Lynchburg is a city of 50 square miles located near the geographic center of the state, bordered by the eastern edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located approximately 180 miles southwest of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

An active community boasting friendly residential neighborhoods, Lynchburg has a tradition of outstanding public education. Lynchburg operates one of the top school systems in the state and is recognized for its unique Partners in Education program that partners the business and government sector with the schools. The city is also home to five public/private colleges and universities.

A city with outstanding cultural, educational, and recreation opportunities, Lynchburg operates 12 parks, 24 playgrounds, eight community centers, an Olympic-size pool, 34 tennis courts, and 26 baseball diamonds. Other opportunities include hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or on the Appalachian Trail; swimming and boating on Smith Mountain Lake, one of the country’s largest man-made bodies of water; skiing at nearby Wintergreen Resort; or taking in a minor-league baseball game at the city-managed stadium.

Lynchburg has operated under a Council/Manager form of government since 1920. The City Council, comprised of seven members, is elected for four-year staggered terms of office. Lynchburg’s City Council has created a vision to guide the community into the next millennium. Encouraging innovative approaches and focused, change-ready leadership, City Council’s broad vision targets include stable, productive, inspired families; strategic economic development; an integrated education community; and a community environment second to none.

Community Profile

Population
City: 66,049
Metropolitan Statistical Area: 203,000
72.5% white
26.4% black
1.1% other
Median household income (two-person family): $24,750
Persons below poverty: 16.4%
Current unemployment rate: 2.3%

Size
City: 50 square miles
MSA: 1,802 square miles

Climate
Coldest period: end of January, early February, average temperature 35°
Warmest period: last half of July, average temperature 76°
Average annual precipitation: 38.27 inches
Average annual snowfall: 18.3 inches

Government
Council-Manager form: seven council members, from which Council elects Mayor and Vice-mayor.