Louisa County, Virginia
Louisa County sits in central Virginia, about an hour northwest of Richmond, with a landscape dominated by farms, forests, and peaceful countryside. Lake Anna is one of its biggest attractions, with vacation homes, marinas, and recreational areas lining its shores.
Locals often joke that the county’s population doubles during the summer as visitors arrive to enjoy boating, fishing, and lake life. Lake Anna also serves an important practical purpose, providing cooling water for the nuclear power plant located along its southern end.
Mineral, the county seat, made headlines in 2011 when it experienced a direct hit from a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. Louisa County is also home to Twin Oaks, an intentional community where residents live cooperatively and produce handmade hammocks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Louisa County |
| County Seat | Louisa |
| Population | Approximately 40,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Louisa, Mineral, Ferncliff, Trevilians, Zion Crossroads |
| Interstates and Highways | I-64, US-33, US-522, VA-22 |
| FIPS Code | 51-109 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 511 sq mi (Land: 496 sq mi; Water: 15 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Orange County (North), Spotsylvania County (Northeast), Hanover County (East), Goochland County (South), Fluvanna County (Southwest), Albemarle County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38.0094° N, 78.0027° W |
| Etymology | Named after Princess Louise of Great Britain, daughter of King George II |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Anna, Louisa County Historical Society Museum, Twin Oaks Community |