Winchester is the northernmost independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. Although it serves as the county seat of Frederick County, the city and the county are separate jurisdictions. As of the 2020 United States census, the city had a population of 28,120.
The city is the principal hub of the Winchester metropolitan area, which has a total population exceeding 145,000 and extends into West Virginia. This region is part of the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area. Notable local institutions include Shenandoah University and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.