Amherst County, Virginia

Logo_of_Amherst_County,_Virginia

Amherst_County_Courthouse

Amherst

U.S._Route_29_in_Madison_Heights

Amherst County
U.S. county
County of Amherst
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Amherst
Area
• Total	479 sq mi (1,240 km2)
• Land	474 sq mi (1,230 km2)
• Water	5.1 sq mi (13 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	31,021
• Density	65/sq mi (25/km2)
Website	[[1] www.countyofamherst.com/%20www.countyofamherst.com]]

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Amherst County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 31,021. Its county seat is Amherst.

History

Amherst County was formed in 1761 from Albemarle County. The county is named for Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, known for his service during the French and Indian War.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 479 square miles (1,240 km²), of which 474 square miles (1,230 km²) is land and 5.1 square miles (13 km²) (1.1%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Nelson County - north
• Appomattox County - east
• Campbell County - south
• Bedford County - southwest
• Rockbridge County - northwest

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 31,021 people, 12,000 households, and 8,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile (25/km²).

Government and infrastructure

The county is governed by a Board of Supervisors and has various departments to manage services such as public safety, health, and education.

Education

Amherst County is served by Amherst County Public Schools, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Amherst County High School.

Communities

Town

• Amherst

Census-designated places

• Madison Heights

Other unincorporated communities

• Monroe
• Sweet Briar

Notable people

• William H. Cabell, former Governor of Virginia
• Paul Carrington, prominent Virginia lawyer and judge

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Amherst County, Virginia
• Blue Ridge Parkway

External links

• Official website