West Virginia

West Virginia State Information

Capital: Charleston

Official Name: West Virginia

Organized as territory/republic: July 1, 1861

Entered Union (rank): June 20, 1863 (35th state)

Present constitution adopted: 1872

State abbreviation/Postal code: W.Va./WV

State Area Codes: 304, 681

Fun Facts About West Virginia

Nickname: Mountain State

Origin of name: In honor of Elizabeth, "Virgin Queen" of England

Motto: Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers are always free)

Slogan: “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia”, “Virginia is for Lovers”

State symbols

Flower: Rhododendron (1903)

Tree: Sugar maple (1949)

Animal: Black bear (1973)

Fish: Brook trout (1973)

Bird: Cardinal (1933)

Reptile: Timber rattlesnake (2008)

Insect: Honeybee (2002)

Gem: Silicified coral (1990)

Rock: Bituminous coal (2009)

Soil: Monongahela (1997)

Colors: Blue and gold (official) (1863)

Holiday: West Virginia Day on 06/20 (1927)

Songs: “The West Virginia Hills,” This is My West Virginia,” and “West Virginia, My Sweet Mountain Home” (1963); "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver (2014)

Fossil: Megalonyx jeffersonii (Jefferson’s ground sloth )(2008)

Government

Governor: Jim Justice, R (to Jan. 2025)

Lieut. Governor: Craig Blair, R (to Dec. 2024)

Secy. of State: Mac Warner, R (to Jan. 2025)

Treasurer: Riley Moore, R (to Jan. 2025)

Atty. General: Patrick Morrisey, R (to Jan. 2025)

U.S. Representatives: 2

Senators: Joe Manchin, III, D (to Jan. 2025); Shelley Moore Capito, R (to Jan. 2027)

Historical biographies of Congressional members

State website: www.wv.gov

Population

Residents: West Virginians

Resident population: 1,764,786 (40th largest state, 2023)

10 largest cities (2023): Charleston, 46,692; Huntington, 45,074; Morgantown, 29,339; Parkersburg, 28,978; Wheeling, 25,924; Martinsburg, 18,988; Weirton, 18,279; Fairmont, 18,034; Beckley, 16,664; Clarksburg, 15,380

Race/Ethnicity: White alone, not Hispanic or Latino (91.5%); Black or African American (3.7%); Two or more races (2.0%); Hispanic or Latino (1.9%); Asian alone (0.9%); Native American and Alaska Native alone (0.3%); Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (<0.1%).

Religion: Catholic (6%); Evangelical Protestant (39%); Mainline Protestant (29%); Historically Black Protestant (2%); Mormon (2%); Orthodox Christian (<1%); Jehovah’s Witness (<1%); Other Christian (<1%); Jewish (1%); Muslim (<1%); Buddhist (<1%); Hindu (<1%); No religion (18%); Other faiths (1%)

Sex: Male (49.9%); Female (50.1%)

Age: Under 18 (20.1%); 18–64 (59.2%); 65 and over (20.7%). Median Age: 41.9

Economy

GDP: 95.6 billion dollars (42 in U.S., 2022)

Unemployment: 3.3% (2023)

Geography

Land area: 24,078 sq. mi. (62,361 sq. km.)

Geographic center: 4 mi. east of Sutton in Braxton County

Number of counties: 55

Largest county by population and area: Kanawha county, 175,515 (2022); Hancock county, 1,040 sq mi. (2,694 sq km.)

State parks/recreation areas: 35 state parks, 9 state forests, 3 rail trails

See additional census data

Tourism office

 

See more on West Virginia:

Encyclopedia: West Virginia
Encyclopedia: Geography
Encyclopedia: Economy
Encyclopedia: Government
Encyclopedia: History
Monthly Temperature Extremes

Originally a part of Virginia, the state of West Virginia is the only state formed from another state. Rich in natural resources, the state provided coal that fueled the nation’s industrialization throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. That nation’s move away from coal as a power source has had profound effects on the people and the economy of the state. Nevertheless, the people and government are working to diversify the economy and attract new industries and businesses to the Mountain State.

West Virginia Geography

Located in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast, and Maryland to the east. It is the only state that is located completely within the Appalachian Mountain region. It also has the highest mean elevation of any state: 1,654 feet (504.14 meters), which reaches 4,863 feet (1,482.24 meters)[1] at Spruce Knob, the state’s highest point. The state has a total area of 24,078 square miles (62,361 sq. km.), making it the 41st largest state in the country, with 78% of the state covered in forests.[2]

The Mountain State can be divided into four main geographic regions: the Ohio River Valley, the Allegheny Plateau, the Allegheny Highlands, and the Potomac section. The Allegheny Plateau covers the western part of the state and is characterized by its rugged terrain and deep valleys. The Allegheny Highlands run through the central part of the state and are known for their scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Ohio River Valley is located in the northern part of the state and has historically been a hub of industry and commerce, while the Potomac section is in the southeast parts of the state.[3].

West Virginia is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Deciduous trees, such as oak, hickory, and maple, dominate the state’s forests, while conifers such as pine and spruce are found at higher elevations. Wildflowers, such as trillium, bloodroot, and Virginia bluebells, can be found in the state's woodlands and meadows. West Virginia is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bobcats. The state's rivers and streams are home to fish species, such as trout, bass, and catfish. Additionally, West Virginia is known for its rich birdlife, with over 300 species recorded in the state, including the state bird, the northern cardinal.[4]

The state’s natural resources also include a wealth of mineral resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

The climate of West Virginia is characterized by its four distinct seasons with the mountainous terrain creating microclimates. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 85°F (29.44°C) and occasional thunderstorms in the Ohio River Valley to less than 80°F (26.67°C) in the mountains. Winter minimum temperatures temperatures average around 32°F (0°C) with occasional blizzards. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). Overall, West Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate in the south and a humid continental climate in the north and higher elevations.[5]

The geography of West Virginia has had a significant impact on the people who live there. The rugged terrain of the Allegheny Plateau has made transportation and infrastructure development difficult, leading to a lack of economic opportunities in some areas. The Allegheny Highlands, on the other hand, have become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists, providing a boost to the state's economy.

West Virginia People and Population

West Virginia has been losing population in recent years. For example, the state’s population in 2022 was 1,775,516, a decrease of 0.9 percent from 2020.[6] The state also ranks 29th among the 50 states in population density, with 74.6 residents per square mile (28.8 per square kilometer).[7]

The population of West Virginia is predominantly white alone, not Hispanic or Latino (91.5%); Black or African American (3.7%); two or more races (2.0%); Hispanic or Latino (1.9%); Asian alone (0.9%); Native American and Alaska Native alone (0.3%); and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (0.02%)[8]

West Virginia has a diverse age distribution, with the largest age group being those aged 18-64 (59.2%, 2022). Senior citizens aged 65 and over make up around 20.7% (2022) of the population, while the population under 18 years old constitutes 20.1% (2022), with the median age being 42.7 years (2023), making its population the fourth oldest in the United States[9, 10].

The state mirrors national averages for educational attainment. In 2022, approximately 33.7% of the population aged 25 and over had a bachelor's degree or higher. Around 87.0% of the population aged 25 and over had at least a high school diploma.[11]

Christianity is the most common religion in West Virginia with a significant proportion of the population identifying as Protestant (70%) and Roman Catholic (6%). There are also significant numbers of people who identify as non-religious (20%). Other religions represented in the state include Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.[12]

West Virginia ranks significantly lower than most states in its immigrant population. In 2021, 1.6% of West Virginians were foreign-born. The largest number of immigrants in the state come from Mexico, China, India, the Philippines, and Germany.[13]

Female West Virginians outnumber their male counterparts by 50.1% to 49.9%.[14]

West Virginia Government

Like all state governments, West Virginia’s government is organized into three branches — executive, legislative, and judicial — mirroring the structure of the federal government. West Virginia’s chief executive is the governor who is elected to a four-year term and is responsible for overseeing many of the state agencies and departments.

The governor of West Virginia is currently Jim Justice, who was elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020. No person can serve more than two terms as governor. Other elected executive branch officials include the following:

• Lieutenant Governor: Craig Blair (R)

• Attorney General: Patrick Morrisey (R)

• Commissioner of Agriculture: Kent Leonhardt (R)

• Auditor: John B. McCuskey (R)

• Secretary of State: Mac Warner (R)

• Treasurer: Riley Moore (R)[15]

Unlike most states, West Virginia does not have an elected lieutenant governor. Instead, the president of the Senate is the de facto lieutenant governor. However, that has been a relatively recent development. A 2000 law gave the Senate president the title. In 2011, Governor Earl Ray Tombin tried to get a constitutional amendment creating an elected office of lieutenant governor passed, but the amendment failed.[16]

The legislative branch is composed of a 34-member Senate and a 100-member House of Delegates. Currently, West Virginia has a Republican trifecta where the Republican Party controls the governorship and both houses of the West Virginia Legislature. In 2023, the Senate included 31 Republican legislators and 3 Democrats, while the House of Delegates included 89 Republicans and 11 Democrats. Republican control in West Virginian government is a relatively new phenomenon. Until 2012, the Democratic Party controlled most of the state.[17]

Members of the Senate are elected to four-year terms, with one-half of the senators up for election every two years. In contrast, representatives in the House of Delegates serve for two years. Neither delegates nor senators are term-limited.

The judicial branch is headed by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which is responsible for interpreting the state’s laws and constitution and which has five justices who are elected for 12-year terms. The judicial branch also includes circuit courts, magistrate (local) courts, and municipal (city) courts. All West Virginia judges are elected by the people.[18]

West Virginia’s public higher education system includes 12 campuses that offer excellent and affordable four-year college educations. Chief among these schools are West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, Fairmont State in Fairmont, Bluefield State in Bluefield, and Marshall University in Huntington. These institutions, combined with the state’s community and technical college system, help ensure that quality education is available to all. The state is also home to a variety of private schools that provide access to higher education for students from around the world.[19]

You can find more information on the workings of the West Virginia government by visiting wv.gov.

West Virginia Economy

The economy of West Virginia has undergone significant changes since the state's inception. At the beginning of its history, the economy was based primarily on agriculture and timber. However, the discovery of coal in the late 1800s transformed the state's economy.

Coal mining has been a significant part of the West Virginia economy for more than 150 years. The state has some of the largest coalfields in the country, and coal mining has been a major source of employment for West Virginians. In fact, at one point, nearly one in every ten West Virginians was employed in the coal mining industry. Despite a decline in recent years, coal mining remains an important industry in the state, with over 11,000 coal miners still employed as of 2021.[20]

In addition to coal mining, West Virginia's economy is also supported by other industries, such as health care, education, and tourism, which are also important to West Virginia’s economy. These industries are the primary drivers of the state’s 2022 gross state product (GSP) of $71.7 billion, which represented growth of 0.1% over 5 years. The state’s economic growth rate ranks 45th among the 50 states, and its negative population growth places it 50th among the states.[21]

Looking to the future, West Virginia's economy faces both challenges and opportunities. The decline of the coal mining industry has led to job losses and economic struggles in many parts of the state. However, the state's other industries are expected to continue to grow, providing new job opportunities for West Virginians. Additionally, the state's abundant natural resources and scenic beauty make it an attractive location for businesses and tourists alike.

West Virginia Interesting Facts

For the potential visitor, major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River, the Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle.

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier luxury resort is perhaps the state's most famous destination. This grand resort, built shortly before the Civil War, has been visited by 26 presidents. Even before the hotel was built, the nearby springs were a popular stop due to their alleged medicinal properties. The Greenbrier is still a functioning resort with over 700 rooms and museum space documenting their presidential and congressional visitors. The hotel is now best known for its more secret ties to Congress: as the Cold War escalated, the federal government secretly commissioned a massive secure bunker underneath the hotel. In the case of a nuclear attack, members of the government could hide under the resort with supplies to last several decades. The existence of the bunker was exposed in the 1990s, and ever since it has been decommissioned as a bunker and turned into a museum/data storage center. 

The New River

The New River is one of West Virginia's most interesting places. The name possibly comes from it being overlooked in early survey maps — and then discovered, hence "new" — or from a forgotten native name. Whatever led us to call it the New River, geological studies have led experts to conclude that it might actually be the second oldest river on Earth (after the Finke River in Australia). The south-north flowing river is even older than many of the mountains around it. In the here and now, the New River is a popular spot for rafting and other recreation; the bridge that spans the river is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, making it popular for BASE jumping. It is also a major destination for hiking and biking.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a small historic town in West Virginia. Despite its very small size — the town has less than 300 people — it's one of the most well-known towns in the United States. Harpers Ferry (then called Harper's Ferry, after founder Robert Harper) was the site of several huge events in Civil War history. The most famous of all was abolitionist John Brown's raid on the town armory, where he intended to seize weapons and arm the local enslaved population. John Brown's raid is sometimes credited with starting the Civil War, since it drove home the deep divide between the North and South over the issue of slavery. Harpers Ferry was also the site of eight Civil War battles and was an important strategic asset for both the Union and the Confederacy. Today, it houses many important and interesting historic buildings. 

West Virginia History

The state of West Virginia, as one might infer from its name, was originally the western portion of Virginia. However, throughout its history as western Virginia, West Virginians felt they didn’t quite belong with their tidewater brethren.

Pre-Colonial History

The earliest culture in what is today West Virginia was that of the Paleo-Indians around 10,500 B.C. These groups as well as groups that came later were primarily hunter-gatherers. Around 1000 BC, the peoples of the region discovered agriculture, which allowed them to settle in permanent villages. The Adena and Hopewell cultures lived in the area from around 1000 BC to 500 A.D. These cultures were known for their elaborate burial mounds and earthworks, some of which can still be seen in West Virginia today.[22]

In later centuries, the region was home to the Monongahela culture, who lived in the area from around 1000 A.D. to the arrival of European settlers in the 1700s. The Monongahela were known for their pottery and agriculture, and they built large villages and towns throughout the region.

Pre-Civil War History

European adventurers who founded the colony of Virginia in 1609 were slow to move further west into the untamed mountains. Scholars are not certain exactly when the first settlement in what is today West Virginia was founded. Some believe that a settlement named Potomoke was founded in 1717 near what is today Shepherdstown. Most scholars, however, believe a Welshman named Morgan Morgan founded the first settlement in 1731 near Bunker Hill in Berkeley County.[23]

The mountainous region of the state attracted lumberers, miners, and small-scale farmers (with more Scots-Irish immigration than other parts of the country). Unlike the eastern and southern parts of the colony and later state of Virginia, western Virginia was ill-suited to plantation farming. The lack of personal investment in slavery, coupled with a nationwide influx of anti-slavery German immigrants in the 1850s, meant that western Virginians weren't on board with seceding from the Union. When the state at large sided with the Confederacy, the people of West Virginia formed their own government loyal to the United States. The 40 western counties that rejected secession were granted statehood by presidential decree from Abraham Lincoln in 1863. This makes West Virginia the only state to be formed out of another state.

Post-Civil War History

Other than the founding of the state as a breakaway from Virginia, the history of West Virginia largely begins with coal. Coal is the state mineral for good reason, as the state's coal production had a massive impact on the industrialization of the U.S. in the late 1800s. West Virginia coal fueled much of the railroad development in the country both literally and figuratively. The rail networks in West Virginia (to get the coal to other markets) were a major part of the country's overall rail systems. The access to cheap, fast coal would direct the nation's energy infrastructure as well. 

One of the more peculiar stories of the West Virginia railroad is the Virginian Railway designed by William Nelson Page. Page originally proposed a small project to connect two other major railroads. When the major railroads refused to cooperate, Page enlisted the help of millionaire Henry Rogers to bankroll a more ambitious line. In secret ,they colluded to create a high volume, direct line from deep in West Virginia to the East Coast. This privately financed line became incredibly successful. 

West Virginia was important on the other side of the industrialization issue as well. West Virginia was a major seat of union organizations in the U.S., and the state's miners' strikes drew national attention. The working conditions in mines and factories were significant political issues of the early 1900s.

The Great Depression hit West Virginia particularly hard, with unemployment in some counties hitting 80%.[24] As conditions continued to deteriorate throughout the state, most mining came to a standstill, leaving miners and their families to fend for themselves.

The Depression ended the dominance of the Republican Party in the state and ushered in a time of Democratic Party rule that lasted for most of the rest of the century. Unions also gained membership with the United Mine Workers managing to unionize most coalfields. Although miners returned to work for larger paychecks, mechanization continued to cut into the number of miners employed.

Modern History

West Virginia continued to undergo seismic changes in society and economics after World War II. Technological unemployment led to spikes in the unemployment rates for miners, many of whom left the state in pursuit of other opportunities. The state’s population began to decline, and many mining towns became almost ghost towns as workers fled.

The dire situation improved somewhat beginning in the 1990s. Some manufacturing returned to the state, and foreign investment helped build industries. The state also became a tourist destination for tourists interested in experiencing the natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventures in the state. Service industries to support tourism as well as banking and insurance became major parts of the state’s economy. By 2000, service industries made up 68 percent of the gross state product. Nevertheless, the state’s mineral resources remain a key driver of the state economy. Despite the United States movement away from using coal for power, coal remains a major source of power in many areas of the world. West Virginia is taking advantage of that fact, and its coal exports continue to grown. In 2022, for example, coal exports totaled $3.8 billion. Overall, West Virginia’s exports totaled $7.6 billion, a 20 percent increase over 2021.[25]

People Also Ask...

That’s everything you need to know about West Virginia, but how well do you know the other U.S. states and their geography? For the ultimate test, try out this challenge in which you identify states by their shapes: Infoplease's State Outlines Quiz.

People also ask the following three questions about life in West Virginia.

Is West Virginia a Good Place to Live?

The scenic natural beauty as well as the reasonable cost of living make West Virginia a great place for all people to live. But it is particularly true for seniors. As of 2022, West Virginia’s cost of living was 20 percent lower than the national average. This includes necessities, such as housing, groceries, and utilities.

The state also has a variety of arts, culture, and history offerings. For example, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in Jefferson County details John Brown’s raid on the U.S. arsenal, and Music in the Mountains in Summersville is one of the state’s major festivals.[26]

Why Did West Virginia Split?

Before West Virginia was admitted to the Union as a new state in 1863, it was a part of Virginia. When Virginia seceded, the western counties of the state wanted no part of it. The mountainous region was not suited to plantation agriculture, and few residents were slaveholders. So the residents applied to be a state, meaning they would get to send their own representatives to the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

What Is the State Income Tax in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a graduated state income tax, from a low of three percent to a high of 6.5 percent. Some towns and municipalities in the state also tax income. In addition, the state has a six percent sales tax, and localities can levy a one percent sales tax on top of that. All together, the state and local tax burden is 9.9 percent. This places the state right in the middle of all states for tax burden — 25th.[27]