West Virginia, located in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, consists of 55 counties and approximately 232 incorporated cities, towns, and villages. As of 2023, the state has a population of around 1.75 million people, making it one of the smaller states in terms of population. It covers an area of roughly 24,230 square miles, characterized by its mountainous terrain, forests, and rivers. Major airports in the state include Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, the largest and busiest, along with smaller regional airports such as North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg and Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS). West Virginia is home to several significant colleges and universities, including West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, the state’s flagship public university, and Marshall University in Huntington. Other institutions include Fairmont State University, West Virginia State University, and several community and technical colleges. The state’s healthcare system is anchored by major hospitals such as WVU Medicine’s J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, which is known for its advanced medical care and research, and Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), a leading hospital in the capital city. Additionally, Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington and St. Mary’s Medical Center serve as important healthcare providers in the state.
West Virginia has 55 counties. The most populous counties are Kanawha County (Charleston), Berkeley County, Monongalia County (Morgantown), Cabell County (Huntington), Wood County, Harrison County, Jefferson County, Putnam County, Raleigh County, and Mercer County....
West Virginia has around 232 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital and largest city is Charleston, which serves as the political and cultural center of the state. Other large cities include Huntington, Morgantown,...
Pleasants County, West Virginia, is located along the Ohio River in the northwestern part of the state. Established in 1851, the county was named after James Pleasants Jr., a U.S. Senator from Virginia. Known...
Wyoming County, West Virginia, located in the state’s southern region, is renowned for its coal-mining heritage, picturesque landscapes, and warm, close-knit communities. Established in 1850 and named after the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania, the...
Wood County, West Virginia, located in the state’s northwestern region along the Ohio River, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1798. Named after James Wood, former Governor of Virginia, Wood...
Wirt County, West Virginia, is one of the state’s smallest counties, both in population and area, and is located in the northwestern part of the state. Established in 1848, it was named after William...
Wetzel County, West Virginia, located in the state’s northern panhandle, was established in 1846 and named after Lewis Wetzel, a famous frontiersman and scout. Nestled along the Ohio River, the county has a rich...
Webster County, West Virginia, located in the central part of the state, is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and strong connections to the timber industry. Established in 1860, the county was named...
Wayne County, West Virginia, is located in the southwestern corner of the state, bordering both Kentucky and the Ohio River. Established in 1842, the county was named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War...
Upshur County, West Virginia, located in the north-central part of the state, was founded in 1851 and named after Abel P. Upshur, a U.S. Secretary of State. Known for its picturesque hills, forests, and...
Tyler County is a rural county located in the northern part of West Virginia, known for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and agricultural roots. The county was founded in 1814 and is named after...
Tucker County, located in the eastern part of West Virginia, is a scenic and historically rich area known for its natural beauty, including vast national forests, towering mountains, and charming small towns. Established in...
Taylor County is located in the north-central part of West Virginia, bordered by the counties of Marion, Harrison, Barbour, and Preston. It was established in 1844 and named after John Taylor, a Virginia politician....
Summers County, West Virginia, located in the southeastern part of the state, is known for its scenic landscapes, winding rivers, and historic charm. Established in 1871 and named after George W. Summers, a prominent...
Roane County, West Virginia, is located in the west-central part of the state, known for its rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and agricultural roots. Established in 1856, the county was named after Spencer Roane, a...
Ritchie County, West Virginia, is located in the northwestern part of the state, known for its rural landscapes, rolling hills, and historic roots. Established in 1843 and named after Thomas Ritchie, a Virginia journalist,...
Randolph County, West Virginia, located in the east-central part of the state, is the largest county by area. Established in 1787, the county was named after Edmund Jennings Randolph, the first U.S. Attorney General....
Raleigh County, West Virginia, located in the southern part of the state, is known for its coal mining heritage, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Established in 1850 and named after Sir Walter Raleigh,...
Putnam County, West Virginia, is located in the southwestern part of the state along the Kanawha River, between Charleston and Huntington. Established in 1848 and named after Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam, the county...
Preston County, West Virginia, is located in the northeastern region of the state, bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland. Established in 1818, the county was named after Virginia Governor James Patton Preston. Known for its...
Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is located in the eastern part of the state, known for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and rich biodiversity. Established in 1821 and named after the Native American princess Pocahontas, the...
Pendleton County, West Virginia, is located in the state’s eastern panhandle, known for its rugged mountainous terrain, rich history, and unique natural landmarks. Established in 1788 and named after Virginia statesman Edmund Pendleton, the...
Ohio County, West Virginia, is situated in the state’s northern panhandle along the Ohio River, bordering the state of Ohio. Established in 1776, Ohio County was one of the first counties created in what...
Nicholas County, West Virginia, is located in the south-central region of the state, known for its stunning landscapes, including parts of the Gauley River and Summersville Lake. Established in 1818, Nicholas County was named...
Morgan County, West Virginia, is located in the state’s eastern panhandle, bordering Maryland and Virginia. Established in 1820 and named after General Daniel Morgan, a Revolutionary War hero, the county is known for its...
Monroe County, West Virginia, is located in the southeastern part of the state, bordering Virginia. Established in 1799 and named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, the county is known...
Monongalia County, West Virginia, is located in the northern part of the state, bordering Pennsylvania. Established in 1776, the county was named after the Monongahela River, which flows through the region. Monongalia County has...
Mingo County, West Virginia, is located in the southwestern part of the state, bordering Kentucky. Established in 1895 and named after the Mingo Native American tribe, the county has a rich history tied to...
Mineral County, located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, was established in 1866 and named for its rich mineral resources. The county is characterized by its mountainous terrain and abundant natural beauty, making...
Mercer County, West Virginia, is located in the southern part of the state, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1837 and named after Revolutionary War hero General Hugh Mercer, the county became a...