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Leesburg

city

Leesburg, Virginia, is a historic town and the county seat of Loudoun County, situated in Northern Virginia, approximately 33 miles west-northwest of Washington, D.C.. As of 2024, the estimated population is around 49,831. Once a small, rural Piedmont town, Leesburg has transformed into a suburban community with considerable growth and development over the past three decades. Leesburg's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including professional, scientific, and technical services, retail trade, and education. Key employers include the Federal Aviation Administration, Loudoun County Public Schools, and various businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors. The town also operates the Leesburg Executive Airport, contributing significantly to the local economy. Leesburg's distinctive character is shaped by its rich history, well-preserved historic district, and access to natural features like the Catoctin Mountain and the Potomac River. The town played a role in the War of 1812, serving as a refuge for important federal documents, and in the Civil War, changing hands several times. Today, Leesburg blends its historical charm with modern amenities and a high quality of life.

Leesburg, Virginia

Overview
Classification
Town
FIPS Code
51-44984
Country
United States
County
Loudoun
Geography
Region
Northern Virginia Piedmont
Elevation
341 ft
Total Area
12.47 sq mi
Land Area
12.4 sq mi
Water Area
0.069 sq mi
Latitude
39.1156
Longitude
-77.5644
Climate
Leesburg experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
Notable Features
Catoctin Mountain · Potomac River · Tuscarora Creek
Neighboring Areas
Lansdowne · Ashburn
Demographics
Population (2020)
48,250
Est. Population (2024)
49,831
Median Age
36.1
Median Income
$145,205
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Owner-Occupied
68.9%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Leesburg is 54.1% White, 20.7% Hispanic, and 11.3% Asian.
Governance
Government Type
Council–manager
Governing Body
Town Council
School District
Loudoun County Public Schools
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Transportation · Water and Sewer
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Retail Trade · Educational Services
Major Employers
Federal Aviation Administration · Loudoun County Public Schools · Cofense · EIT · Rehau
Education
Schools
15
School Districts
Loudoun County Public Schools
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 15 · Virginia Route 7 · Dulles Greenway · Leesburg Executive Airport · Loudoun County Transit
Utilities
Municipal water · Sewer · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Leesburg Executive Airport · Ida Lee Park Recreation Center · Inova Loudoun Hospital
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Ida Lee Park · Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park · Washington & Old Dominion Trail
Parks & Trails
Ida Lee Park · Washington & Old Dominion Trail · Town Branch Trail
History
Founded
1758
Incorporated
1813
Named After
Thomas Lee
Historical Significance
Leesburg has played a significant role in Virginia's history, serving as a center of government, commerce, and refuge during wartime.
Key Events
Establishment of Loudoun County Courthouse (1757) · Renamed Leesburg (1758) · Refuge for U.S. Government during the War of 1812 · Battle of Ball's Bluff (1861)