If you're staring at a map of Northern Virginia trying to figure out herndon va is in what county, you aren't alone. It’s a common point of confusion. People often mix it up with the neighboring tech hub of Reston or assume it’s its own independent entity like Alexandria or Falls Church.
Honestly? It's Fairfax County.
But there is a twist. Herndon isn't just a "place" in the county; it is an incorporated town. That distinction matters more than you might think for your taxes, your trash pickup, and even who shows up if you call the police.
The Town vs. County Dynamic
Virginia has this quirky legal system where cities are totally separate from counties. If you live in Fairfax City, you don't live in Fairfax County. Weird, right? However, Herndon is a town. This means it sits inside the borders of Fairfax County. Residents are essentially citizens of both.
You pay town taxes and county taxes.
You get town trash pickup but use the county library.
It’s a "double-dip" of governance that gives the area its specific character.
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Why Everyone Gets This Mixed Up
A big reason people struggle with identifying herndon va is in what county is the proximity to Loudoun County. Herndon sits right on the edge. If you drive a few minutes west on Elden Street, you’ll find yourself crossing the invisible line into Sterling, which is Loudoun territory.
Then there’s the Dulles factor. Most people associate Dulles International Airport with Herndon because the mailing addresses often overlap. But the airport itself is mostly in Loudoun. This "border town" energy makes Herndon a melting pot of tech workers from the Dulles Corridor and long-time locals who remember when this was all dairy farms.
The Historic Soul of Fairfax County
Historically, Herndon was the "Big Apple" of the dairy world in Fairfax. Back in the late 1800s, it was a vital hub for the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad. Farmers brought their milk to the Herndon Depot to ship it into Washington, D.C.
You can still see this history today. The W&OD Trail, which thousands of cyclists use every weekend, follows the old bed of that railroad. The red brick Depot still stands in the center of town, acting as a museum and a reminder that before the Silver Line Metro arrived, the steam engine was king.
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Life in the Dranesville District
For administrative purposes, Herndon falls under the Dranesville District of Fairfax County. This is currently represented by Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. If you’re a resident, you’re looking at two different budgets every year.
- The Town Budget: This covers things like the Herndon Police Department (yes, they have their own), the Chestnut Grove Cemetery, and the Herndon Centennial Golf Course.
- The County Budget: This is the big one. It covers the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the massive infrastructure projects that keep Northern Virginia moving.
In the FY 2026 budget plan, the Town of Herndon actually proposed a slight increase in the real estate tax rate—about one penny—to help cover rising costs. While nobody loves a tax hike, it’s the price of maintaining that "small town feel" inside one of the most populous counties in the United States.
Real-World Implications of Living in Herndon
If you’re moving here or just visiting, the "town-in-a-county" status hits you in practical ways.
Schools are County-run. Even though the town has its own mayor and council, the schools are part of the Fairfax County Public School system. Whether your kids go to Herndon High or a nearby elementary school, they are FCPS students.
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The Police are Local. If you have a fender-bender on Elden Street, the officer who shows up will likely be wearing a Herndon Town Police uniform. However, if you're on the Fairfax County Parkway just outside the town limits, you’ll be dealing with the Fairfax County Police.
The Silver Line is a Game Changer. The Herndon Metro station is technically a Fairfax County facility, but it has completely reshaped the town’s economy. It has brought a surge of high-density development to the "transit-oriented" areas, creating a sharp contrast between the glass-and-steel office buildings and the 19th-century Victorian homes downtown.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Herndon
- Check Your Address: If you’re looking at real estate, verify if the property is inside the town limits. Some "Herndon" addresses are actually in unincorporated Fairfax County, meaning you won't pay the extra town tax—but you won't get town leaf collection or trash services either.
- Visit the Depot: If you want to understand the vibe, go to the Herndon Depot Museum on a Saturday. It's the best way to see how the town grew within the county.
- The W&OD Trail: Use it. It is the literal spine of the town. You can bike from Herndon all the way to Purcellville or into Arlington without ever fighting a car.
- Stay Involved: Follow the Dranesville District Supervisor updates. Since Herndon is a small part of a huge county, local advocacy is the only way to make sure the town's voice is heard in the Fairfax Government Center.
Herndon is a fascinating hybrid. It’s a place where you can find a world-class Ethiopian restaurant next to a 100-year-old hardware store, all tucked into the corner of a county that drives the global tech economy. Knowing that herndon va is in what county is just the start; understanding the relationship between the two is what really makes you a local.