Rockbridge County, Virginia

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Rockbridge County
U.S. county
County of Rockbridge
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Lexington
Area
• Total	601 sq mi (1,560 km2)
• Land	598 sq mi (1,550 km2)
• Water	3 sq mi (8 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	22,309
• Density	37/sq mi (14/km2)
Website	www.co.rockbridge.va.us

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

Rockbridge County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,309. Its county seat is Lexington. The independent cities of Buena Vista and Lexington are both enclaved within the county's geographical borders.

History

Rockbridge County was established in October 1777 from parts of Augusta and Botetourt counties. It was named for Natural Bridge, a notable landmark in the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 601 square miles (1,560 km²), of which 598 square miles (1,550 km²) is land and 3 square miles (7.8 km²) (0.5%) is water.

Adjacent counties and independent cities

• Augusta County - north
• Nelson County - east
• Amherst County - southeast
• Bedford County - south
• Botetourt County - southwest
• Alleghany County - west
• Bath County - northwest
• Buena Vista (independent city)
• Lexington (independent city)

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 22,309 people, 8,986 households, and 6,123 families residing in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile (14/km²). There were 10,550 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km²).

Education

Rockbridge County is served by the Rockbridge County Public Schools system. The county is also home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, both located in Lexington.

Economy

The economy of Rockbridge County is diverse, with sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and education. Tourism also plays a significant role, with attractions such as the Natural Bridge and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Transportation

Major highways in Rockbridge County include:

• Interstate 81
• Interstate 64
• U.S. Route 11
• U.S. Route 60

Notable people

• Sam Houston, 19th-century American statesman, politician, and soldier
• Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper

See also

• List of counties in Virginia
• Natural Bridge (Virginia)
• Blue Ridge Parkway

External links

• Official website