Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Foreign-born share
1970–2023Share of residents born outside the U.S.
Foreign-Born Population
Only about 1.9% of West Virginia's population is foreign-born, the lowest share of any state.
Foreign-born residents
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of total population, B05002 (2020 not released).
Foreign-born population
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-Born Share (%) | 1.9 | 14.3 |
- •West Virginia has the lowest foreign-born population share of any U.S. state.
Countries of Origin
Only about 1.9% of West Virginia residents are foreign-born, the lowest share of any state, led by arrivals from India and Mexico.
Foreign-born residents who are naturalized citizens
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
Migration Flows
Virginia and Ohio are the leading destination and origin states for West Virginia's migration flows.
Total net migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, international plus domestic net migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
- •Most people who move into or out of West Virginia come from or go to a handful of neighboring states.
International Migration
West Virginia gained about 2,100 residents from international migration in 2023, a rare source of population growth.
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
- •International migration is one of the only demographic components currently adding population to West Virginia.
Domestic Migration
West Virginia lost a net of about 2,600 residents to domestic migration to other states in 2023.
Net domestic migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net domestic migration to/from other states, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
- •West Virginia has recorded net domestic out-migration in most years over the past two decades.