Botetourt County, Virginia
Botetourt County, Virginia | |
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Botetourt County Courthouse | |
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Flag Seal Logo | |
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia | |
| Coordinates: 37°33′N 79°48′W / 37.55°N 79.8°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Founded | 1770 |
| Named after | Lord Botetourt |
| Seat | Fincastle |
| Largest community | Cloverdale |
| Area | |
• Total | 546 sq mi (1,410 km2) |
| • Land | 541 sq mi (1,400 km2) |
| • Water | 4.7 sq mi (12 km2) 0.9% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 33,596 |
• Estimate (2024) | 34,129 |
| • Density | 62.1/sq mi (24.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
| Website | botetourtva |
Botetourt County (/ˈbɒtətɒt/ BOT-ə-tot) is a US county that lies in the Roanoke Region of Virginia. Located in the mountainous portion of the state, the county is bordered by two major ranges, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.
Botetourt County was created in 1770 from part of Augusta County and was named for Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt. It originally comprised a vast area, which included the southern portion of present-day West Virginia and all of Kentucky. Portions were set off to form new counties beginning in 1772, until the current borders were established in 1851.
Botetourt County is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the county seat is the town of Fincastle.[1] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 33,596.[2]
History
First proposed in the House of Burgesses in 1767, Botetourt County was created in 1770 from Augusta County.[3] The county is named for Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, who served as governor of the colony of Virginia from 1768 to 1770, when he died suddenly while in office.[4]
In 1772, the county was reduced to the area east of the New and Kanawha rivers by the creation of Fincastle County. Most of that latter county became the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1792.[3] The other counties established directly from portions of Botetourt County are: Rockbridge (1778), Bath (1791), Alleghany (1822), Roanoke (1833), and Craig (1851).
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 546 square miles (1,410 km2), of which 541 square miles (1,400 km2) is land and 4.7 square miles (12 km2) (0.9%) is water.[5] The Blue Ridge Mountains run along the eastern part of the county, while the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians run along the western portion. The two mountain ranges come close together, separated by the town of Buchanan and the James River.
The James River originates in Botetourt County, near the village of Iron Gate, just south of the Alleghany County line and near the merger of the Cowpasture River and the Jackson River. The James River runs south until Eagle Rock, where it turns east and meanders through the county, passing Springwood and James River High School until entering Buchanan. In Buchanan, the river turns northward and flows into Rockbridge County towards Glasgow.
Botetourt County is a part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the southern parts of the county have become increasingly suburban in recent decades. Much of the area's former farmland and orchards have been developed into residential subdivisions and businesses.
Adjacent counties
- Roanoke County - southwest
- Craig County - west
- Alleghany County - northwest
- Rockbridge County - northeast
- Bedford County - southeast
National protected areas
- Blue Ridge Parkway (part)
- George Washington National Forest (part)
- Jefferson National Forest (part)
Major highways
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 10,524 | — | |
| 1800 | 10,427 | −0.9% | |
| 1810 | 13,301 | 27.6% | |
| 1820 | 13,589 | 2.2% | |
| 1830 | 16,354 | 20.3% | |
| 1840 | 11,679 | −28.6% | |
| 1850 | 14,908 | 27.6% | |
| 1860 | 11,516 | −22.8% | |
| 1870 | 11,329 | −1.6% | |
| 1880 | 14,809 | 30.7% | |
| 1890 | 14,854 | 0.3% | |
| 1900 | 17,161 | 15.5% | |
| 1910 | 17,727 | 3.3% | |
| 1920 | 16,557 | −6.6% | |
| 1930 | 15,457 | −6.6% | |
| 1940 | 16,447 | 6.4% | |
| 1950 | 15,766 | −4.1% | |
| 1960 | 16,715 | 6.0% | |
| 1970 | 18,193 | 8.8% | |
| 1980 | 23,270 | 27.9% | |
| 1990 | 24,992 | 7.4% | |
| 2000 | 30,496 | 22.0% | |
| 2010 | 33,148 | 8.7% | |
| 2020 | 33,596 | 1.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 34,125 | [6] | 1.6% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2010[11] 2020[12] | |||
Racial and ethnic composition
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[13] | Pop 1990[14] | Pop 2000[15] | Pop 2010[11] | Pop 2020[12] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 21,978 | 23,647 | 28,833 | 31,212 | 30,506 | 94.45% | 94.62% | 94.55% | 94.16% | 90.80% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 1,124 | 1,114 | 1,067 | 987 | 905 | 4.83% | 4.46% | 3.50% | 2.98% | 2.69% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 13 | 15 | 65 | 76 | 43 | 0.06% | 0.06% | 0.21% | 0.23% | 0.13% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 21 | 71 | 144 | 174 | 234 | 0.09% | 0.28% | 0.47% | 0.52% | 0.70% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | x [16] | x [17] | 1 | 2 | 3 | x | x | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 6 | 2 | 24 | 9 | 102 | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.08% | 0.03% | 0.30% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x [18] | x [19] | 181 | 332 | 1,027 | x | x | 0.59% | 1.00% | 3.06% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 128 | 143 | 181 | 356 | 776 | 0.55% | 0.57% | 0.59% | 1.07% | 2.31% |
| Total | 23,270 | 24,992 | 30,496 | 33,148 | 33,596 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 33,596. The median age was 48.0 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 23.5% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.3 males age 18 and over.[20][21]
The racial makeup of the county was 91.3% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.0% from some other race, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.3% of the population.[21]
40.6% of residents lived in urban areas, while 59.4% lived in rural areas.[22]
There were 13,498 households in the county, of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 20.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[20]
There were 14,888 housing units, of which 9.3% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 84.8% were owner-occupied and 15.2% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 5.7%.[20]
2000 Census
As of the census[23] of 2000, there were 30,496 people, 11,700 households, and 9,114 families residing in the county. The population density was 56 people per square mile (22 people/km2). There were 12,571 housing units at an average density of 23 units per square mile (8.9 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.91% White, 3.52% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. 0.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 11,700 households, out of which 32.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.80% were married couples living together, 7.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.10% were non-families. 19.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 28.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 99.70 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 98.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $48,731, and the median income for a family was $55,125. Males had a median income of $37,182 versus $25,537 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,218. About 3.60% of families and 5.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.40% of those under age 18 and 6.50% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Board of Supervisors
- Amsterdam District: Steve P. Clinton (Chairman) (R)
- Blue Ridge District: Walter Michael (R)
- Buchanan District: Amy S. White (Vice chairman) (R)
- Fincastle District: Dr. Richard G. "Dick" Bailey (R)
- Valley District: Dr. Donald M. "Mac" Scothorn (R)
Constitutional officers
- Clerk of the Circuit Court: Tommy L. Moore (I)
- Commissioner of the Revenue: Chris T. Booth (R)
- Commonwealth's Attorney: John R. H. Alexander II (R)
- Sheriff: Matthew T. Ward (R)
- Treasurer: Donna Boothe (R)
Botetourt County is represented by Republican Chris T. Head in the Virginia Senate, Republican Terry L. Austin in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Republican Ben Cline in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Education
Botetourt County Public Schools operates public schools serving the county, with students attending one of two high schools:
- Lord Botetourt High School opened in Daleville in the fall of 1959 and serves the southern parts of the county, including the communities of Blue Ridge, Cloverdale, parts of Fincastle and Troutville, and the northernmost suburbs of Roanoke.
- James River High School in the Springwood area of Buchanan also opened in 1959. It serves the northern parts of the county including Buchanan, Eagle Rock, Springwood, and parts of Fincastle and Troutville.
Politics
The Republican candidate for president has won the support of Botetourt County in seventeen of the last nineteen races. The county also voted Republican for governor in 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025. It voted in 2008 for Mark Warner in the U.S. Senate election.[24]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1912 | 517 | 32.15% | 889 | 55.29% | 202 | 12.56% |
| 1916 | 775 | 45.83% | 900 | 53.22% | 16 | 0.95% |
| 1920 | 1,240 | 48.17% | 1,331 | 51.71% | 3 | 0.12% |
| 1924 | 1,264 | 45.90% | 1,427 | 51.82% | 63 | 2.29% |
| 1928 | 1,575 | 56.76% | 1,200 | 43.24% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1932 | 1,209 | 39.54% | 1,808 | 59.12% | 41 | 1.34% |
| 1936 | 1,343 | 46.29% | 1,544 | 53.22% | 14 | 0.48% |
| 1940 | 1,085 | 44.80% | 1,329 | 54.87% | 8 | 0.33% |
| 1944 | 1,272 | 49.65% | 1,275 | 49.77% | 15 | 0.59% |
| 1948 | 1,363 | 51.81% | 1,026 | 39.00% | 242 | 9.20% |
| 1952 | 2,021 | 61.50% | 1,264 | 38.47% | 1 | 0.03% |
| 1956 | 2,280 | 60.67% | 1,377 | 36.64% | 101 | 2.69% |
| 1960 | 2,159 | 56.79% | 1,621 | 42.64% | 22 | 0.58% |
| 1964 | 2,098 | 46.87% | 2,377 | 53.11% | 1 | 0.02% |
| 1968 | 2,598 | 50.54% | 1,272 | 24.75% | 1,270 | 24.71% |
| 1972 | 3,806 | 69.44% | 1,519 | 27.71% | 156 | 2.85% |
| 1976 | 3,343 | 44.14% | 4,021 | 53.10% | 209 | 2.76% |
| 1980 | 4,408 | 51.24% | 3,698 | 42.99% | 496 | 5.77% |
| 1984 | 5,959 | 64.15% | 3,243 | 34.91% | 87 | 0.94% |
| 1988 | 5,687 | 59.30% | 3,763 | 39.23% | 141 | 1.47% |
| 1992 | 5,904 | 48.36% | 4,349 | 35.62% | 1,956 | 16.02% |
| 1996 | 6,404 | 51.73% | 4,576 | 36.96% | 1,400 | 11.31% |
| 2000 | 8,867 | 64.07% | 4,627 | 33.43% | 346 | 2.50% |
| 2004 | 10,865 | 68.78% | 4,801 | 30.39% | 131 | 0.83% |
| 2008 | 11,471 | 65.90% | 5,693 | 32.71% | 242 | 1.39% |
| 2012 | 12,479 | 68.41% | 5,452 | 29.89% | 310 | 1.70% |
| 2016 | 13,375 | 71.38% | 4,494 | 23.98% | 870 | 4.64% |
| 2020 | 15,099 | 71.49% | 5,700 | 26.99% | 321 | 1.52% |
| 2024 | 15,796 | 71.87% | 5,915 | 26.91% | 267 | 1.21% |
Fire, Emergency medical services, and Law enforcement
Botetourt County Fire & EMS uses a combination of career staff and volunteers to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, fire safety education, swiftwater rescue, and other emergency services to the county. The department operates out of seven stations with a range of fire apparatus and ambulances to provide these services.[26][27]
Botetourt County Sheriff's Office is the policing body within Botetourt County. They are stationed in Fincastle, Virginia along with the county jail.[28] The Sheriff is Matthew T. Ward, who was elected in November 2019.[29] Botetourt County Sheriff's Office works closely with Virginia State Police, as the county only has 69 officers within their force.[30] The county also has their own Emergency Communications Center, which serves to take 9-1-1 calls and help direct law enforcement and first responders to emergency scenes.[30]
Communities
Towns
Census-designated places
Unincorporated communities
Notable people
- George A. Anderson (1853–1896), United States Congressman from Illinois
- Samuel Barton (1749–1810), Explorer, pioneer, early settler of Nashville and patriot
- George Louis Alfonso Pogue (1887–1956), African American doctor who opened an integrated pharmacy in the 1920s in Bedford[31]
- Edward Rumsey (1796–1868), United States Representative from Kentucky
- Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech softball pitcher from 2005 to 2008
- Matthew Ramsey, Songwriter and lead vocalist of the band Old Dominion
See also
References
- ^ Roanoke Region of Virginia
- ^ "Botetourt County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ a b McClane, Debra Alderson (2007). Botetourt County. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub. ISBN 9780738543758.
- ^ Salmon, Emily J.; Campbell, Edward D.C. Jr. (1994). The hornbook of Virginia history : a ready-reference guide to the Old Dominion's people, places, and past (4th ed.). Richmond: Library of Virginia. p. 161. ISBN 0884901777.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "2023 Population Estimates (PEP)". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing from 1790-2000". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ a b "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Botetourt County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Botetourt County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "1980 Census of Population - General Social and Economic Characteristics - Virginia - Table 15 - Persons by Race: 1980 and Table 16 - Total Persons and Spanish Origin Persons by Type of Spanish Origin and Race: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 13-24. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 18, 2026 – via WayBack Machine.
- ^ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Virginia: Tables 3-6 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 13-51. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 24, 2021 – via WayBack Machine.
- ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Botetourt County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
- ^ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
- ^ not an option in the 1980 Census
- ^ not an option in the 1990 Census
- ^ a b c "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ^ a b "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ "Virginia Elections Database » 2008 U.S. Senate General Election". Virginia Elections Database. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ "Fire Stations". Botetourt County Fire and EMS. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
- ^ "Fincastle Fire and Rescue Merger". WSLS 10. August 24, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ "Sheriff's Office & E911 Center | Botetourt County, VA". www.botetourtva.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ "Botetourt County Sheriff's Office | A full service Law Enforcement Agency". BOTETOURT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sheriff's Office & E911 Center | Botetourt County, VA". www.botetourtva.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Woodcock, Noelle. “Dr. George Louis Alfonso Pogue – Pharmacist, Doctor & Civil Rights Activist in Bedford.” Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, Find G Local, February 1, 2021, www.findglocal.com/US/Bedford/311951041346/Bedford-Museum-%26-Genealogical-Library.