Cities in West Virginia

Population: 1,792,147

The map of West Virginia cities offers a user-friendly way to explore all the cities and towns located in the state. To get started, simply click the clusters on the map. These clusters represent groups of cities located close to each other geographically and as the map zooms, the individual cities within the selected cluster will become more visible. As you take a depper dive, the clusters will transform to pins and allow you to click the cities of your choice.

Largest cities in West Virginia by population

West Virginia Overview

Statistic Value
Population 1,792,147
Population Density 74 ppl. / sq. mi.
Median Age 42
Male To Female Ratio 0.98 : 0
Married (15yrs & older) 58.67%
Families w/ Kids under 18 36.74%
Speak English 97.55%
Speak Spanish 1%

West Virginia Demographics

Statistic Value
White 93%
Black 3%
American Indian 0%
Asian 1%
Hawaiian 0%
Other Race Alone 0%
Multi Racial 2%
Hispanic Or Latino 1%

West Virginia Education

Statistic Value
Completed eighth Grade 81%
Completed High School 78.58%
Bachelors Degree 26%
Masters Degree 1%
Avg. School Score n/a%

West Virginia Employment

Statistic Value
Median Household Income $42,644
Income Per Capita $24,002
Median Earnings Male $34,780
Median Earnings Female $22,329
Unemployment Rate 4%

West Virginia State Facts

What is the largest city in West Virginia?

In terms of population, Charleston is the largest city in West Virginia, boasting a population size of 50,210 residents. Following behind, Huntington is second on the list with 48,735 people, and Parkersburg claims the thrid-largest city title with 30,962 people.

What are the best cities to live in West Virginia?

Nutter Fort ranks as the top-rated city and has an impressive Livability Score of 87 and is considered the best place to live in West Virginia. Following closely behind is Charleston, which has a Livability Score of 84 and is considered the 2nd best place to live in West Virginia. Bridgeport, with a Livability Score of 82, is the 3rd best city on the list.

What is the most affordable city in West Virginia?

Kistler, WV has a cost of living that is 24.64% less than the West Virginia average and 44.93% lower than the National average, making it an economically attractive choice for residents.

What are the safest cities in West Virginia (over 10,000 population)?

Weirton takes the top spot and is the safest place to live in West Virginia with a crime rate that is 624.47% safer than the National average. Bluefield and Fairmont are also very safe cities in West Virginia, offering residents secure and low crime living environments

What are the states that border West Virginia on the map?

Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are bordering states to West Virginia.

What is the capital city of West Virginia?

The capital city of West Virginia is Charleston. It has a population of 50,210 people.

What is the size of West Virginia?

West Virginia has a land area size of 24,230 square miles and is 0.79% water.

What is the state nickname of West Virginia?

The state nickname of West Virginia is "The Mountain State".

What is the population of West Virginia?

The population of West Virginia is 1,792,147.

What are the demographics in West Virginia?

The median age in West Virginia is 41.9, 58.67% of people are married, 36.74% of people have kids under the age of 18, 97.55% of people speak English and 1.04% of people speak Spanish

West Virginia: Scenic Landscapes & Proud Traditions

Nestled within the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia emerges as a state of captivating beauty and cultural richness. With its rolling hills, lush valleys and winding rivers, this state boasts a diverse natural landscape that has earned it the nickname "The Mountain State." Beyond its picturesque scenery, West Virginia's history is deeply entwined with stories of resilience, independence and the preservation of its unique traditions. From its coal-mining legacy to its vibrant artistic expressions, West Virginia stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings.

West Virginia Quick Facts

West Virginia was the 35th state to gain statehood on June 20, 1863. There are now a total of 401 cities, towns, and villages in West Virginia. West Virginia is the 41st largest city by land area with 24,230 square miles and is just 0.79% water. West Virginia is the 40th largest city by population with over 1.7 million residents. The capital city of West Virginia is Charleston and it is also the largest city with just 47,273 people. The highest point in West Virginia is Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet. West Virginia is home to several universities, including West Virginia University and Marshall University. The first Mother's Day was celebrated in West Virginia back in 1907. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is the state song, famously performed by John Denver. West Virginia produces over 70,000 tons of coal annually, just under 14% of the nation's total. The West Virginia state nickname is the "Mountain State." Famous people born in West Virginia include Steve Harvey, Bill Withers, Don Knotts, Brad Paisley, Randy Moss and Morgan Spurlock.

The History of West Virginia

Before European contact, the area now known as West Virginia was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Shawnee and Delaware. European explorers, including French and British traders, ventured into the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. The establishment of Fort Duquesne (later Fort Pitt) by the French marked an important presence in the region. The frontier nature of West Virginia led to conflicts between European settlers and Native American tribes. During the American Revolution, the region played a significant role. The Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 marked one of the early conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. Amid the turmoil of the Civil War, West Virginia officially became a separate state on June 20, 1863. This unique event marked the only instance of a state forming within the boundaries of another during the Civil War. The Civil War deeply affected West Virginia, with battles and skirmishes taking place throughout the state. Its strategic location, vital resources like coal, and the presence of the B&O Railroad made it a focal point for both Union and Confederate forces. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, West Virginia experienced rapid industrialization driven by coal mining and timber industries. In recent decades, West Virginia has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the coal industry. The state has focused on diversifying its economy, promoting education, and embracing technology to create new opportunities.

The Geography of West Virginia

West Virginia is bordered by Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Dominating the landscape, the Appalachian Mountains traverse the state from the northeastern to the southwestern corner. This mountain range includes several distinct ridges and peaks, such as the Allegheny Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled between the mountain ranges are numerous valleys and plateaus. The Great Appalachian Valley, also known as the "Valley and Ridge Province," stretches through parts of West Virginia, offering fertile land for agriculture and settlements. The Ohio River forms the western border of West Virginia, providing a crucial transportation route and serving as a boundary with Ohio, Kentucky, and parts of Indiana. Flowing through the state's capital, Charleston, the Kanawha River is a significant waterway for both transportation and recreation. The Eastern Panhandle extends into the fertile Shenandoah Valley and is located to the east of the main Appalachian mountain range. West Virginia is home to numerous caves and caverns, including Seneca Caverns and Lost World Caverns, offering visitors the chance to explore underground wonders. The state's mountainous terrain has made it a significant coal-producing region, with vast coal seams found within its mountains. Coal mining has played a pivotal role in the state's economy and history.

West Virginia Relocation Guide

As a state, West Virginia is a lot of things to a lot of people. There are mountains all over the place, which makes it somewhat difficult to navigate. The flip side of this is that travel is a big industry in West Virginia, with people coming from all over the east coast to ski at some of the amazing resorts. Places like Snowshoe and Winter Place have become very popular, so hotels and restaurants have popped up in the state to serve the needs of skiers who visit during the colder months. Additionally, West Virginia has a good size city in Charleston, as well as an advanced college city in Morgantown, which are great places to live.

The job market in cities in West Virginia have taken a pretty large hit since the recession, since a lot of the jobs were manufacturing based. Still, its proximity to Ohio, Maryland and Kentucky has made West Virginia a place that's surrounded by possibility. Those people who live in the bigger places enjoy lots of housing opportunities and it can be said that the cost of living in West Virginia is low no matter where you are. Housing is especially affordable - almost 25% less than that national average for cities in West Virginia. For this reason, many people decide to stay there to retire instead of relocating somewhere else.

Crime in West Virginia cities is, on average, very good. When compared to the national averages, West Virginia crime rates are more than 30% less than the U.S. Larger cities like Charlestown do have more crime than small cities, so care should be taken when deciding where to live.

All West Virginia cities

AccovilleAddison (Webster Springs)AlbrightAldersonAlum CreekAmherstdaleAnawaltAnmooreAnstedApple GroveArbovaleAthensAuburnAuroraBancroftBarboursvilleBarrackvilleBartleyBartowBath (Berkeley Springs)BayardBeards ForkBeaverBeckleyBeech BottomBelingtonBelleBelmontBelvaBenwoodBergooBerwindBethanyBethlehemBeverlyBig ChimneyBig CreekBig SandyBirch RiverBlacksvilleBlennerhassettBluefieldBluewellBoazBolivarBoltBoomerBowdenBradleyBradshawBramwellBrandonvilleBrandywineBrentonBridgeportBrookhavenBruceton MillsBrunoBrush ForkBuckhannonBudBuffaloBurlingtonBurnsvilleCairoCamden-on-GauleyCameronCapon BridgeCarolinaCarpendaleCassCassvilleCedar GroveCenturyCeredoChapmanvilleCharles TownCharlestonCharlton HeightsChattaroyChaunceyCheat LakeChelyanChesapeakeChesterClarksburgClayClearviewClendeninCoal CityCoal ForkComfortCorinneCovelCowenCrab OrchardCraigsvilleCross LanesCrumCrumplerCucumberCullodenDaileyDanielsDanvilleDavisDavyDeep WaterDelbartonDespardDixieDunbarDurbinEast BankEast DaileyEcclesEleanorElizabethElk GardenElkinsElkviewEllenboroEnterpriseFairleaFairmontFairviewFalling SpringFalling WatersFalls ViewFarmingtonFayettevilleFenwickFlatwoodsFlemingtonFollansbeeFort AshbyFort GayFrankFranklinFriendlyGallipolis FerryGallowayGaryGassawayGauley BridgeGhentGilbertGilbert CreekGlasgowGlen DaleGlen FerrisGlen ForkGlen JeanGlen WhiteGlenvilleGraftonGrant TownGrantsvilleGranvilleGreat CacaponGreen BankGreen SpringGreenviewGypsyHambletonHamlinHandleyHarmanHarpers FerryHarrisvilleHartford CityHartsHedgesvilleHelenHelvetiaHendersonHendricksHenlawsonHepzibahHicoHillsboroHilltopHintonHoldenHometownHooverson HeightsHundredHuntersvilleHuntingtonHurricaneHuttonsvilleIaegerIdamayInwoodItmannJacksonburgJane LewJeffersonJuniorJusticeKenovaKermitKeyserKeystoneKimballKimberlyKincaidKingwoodKistlerKopperstonLashmeetLavaletteLeonLesageLesterLewisburgLittletonLoganLost CreekLubeckLumberportMabscottMacArthurMadisonMalloryManManningtonMarlintonMarmetMartinsburgMasonMasontownMatewanMathenyMatoakaMaybeuryMcConnellMcMechenMeadow BridgeMiddlebourneMiddlewayMill CreekMiltonMineralwellsMitchell HeightsMonavilleMonongahMontcalmMontgomeryMontroseMoorefieldMorgantownMoundsvilleMount CarbonMount Gay-ShamrockMount HopeMullensNeibertNettieNew CumberlandNew HavenNew MartinsvilleNew RichmondNewburgNewellNitroNorth HillsNorthforkNutter FortOak HillOakvaleOceanaOmarPaden CityPagePagetonParcoalParkersburgParsonsPaw PawPaxPea RidgePennsboroPentressPetersburgPeterstownPhilippiPickensPiedmontPinchPine GrovePinevillePiney ViewPleasant ValleyPocaPoint PleasantPowelltonPrattPrichardPrincePrincetonProsperityPullmanQuinwoodRachelRacineRainelleRandRansonRavenswoodRaysalReaderRed JacketReedsvilleReedyRhodellRichwoodRidgeleyRipleyRivesvilleRobinetteRoderfieldRomneyRonceverteRossmoreRowlesburgRupertSalemSalt RockSand ForkSarah AnnScarbroShady SpringShannondaleShenandoah JunctionShepherdstownShinnstonShrewsburySissonvilleSistersvilleSmithersSmithfieldSophiaSouth CharlestonSpelterSpencerSpringfieldSt. AlbansSt. GeorgeSt. MarysStanafordStar CityStollingsStonewoodSummersvilleSuttonSwitzerSylvesterTeays ValleyTerra AltaThomasThurmondTiogaTornadoTriadelphiaTunneltonTwilightUnionValley BendValley GroveValley HeadVanVerdunvilleViennaVivianWallaceWarWardensvilleWashingtonWaverlyWayneWeirtonWelchWellsburgWest HamlinWest LibertyWest LoganWest MilfordWest UnionWestonWestoverWheelingWhite HallWhite Sulphur SpringsWhitesvilleWhitmerWiley FordWilliamsonWilliamstownWindsor HeightsWinfieldWolf SummitWomelsdorf (Coalton)Worthington