[2] Occupied by varying cultures of indigenous peoples for thousands of years, in historic times English colonists encountered Siouan language Native Americans.

The county was named for George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax.

Through the 1990 Census, South Boston was an independent city, but it became a town again and rejoined Halifax County in 1995.

27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Halifax is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.