Fredericksburg City
countyFredericksburg, Virginia, is an independent city strategically located in Northern Virginia, approximately midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond. As of 2020, the population was 27,982. Fredericksburg is known for its rich history, particularly its significance during the Civil War, and its role as a colonial trading hub. The city offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a desirable place to live and visit. The economy of Fredericksburg is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, retail, and education. Key institutions such as the University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are major employers in the area. The city also benefits from its proximity to several military installations and the U.S. government, contributing to the regional economy. Tourism is a significant part of the economy, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors annually to its historical sites and attractions. Fredericksburg's distinctive character is shaped by its well-preserved historical architecture, its location on the Rappahannock River, and its numerous historical landmarks. The city's commitment to preserving its past while fostering a vibrant present contributes to its unique quality of life.
Fredericksburg City, Virginia
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 51-29744
- Country
- United States
- County
- Fredericksburg City
- Region
- Northeastern Virginia
- Elevation
- 59 ft
- Total Area
- 10.5 sq mi
- Land Area
- 10.4 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.301806
- Longitude
- -77.47083
- Climate
- The city is part of the boundary between the Piedmont and Tidewater regions.
- Notable Features
- Rappahannock River · Atlantic Seaboard fall line
- Neighboring Areas
- Spotsylvania County · Stafford County
- Population (2020)
- 27,982
- Est. Population (2024)
- 28,873
- Median Age
- 31
- Median Income
- $85,368
- Poverty Rate
- 16.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 41.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Fredericksburg is 55.6% White, 19.8% Black or African American, 12.6% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and smaller percentages for other races.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.1%
- Economic Profile
- Historic Downtown · Tourism · Regional healthcare center
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- University of Mary Washington · Mary Washington Healthcare · GEICO
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 3,575
- Teachers
- 237
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- School Districts
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Mary Washington · Germanna Community College
- Transportation
- I-95 · US 1 · US 17 · Virginia Railway Express (VRE) · Amtrak
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Major Facilities
- Mary Washington Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park · Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area · Alum Spring Park
- Parks & Trails
- Canal Path · Rappahannock River Heritage Trail · Virginia Central Railway Trail
- Founded
- 1728
- Incorporated
- 1781
- Named After
- Frederick, Prince of Wales
- Historical Significance
- Fredericksburg played a vital role in Virginia's economy and political life during the colonial period and was a strategically important site during the American Revolution and Civil War.
- Key Events
- Establishment as a port in 1728 · American Revolution · Battle of Fredericksburg (Civil War)
