Shannon Howell

Stafford County Government

From pre-colonial America to modern-day, Stafford County has a rich history associated with significant events and people in our nation's history. Established in 1664, Stafford is perhaps most famously known as the boyhood home of George Washington. Stafford was particularly affected by the Civil War, The Battle of Aquia Creek took place in the County in 1861. During the duration of the conflict, some 100,000 United States and Confederate troops occupied the County. The conclusion of the Civil War represented a time of reconstruction. Stafford remained mostly a rural community until the construction of Interstate 95 in the late 1960s. Since that time, Stafford has experienced a population boom. With a 2018 population of 149,110, Stafford is now the 3rd fastest growing County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with populations over 25,000. Stafford is located between the major commuting centers of Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. According to a 2018 study by Weldon Cooper, an estimated 38,000 County residents commute out of County for employment, compared to an estimated 22,000 who commute in. Approximately 10,000 people live and work within Stafford County.