Highland County is a county in Virginia, United States, tucked against the West Virginia line in the Allegheny Highlands. It had a population of 2,232 at the 2020 census and covers 416 square miles (1,080 km2) centred near 38°21′N 79°34′W.
Monterey is the county seat, and its postal code is 24465. The county has one incorporated town, about 18 unincorporated communities, and no civil townships — it is instead divided into three magisterial districts (Blue Grass, Monterey, Stonewall). Highland observes Eastern time, and its FIPS code is 51091.
Towns & Villages in Highland County
Only Monterey is an incorporated town; everything else on the list below is an unincorporated community or crossroads settlement. Population figures are shown only where a reliable community-level count exists — most of these places are too small to receive their own census tabulation.
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey | Town · seat | — | 24465 |
| Bethel | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Blue Grass | Unincorp. | — | 24413 |
| Clover Creek | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Doe Hill | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Hardscrabble | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Hightown | Unincorp. | — | 24445 |
| Liberty | Unincorp. | — | — |
| McDowell | Unincorp. | — | 24458 |
| Meadowdale | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Mill Gap | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Mustoe | Unincorp. | — | — |
| New Hampden | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Palo Alto | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Patna | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Possum Trot | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Sirons Mill | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Trimble | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Vanderpool | Unincorp. | — | — |
ZIP Codes
- 24465 — Monterey (also serves the surrounding Stonewall District)
- 24458 — McDowell (also serves Doe Hill and Bethel)
- 24413 — Blue Grass (also serves Vanderpool and Clover Creek)
- 24445 — Hightown (also serves Mustoe)
The rest of the county’s small settlements share these four post-office ZIPs rather than carrying their own.
Geography
Highland is Virginia’s highest and least-populated county, sitting entirely within the Allegheny Mountains along the Eastern Continental Divide. The Bullpasture and Cowpasture rivers rise here and drain the eastern half toward the James River, while streams on the county’s northern edge feed the South Branch Potomac across the West Virginia line. Ridge-and-valley terrain gives the county its “Little Switzerland” nickname, with several summits topping 4,000 feet.
Highland borders Pendleton County, West Virginia, to the north, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, to the west, Bath County to the south, and Augusta County to the east.
Demographics
Highland County had 2,232 residents at the 2020 census, the fewest of any county or independent city in Virginia. Monterey and McDowell are its two largest population centres. Household income here runs well below the Virginia median of $89,931, reflecting the county’s agricultural and timber-based economy. With about 415 square miles of land, population density is roughly 5 people per square mile, among the lowest east of the Mississippi River.
Economy & Local Life
Cattle grazing and sheep farming anchor the local economy; Highland ranks among Virginia’s top counties for lamb and wool production. Timber and government employment — including Highland County Public Schools, one of the county’s largest employers — round out the base, alongside logging operations such as Allen Lowry Logging. The Highland County Maple Festival, held every March since 1959, is the county’s signature annual event, along with the Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge each August and the county fair.
History
Highland County was formed on March 19, 1847, from parts of Bath and Pendleton counties and named for its high elevation. Monterey has been the county seat since its founding. The Battle of McDowell, fought here on May 8, 1862, was the first Confederate victory of Stonewall Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign.
Getting There
U.S. Route 250 and U.S. Route 220 cross the county, along with Virginia State Route 84.
- Staunton, Virginia — about 40 miles east on US 250
- Harrisonburg, Virginia — about 45 miles northeast
- Marlinton, West Virginia — about 25 miles west via Pocahontas County
- Warm Springs, Virginia — about 20 miles south in Bath County
The nearest commercial airport is Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport near Weyers Cave, roughly 45 miles east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highland County, Virginia?
It sits in the Allegheny Highlands of west-central Virginia, bordering West Virginia to the north and west.
What is the population of Highland County?
2,232 residents as of the 2020 census — the smallest population of any county or independent city in Virginia.
How big is Highland County?
416 square miles (1,080 km2), of which about 415 square miles is land.
What is the county seat of Highland County?
Monterey is the county seat and the county’s only incorporated town.
How many towns and communities are in Highland County?
One incorporated town, Monterey, plus around 18 unincorporated communities such as McDowell, Blue Grass, and Hightown.
What ZIP codes are in Highland County?
24465 (Monterey), 24458 (McDowell), 24413 (Blue Grass), and 24445 (Hightown).
Why is Highland County called “Virginia’s Little Switzerland”?
Its mountainous terrain and high elevation — among the highest average elevations of any county east of the Mississippi River — earned it the nickname.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Virginia.