Centreville, Virginia

Centreville, Virginia
Name	Centreville
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Virginia
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Fairfax
Area total sq mi	12.19
Area land sq mi	12.17
Area water sq mi	0.02
Population as of	2020
Population total	73750
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	38, 50, 34, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	20120, 20121, 20122
Area code	571, 703
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	51-14472
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1492748

Centreville, Virginia. Centreville is a populous census-designated place in Fairfax County, part of the Washington metropolitan area. Its history is deeply tied to the American Civil War, serving as a strategic location during the First Battle of Bull Run and the Second Battle of Bull Run. Today, it is a major suburban community characterized by diverse residential neighborhoods, significant commercial development, and vital transportation corridors.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Doeg people before European settlement. During the early 19th century, it developed as a crossroads village along the Little River Turnpike. Centreville gained immense strategic importance during the American Civil War, used as a winter quarters by Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston and later as a base for the Union Army under General George B. McClellan. The nearby Battle of Blackburn's Ford and the larger engagements at the First Battle of Bull Run and Second Battle of Bull Run saw significant troop movements through the area. Historic sites like the St. John's Episcopal Church, which served as a hospital, and remnants of Confederate earthworks on Centreville Ridge remain. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources lists several properties in the area on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Centreville has a total area of approximately 12.2 square miles, almost entirely land. It is situated in the Piedmont region of Virginia, with terrain featuring rolling hills. The community is bounded by other Northern Virginia localities such as Chantilly and Clifton, and lies just west of Fairfax City. Major waterways include Cub Run and Rocky Run, tributaries of the Potomac River. The Occoquan Reservoir is located to the south. The geography has been significantly shaped by suburban development, with numerous residential subdivisions and commercial centers like the Centreville Square and Centreville Corner.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 73,750, making it one of the most populous census-designated places in Virginia. The community is highly diverse; the United States Census Bureau reports significant populations of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and African American residents. This diversity is reflected in a wide variety of cultural institutions, places of worship, and community events. The median household income is above the average for both Fairfax County and the United States, with a high percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Major ancestry groups include those of German, Irish, Indian, and Korean descent.

Economy

Centreville's economy is closely integrated with the broader Washington metropolitan area, with many residents employed by the federal government, defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, and technology firms in the Dulles Technology Corridor. Major local employers include the Fairfax County Public Schools system and various retail and service corporations. Significant commercial hubs are concentrated along U.S. Route 29 (Lee Highway) and Virginia Route 28, featuring shopping centers anchored by stores like Wegmans, Lowe's, and Target. The Washington Dulles International Airport and the Reston/Herndon business centers provide additional employment opportunities nearby.

Education

Public education is administered by the Fairfax County Public Schools system, one of the largest school districts in the United States. Notable high schools serving the community include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. Elementary and middle schools such as Centreville Elementary and Liberty Middle School are also located within the area. Several private schools operate in the region, including Centreville Baptist School. Higher education opportunities are accessible at nearby institutions like George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and the University of Virginia's Northern Virginia Center.

Transportation

Major roadways are critical to the community's connectivity, including Interstate 66 which runs east-west, and Virginia Route 28 which runs north-south, providing direct access to Washington Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Technology Corridor. Other significant routes are U.S. Route 29 (Lee Highway) and Virginia Route 620 (Centreville Road). Public transportation is provided by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrobus) and the Fairfax Connector bus system. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro has expanded access to rapid transit, with stations such as Innovation Center station located nearby. The community is also served by the Virginia Railway Express at the Manassas station.

Category:Census-designated places in Virginia Category:Populated places in Fairfax County, Virginia