List of Counties in West Virginia
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. Kanawha County, home to Charleston, the state capital, is the largest by population. Other populous counties like Berkeley and Jefferson are part of the growing Eastern Panhandle, while Monongalia County is home to West Virginia University and a major educational and healthcare hub.
List of All Counties in West Virginia
- Barbour County, West Virginia
- Berkeley County, West Virginia
- Boone County, West Virginia
- Braxton County, West Virginia
- Brooke County, West Virginia
- Cabell County, West Virginia
- Calhoun County, West Virginia
- Clay County, West Virginia
- Doddridge County, West Virginia
- Fayette County, West Virginia
- Gilmer County, West Virginia
- Grant County, West Virginia
- Greenbrier County, West Virginia
- Hampshire County, West Virginia
- Hancock County, West Virginia
- Hardy County, West Virginia
- Harrison County, West Virginia
- Jackson County, West Virginia
- Jefferson County, West Virginia
- Kanawha County, West Virginia
- Lewis County, West Virginia
- Lincoln County, West Virginia
- Logan County, West Virginia
- Marion County, West Virginia
- Marshall County, West Virginia
- Mason County, West Virginia
- McDowell County, West Virginia
- Mercer County, West Virginia
- Mineral County, West Virginia
- Mingo County, West Virginia
- Monongalia County, West Virginia
- Monroe County, West Virginia
- Morgan County, West Virginia
- Nicholas County, West Virginia
- Ohio County, West Virginia
- Pendleton County, West Virginia
- Pleasants County, West Virginia
- Pocahontas County, West Virginia
- Preston County, West Virginia
- Putnam County, West Virginia
- Raleigh County, West Virginia
- Randolph County, West Virginia
- Ritchie County, West Virginia
- Roane County, West Virginia
- Summers County, West Virginia
- Taylor County, West Virginia
- Tucker County, West Virginia
- Tyler County, West Virginia
- Upshur County, West Virginia
- Wayne County, West Virginia
- Webster County, West Virginia
- Wetzel County, West Virginia
- Wirt County, West Virginia
- Wood County, West Virginia
- Wyoming County, West Virginia
Largest Counties in West Virginia
1. Randolph County
Overview
Randolph County is the largest county in West Virginia, covering 1,040 square miles. It is located in the east-central part of the state and is bordered by Tucker County to the north, Pocahontas County to the south, and Upshur County to the west. Randolph County was established in 1787 and named after Edmund Jennings Randolph, a statesman from Virginia. The county is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including parts of the Allegheny Mountains. The Monongahela National Forest covers a significant portion of the county, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, the county’s economy was centered around timber and coal, although tourism and recreation now play a larger role.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 28,000
- County Seat: Elkins
- Major Airports: Elkins-Randolph County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 33, U.S. Highway 219, West Virginia Route 92
2. Greenbrier County
Overview
Greenbrier County, located in southeastern West Virginia, covers 1,025 square miles. It is bordered by Pocahontas County to the north, Monroe County to the south, and Nicholas County to the west. Established in 1778, the county was named after the Greenbrier River, which runs through the area. The county’s landscape is marked by rolling hills, valleys, and mountains, and it is known for its natural beauty. The Greenbrier Resort, one of the most famous luxury hotels in the United States, is located in the county. Historically, Greenbrier County was a center for agriculture and timber, and tourism continues to be a major economic driver today.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 34,000
- County Seat: Lewisburg
- Major Airports: Greenbrier Valley Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 64, U.S. Highway 60, U.S. Highway 219
3. Pocahontas County
Overview
Pocahontas County is located in the eastern part of West Virginia, covering 941 square miles. It is bordered by Greenbrier County to the south, Randolph County to the north, and the state of Virginia to the east. The county was established in 1821 and named after the Native American princess Pocahontas. Known for its scenic beauty and vast wilderness, Pocahontas County is home to part of the Monongahela National Forest, Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort, and the headwaters of eight rivers. Its economy is largely based on tourism, forestry, and agriculture. The county has a rich history, with settlers arriving in the area in the 18th century.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 8,000
- County Seat: Marlinton
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 219, West Virginia Route 28, West Virginia Route 39
4. Preston County
Overview
Preston County, located in the northern part of West Virginia, spans 651 square miles. It is bordered by Monongalia County to the west, Garrett County (Maryland) to the east, and Tucker County to the south. Established in 1818, Preston County was named after Virginia Governor James Patton Preston. The county’s geography is characterized by rolling hills and plateaus, with the Cheat River flowing through it. The area was historically known for its coal mining and timber industries, but in recent decades, the economy has diversified into agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism. The annual Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, the county seat, is a major local event.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 34,000
- County Seat: Kingwood
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 219, West Virginia Route 7
5. Fayette County
Overview
Fayette County is located in the south-central part of West Virginia and covers 668 square miles. It is bordered by Nicholas County to the north, Raleigh County to the south, and Kanawha County to the west. Established in 1831, the county was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution. Fayette County is famous for its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly at the New River Gorge, a popular destination for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. The county has a rich coal mining history, though today, tourism plays a significant role in the local economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 40,000
- County Seat: Fayetteville
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 19, West Virginia Route 16, West Virginia Route 61
6. Hardy County
Overview
Hardy County is located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and covers 584 square miles. It borders Hampshire County to the north, Grant County to the west, and the state of Virginia to the east and south. Established in 1786, Hardy County was named after Samuel Hardy, a Virginian politician. The county’s landscape includes the Allegheny Mountains and fertile valleys, making it ideal for farming. Agriculture has long been the backbone of the economy, with poultry farming being particularly significant. Hardy County is also known for its scenic beauty, with rivers like the South Branch Potomac River drawing visitors for fishing and kayaking.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 13,000
- County Seat: Moorefield
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 220, West Virginia Route 55, West Virginia Route 259
7. Nicholas County
Overview
Nicholas County is situated in the southern part of West Virginia, covering 654 square miles. It is bordered by Webster County to the north, Fayette County to the south, and Braxton County to the west. The county was established in 1818 and named after Wilson Cary Nicholas, a U.S. senator from Virginia. Nicholas County’s terrain includes mountainous areas, valleys, and several rivers, including the Gauley River. Summersville Lake, West Virginia’s largest lake, is located here, offering recreation opportunities such as boating and fishing. Historically, coal mining and logging were the county’s economic mainstays, but tourism has become increasingly important.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 25,000
- County Seat: Summersville
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 19, West Virginia Route 39, West Virginia Route 41
8. Hampshire County
Overview
Hampshire County is located in the northeastern part of West Virginia and covers 645 square miles. It borders Maryland to the north and Hardy County to the south. Established in 1754, Hampshire County is the oldest county in West Virginia and was originally part of Virginia before West Virginia became a state during the Civil War. The county is known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and historic architecture. The Potomac River runs along its northern border, adding to the county’s scenic appeal. Agriculture, particularly apple farming, and tourism are central to Hampshire County’s economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 23,000
- County Seat: Romney
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 50, West Virginia Route 28, West Virginia Route 29
9. Grant County
Overview
Grant County is located in the northeastern part of West Virginia, covering 480 square miles. It is bordered by Hardy County to the east, Mineral County to the north, and Pendleton County to the south. Established in 1866, Grant County was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States. The county is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Allegheny Mountains run through Grant County, and the North Fork Mountain Trail is a popular hiking destination. Historically, the economy has been based on timber, coal mining, and agriculture.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 11,000
- County Seat: Petersburg
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 220, West Virginia Route 42, West Virginia Route 28
10. Tucker County
Overview
Tucker County is located in the northeastern part of West Virginia and covers 421 square miles. It is bordered by Preston County to the north, Randolph County to the south, and Barbour County to the west. Established in 1856, Tucker County was named after Henry St. George Tucker Sr., a Virginia judge. The county is known for its natural beauty and is home to the Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park. The rugged terrain and mountainous landscapes make Tucker County a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing, hiking, and fishing being popular activities. Logging was historically significant, though tourism is now the dominant industry.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- County Seat: Parsons
- Major Airports: None
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 219, West Virginia Route 32, West Virginia Route 72