Overview
Henrico County, officially the County of Henrico, is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. It lies immediately around parts of the City of Richmond and is a significant component of the Richmond metropolitan region. As recorded by the 2010 census, the population was 306,935 (2010 census), reflecting a large and varied suburban population.
Geography and settlement
Henrico occupies territory that transitions from older urban neighborhoods bordering Richmond to newer residential suburbs and commercial corridors. The county includes major transportation links, regional parks, and commercial centers. Several unincorporated communities and census-designated places provide local identity without forming independent cities.
History and development
Originally organized in the colonial period, Henrico was one of the early shires established in Virginia during the 17th century. Its long history includes early English settlement sites and roles in colonial and Civil War-era developments. Over time the county evolved from agrarian beginnings into a largely suburban, service- and commerce-oriented jurisdiction.
Economy, services, and culture
The county supports a mixed economy of retail, professional services, logistics, and public administration. Henrico maintains a public school system, parks, libraries, and county government services typical of large Virginia counties. Cultural and historic attractions, neighborhood festivals, and regional institutions contribute to civic life.
Notable distinctions
- One of the oldest counties in the United States, with origins in the 1600s.
- Surrounds portions of the independent City of Richmond and is integral to the metro area.
- Home to regional transportation and commercial hubs that serve central Virginia.