U.S. Route 501 passes through the town on Main Street, leading south 5 miles (8 km) to South Boston and north 55 miles (89 km) to Lynchburg.

Virginia State Route 360 joins US 501 along North Main Street but leads east 7 miles (11 km) to U.S. Route 360 near Scottsburg and west 35 miles (56 km) to Danville.

There were 583 housing units at an average density of 153.3 per square mile (59.2/km2).

31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.