West Virginia

West Virginia, born out of the Civil War split from Virginia, is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, a long coal-mining tradition and one of the oldest, most rural populations in the country. Its economy has been shifting from declining coal production toward natural gas, tourism and healthcare, even as it continues to lose population. The entire state lies within the Appalachian range, offering whitewater rafting, ski resorts and dense hardwood forests.

Capital: CharlestonLargest city: CharlestonNickname: The Mountain StateStatehood: 1863
1.77 M
Population
39th in the U.S.
$55,217
Median household income
Lowest in the U.S.
$99 B
GDP
45th in the U.S.
62,756 km²
Area
41st in the U.S.

Explore the data

Tap a section for the full breakdown, with historical charts.

Counties