Sussex County
countySussex County, Virginia, is a rural county located in the southeastern part of the state. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,829. The county seat is Sussex. Sussex County is part of the Greater Richmond Region and maintains a predominantly agricultural economy. Agriculture and related manufacturing form the basis of Sussex County's economy. Key industries include peanut shelling, tourism, and manufacturing. The county is strategically located between Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Southern Virginia, which provides access to diverse markets and resources. Sussex County was formed in 1754 and named after Sussex County, England. The county has preserved its historic heritage, with sites like the Nottoway Archeological Site and the Sussex County Courthouse Historic District. The area's history includes early settlement by Native Americans and later organization by English colonists.
Sussex County, Virginia
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Sussex County
- Region
- South-central Virginia
- Elevation
- 250 ft
- Total Area
- 493 sq mi
- Land Area
- 490 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.6 sq mi
- Latitude
- 36.93
- Longitude
- -77.26
- Climate
- Relatively moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59.2°F, average January temperature of 39°F, and average July temperature of 78.1°F. Annual rainfall is 44.64 inches and annual snowfall is 8.9 inches.
- Notable Features
- Nottoway River · Blackwater River · Stony Creek · Dendron Swamp Natural Area Preserve · Chub Sandhill Natural Area Preserve
- Neighboring Areas
- Dinwiddie County, VA · Greensville County, VA · Prince George County, VA · Southampton County, VA · Surry County, VA
- Population (2020)
- 10,829
- Est. Population (2026)
- 10,671
- Median Age
- 41
- Median Income
- $62,821
- Poverty Rate
- 12.1%
- Family Households
- 71.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 69.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 54.7% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 40.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.73% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 0.667% Other (Hispanic), and 0.556% Asian (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County
- Governing Body
- Board of Supervisors
- Body Size
- 6 members
- School District
- Sussex County Public Schools
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural · Agricultural-related manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Agriculture · Manufacturing
- Schools
- 3
- Students
- 994
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- School Districts
- Sussex County Public Schools
- Transportation
- I-95 · US-460
- Major Facilities
- Sussex I State Prison · Sussex II State Prison
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Southeast 4-H Educational Center on Airfield Lake · Stony Creek Park · Dendron Swamp Natural Area Preserve · Chub Sandhill Natural Area Preserve
- Parks & Trails
- Stony Creek Park
- Founded
- 1754
- Named After
- Sussex County, England
- Historical Significance
- Sussex County has maintained a predominantly agricultural economy and preserved some of its historic heritage for centuries.
- Key Events
- Formed from Surry County · Early settlement near Cactus Hill · Railway development in 1853 · Largest forest fire in Virginia history in 1943