties are in Virginia has a two-part answer. The Commonwealth divides its land among counties and independent cities, and the two do not overlap.

Quick answer: There are 95 counties in Virginia. The Commonwealth also has 38 independent cities that are not part of any county. Together they form 133 county-level areas, the units the U.S. Census Bureau reports for Virginia.

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Counties and Independent Cities

Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities, a total of 133 local jurisdictions at the county level.[1] The Virginia Association of Counties reports the same count.[2]

The Census Bureau lists each independent city on its own line in the county population estimates, in the same way as a county. Statistical tables for Virginia therefore have 133 rows, while most states have one row per county only.

Type of jurisdiction Number
Counties 95
Independent cities 38
Total county-level areas 133

Cities Outside the Counties

An incorporated city in Virginia is not part of any county.[2] Cities and counties are co-equal levels of local government, and each city provides the services that a county would otherwise provide.

For census purposes each independent city is a “county-equivalent” (an area treated as a county in federal statistics).[2] On a map, many of these cities appear as small enclosed areas surrounded by a county. However, the enclosing county has no authority inside the city boundary.

Largest and Smallest Jurisdictions

The Vintage 2025 estimates show a wide range in population among the 133 jurisdictions.[1]

Jurisdiction Type Population, 2025 estimate
Fairfax County Largest county 1,167,873
Highland County Smallest county 2,318
Virginia Beach Largest independent city 453,737
Norton Smallest independent city 3,477

The 133 jurisdictions had a combined estimated population of 8,880,107 in 2025. The 38 independent cities accounted for 2,611,999 of that total, or about 29 percent.[1]

Towns Within Counties

Towns follow a different rule. A Virginia town remains part of the county that surrounds it.[2] Residents of a town are counted in that county, while residents of an independent city are counted only in the city.

Frequently asked questions

How many counties are in Virginia? There are 95 counties. Including the 38 independent cities, Virginia has 133 county-level areas.

Is an independent city part of a county? No. In Virginia an incorporated city lies outside county government and is counted separately.

What is the largest county in Virginia by population? Fairfax County, with an estimated 1,167,873 residents in 2025.

What is the smallest county in Virginia by population? Highland County, with an estimated 2,318 residents in 2025.

References

Each county and independent city, with its population, appears on the map of Virginia counties.