Big Island, Virginia
Big Island is a census-designated place in northern Bedford County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2020 United States census was 300. The CDP is located along the James River and U.S. Route 501, between Glasgow and Coleman Falls. It is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The area is named for a large, uninhabited island in the river upstream from the community.Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.830 square miles.Demographics
Big Island was first listed as a census designated place in the 2010 U.S. census.2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 300 people residing in the CDP. There were 153 housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 268 White people, 19 African American or Black, and 12 from two or more races. Only one resident was Hispanic or Latino of any race.2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 303 people residing in the CDP. There were 153 housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.4% White, 4.0% African American or Black, 0.3% American Indian, 0.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.Economy
The community is centered around a Georgia-Pacific paper mill that has been in operation for more than 125 years and is considered one of the longest continuously producing paper mills in the United States.Government
The United States Postal Service operates the Big Island Post Office within the CDP.Education
The CDP is served by Bedford County Public Schools. Public school students residing in Big Island are zoned to attend Big Island Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, and Liberty High School.The closest higher education institutions are located in Bedford and Lynchburg.