Largest cities in West Virginia

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

West Virginia, known for its beautiful mountains and strong sense of community, is a state that offers a high quality of life and abundant natural beauty. With a population of approximately 1.8 million, it ranks as the 38th most populated state in the U.S. West Virginia has experienced stable population growth, reflecting its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland and Virginia to the east, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the west, West Virginia offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 232 cities and towns.

Living in West Virginia provides residents with numerous benefits, including a low cost of living, excellent schools, and abundant natural beauty. The state's low population density allows for spacious living and a slower pace of life, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement. West Virginia's economy is diverse, with strengths in energy, manufacturing, and tourism. The state's stable population growth supports a balanced and sustainable development path. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in West Virginia, is compiled using data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, highlights West Virginia cities by population, showcasing the state's most significant urban centers.

Charleston Population: 48,539 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 82 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,541 Med. Household Income: $74,453

Huntington Population: 47,371 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 42 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,921 Med. Household Income: $49,260

Morgantown Population: 31,653 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 26 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,171 Med. Household Income: $62,548

Parkersburg Population: 30,536 Livability Score: 72

Area Size: 30 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,595 Med. Household Income: $56,987

Wheeling Population: 27,630 Livability Score: 69

Area Size: 36 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,996 Med. Household Income: $62,582

Fairmont Population: 19,106 Livability Score: 70

Area Size: 22 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,224 Med. Household Income: $68,908

Weirton Population: 19,099 Livability Score: 69

Area Size: 47 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,058 Med. Household Income: $77,010

Martinsburg Population: 18,070 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 17 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,725 Med. Household Income: $67,216

Beckley Population: 16,865 Livability Score: 59

Area Size: 25 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,775 Med. Household Income: $64,669

Clarksburg Population: 16,166 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 25 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,661 Med. Household Income: $61,233

Full list of the largest cities in West Virginia

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Charleston	48,539	82	$74,453	85
2	Huntington	47,371	42	$49,260	79
3	Morgantown	31,653	26	$62,548	84
4	Parkersburg	30,536	30	$56,987	72
5	Wheeling	27,630	36	$62,582	69
6	Fairmont	19,106	22	$68,908	70
7	Weirton	19,099	47	$77,010	69
8	Martinsburg	18,070	17	$67,216	75
9	Beckley	16,865	25	$64,669	59
10	Clarksburg	16,166	25	$61,233	81
11	Teays Valley	14,024	19	$132,698	79
12	South Charleston	12,935	20	$77,103	71
13	Vienna	10,635	10	$81,131	75
14	St. Albans	10,386	9	$75,801	69
15	Bluefield	10,163	23	$53,518	56
16	Cheat Lake	9,896	37	$139,765	72
17	Cross Lanes	9,790	17	$81,100	67
18	Bridgeport	8,970	28	$127,076	85
19	Moundsville	8,573	8	$49,537	66
20	Oak Hill	8,559	25	$64,945	62
21	Dunbar	7,317	7	$58,804	70
22	Elkins	7,267	9	$58,604	74
23	Pea Ridge	7,080	6	$69,977	82
24	Nitro	6,688	14	$64,586	67
25	Brookhaven	6,522	24	$104,705	66
26	Hurricane	6,350	10	$91,850	72
27	Charles Town	6,151	15	$114,089	76
28	Princeton	5,861	8	$62,044	72
29	Buckhannon	5,599	8	$62,712	72
30	Ranson	5,367	21	$105,049	66
31	New Martinsville	5,260	7	$66,199	62
32	Grafton	5,209	10	$52,003	68
33	Keyser	5,081	5	$67,020	67

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in West Virginia, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.