Visitors

Botetourt County Quick Facts

(pronounced "Bot-a-tot")

  • Year Founded - 1770
  • Area - 548 square miles
  • Population 2012 - 33,596
    (Population, within 30 minutes - Approximately 314,000)
  • Homeownership Rate - 87.8%
  • Major Highways - I-81, U.S. 11, U.S. 220, U.S. 460
  • Nearby Airports - Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
  • Temperature
    •  January average - 37 degrees Fahrenheit
    • July average - 74 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Nearby Airports - Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

About

Botetourt County, founded in 1770, is historically unique. It was initially formed from Augusta County and it derived its name from Lord Botetourt, who was the Governor of Virginia. After the Revolutionary War, the County's jurisdiction was extended to the Mississippi River, encompassing what is now West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and part of Illinois and Wisconsin.

Learn more about Botetourt's history.

Government

Botetourt County has a five-member elected Board of Supervisors which oversees most of the county's government-related operations. The members are chosen from five election districts and a board chairman is elected annually from among those five members. In addition, Botetourt has a complete administrative staff under the direction of the County Administrator. The County Administrator is hired by the Board of Supervisors to run the day-to-day operations.

Learn more about Botetourt County's Government structure and representatives.

View Botetourt County's Comprehensive Plan.

Climate

Botetourt experiences an average January temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and an average July temperature of 87 degrees F. 

Four full seasons guarantee a variety of activities throughout the year, whether you enjoy sun or snow. The annual Best Places Comfort Index for Botetourt County is 7.5 (10=best), which means it is one of the most pleasant places to live in Virginia.

Botetourt County Climate Details 

View the National Weather Service Forecast for Botetourt County

Location

Botetourt County is located in the beautiful mountains of the southwestern portion of the state in the scenic Roanoke Valley of Virginia. Our county boasts easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River. Strategically located on Interstate 81 and just 20 miles to Interstate 64, Botetourt County is accessible to the markets of the Mid-West and the East.

Richmond, the state capital, is 176 miles northeast; Washington, D.C. is 233 miles northeast; and Winston-Salem, NC. is 122 miles south.

Botetourt County is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

See more details about Botetourt's great access to transportation pathways.

Geography

The average elevation is 1,000 feet, with mountains such as Apple Orchard and Sugarloaf reaching over 4,000 feet above sea level and valley floors along the James River at under 900 feet. The climate provides enjoyable scenic changes during the four seasons. Temperatures average 37 degrees in January to 87 degrees in July. The average annual precipitation is 41 inches.

Visitor Information on Botetourt County & Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge is the region's official destination marketing organization. They work to provide information on accommodations, attractions, recreation, dining, and more in Virginia's Blue Ridge for convention, meeting, and leisure travelers. Whether planning to visit Botetourt County and Virginia's Blue Ridge for business, pleasure, or both, they are happy to assist you and meet your travel needs. To find specific Botetourt County travel information, click here.