The Delmarva Peninsula lies between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its name joins the names of the three states that share it: Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Virginia holds the southern tip, known as the Eastern Shore.
Quick answer: The Delmarva Peninsula is shared by Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The Virginia part, the Eastern Shore, consists of Accomack and Northampton counties, with about 45,700 residents in 2025. At its southern tip lies the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, a major stopover for migratory birds.
Contents
- Two Counties
- Towns of the Eastern Shore
- Barrier Islands and the Seashore
- The Wildlife Refuge at the Tip
- Frequently asked questions
Two Counties
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is made up of two counties.[1]
| County | Population, 2020 | Population, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Accomack | 33,400 | 33,859 |
| Northampton | 12,217 | 11,879 |
| Total | 45,617 | 45,738 |
Accomack grew slightly between 2020 and 2025, while Northampton lost about 2.8 percent of its residents.[1]
Towns of the Eastern Shore
| Town | Population, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Chincoteague | 3,309 |
| Cape Charles | 1,314 |
| Onancock | 1,177 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau city and town estimates.[2]
Barrier Islands and the Seashore
Low barrier islands line the Atlantic edge of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.[3] Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, is one of the federal park sites in Virginia.[4]
The Wildlife Refuge at the Tip
The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge lies at the tip of the peninsula, between the Atlantic and the Chesapeake. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls it one of the most valuable stopovers in the country for migratory birds. Its habitats include maritime forest, shrub thickets, grasslands, beaches and tidal wetlands.[5]
Nearby Fisherman Island is a separate refuge, closed to the public to protect its wildlife habitats.[5]
Frequently asked questions
What states are on the Delmarva Peninsula? Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
What counties are on Virginia’s Eastern Shore? Accomack and Northampton.
How many people live on the Eastern Shore of Virginia? About 45,738 in 2025, according to the Census Bureau.
Can you visit Fisherman Island? No. Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] U.S. Census Bureau, City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025 – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] The Geology of Virginia (William and Mary), Coastal Plain – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] National Park Service, Virginia – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge: About Us – last checked 11/08/2026
Both counties appear on the map of Virginia counties.