List of Cities in West Virginia Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 29, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

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, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Weirton, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Beckley, and Clarksburg. West Virginia is largely rural, with much of the economy centered around coal mining, agriculture, and outdoor tourism. The state’s cities tend to be small, and many are tied to the state’s natural resources or serve as educational and healthcare hubs.

1. Charleston

City Facts

Population: Approximately 48,018 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 304, 681
Zip Codes: 25301–25339, 25350, 25356, 25389, 25392
County: Kanawha County

Geography and History

Charleston, the capital and largest city of West Virginia, is located in the Appalachian Mountains along the Kanawha River at the confluence with the Elk River. The city enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons featuring mild winters and hot, humid summers. Charleston’s history dates back to the late 18th century, initially a small frontier settlement. The discovery of salt brines and later coal made the region an industrial powerhouse, contributing significantly to the state’s economic development. Charleston officially became West Virginia’s capital in 1885 and has since evolved into the state’s political, cultural, and economic center. Its location within the Appalachian coalfields also contributed to its growth as a major industrial city, with transportation via railroads and river systems further fueling its development.

Colleges and Universities

University of Charleston: A private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health sciences, and education.
West Virginia State University (Institute): A public, historically black university, located just outside Charleston, offering degrees in various disciplines.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College: Offers associate degrees and certifications in technical fields.
Charleston School of Law: Offers a legal education focused on public service and law practice.

Major Landmarks

Charleston’s iconic gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, is a standout feature of the city’s skyline and a must-see for visitors. The adjacent State Museum showcases the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. Haddad Riverfront Park, along the Kanawha River, is a popular venue for concerts and festivals, including the city’s annual FestivALL. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences offers art exhibits, a planetarium, and live performances. The Kanawha State Forest, located just outside the city, provides outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, and camping, while the nearby historic East End District showcases 19th-century architecture.

2. Huntington

City Facts

Population: Approximately 45,110 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 304, 681
Zip Codes: 25701–25779
County: Cabell County (partly in Wayne County)

Geography and History

Huntington is situated along the Ohio River in western West Virginia, on the border with Ohio and Kentucky. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. Founded in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington, a railroad tycoon, the city quickly became a key hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) and the coal industry. Huntington’s riverside location made it an important port and transportation center in the 19th and 20th centuries. The city’s growth was fueled by the booming industries of railroads, steel, and coal, which shaped its economy and cultural identity. Although its industrial base has since diversified, Huntington remains a regional economic and educational hub.

Colleges and Universities

Marshall University: A public research university, renowned for its programs in business, education, and health sciences. The university also houses the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
Mountwest Community and Technical College: Offers associate degrees and technical certifications in areas such as health care, business, and technology.
Huntington Junior College: A private institution focused on career-oriented programs in business, technology, and health care.

Major Landmarks

Huntington is known for Ritter Park, a beautiful 75-acre green space offering walking trails, gardens, and playgrounds. The historic Keith-Albee Theatre, with its stunning architecture, hosts a variety of performing arts events. The Huntington Museum of Art features an impressive collection of American and European art and hosts outdoor sculptures in its surrounding nature trails. Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium is a key landmark, especially for sports fans. Additionally, Heritage Farm Museum and Village offers a glimpse into Appalachian life, showcasing historic buildings, exhibits, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

3. Morgantown

City Facts

Population: Approximately 30,531 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 304, 681
Zip Codes: 26501–26508
County: Monongalia County

Geography and History

Morgantown is located in the northern part of West Virginia, along the Monongahela River, near the Pennsylvania border. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Morgantown was founded in 1785 by Zackquill Morgan, and it grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its location along the river, which made it a key transportation hub for coal, timber, and other industries. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad further accelerated its growth. Today, Morgantown is best known as the home of West Virginia University (WVU), which has played a pivotal role in the city’s development and culture. The city’s economy now thrives on education, healthcare, and research.

Colleges and Universities

West Virginia University (WVU): The largest public university in West Virginia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded research in medicine, law, and engineering.
Pierpont Community & Technical College (Fairmont, nearby): Offers two-year degrees and technical certifications for students in the greater Morgantown area.
WVU Potomac State College (Keyser): A part of the WVU system, it offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

Major Landmarks

Morgantown’s most prominent landmark is West Virginia University, home to Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, where WVU football games draw large crowds. The WVU Core Arboretum is a 91-acre nature preserve featuring trails and educational programs. The Monongalia Arts Center is a key cultural venue, hosting exhibitions and performances. Nearby Coopers Rock State Forest offers stunning views from its cliffs, as well as hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities. Downtown Morgantown, with its historic buildings and shops, is a vibrant area, while the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system is a unique landmark, connecting the university’s campuses.

4. Parkersburg

City Facts

Population: Approximately 29,027 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 304, 681
Zip Codes: 26101–26106
County: Wood County

Geography and History

Parkersburg is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, in the northwestern part of West Virginia. The city has a humid continental climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters. Originally settled as a frontier outpost in 1785, Parkersburg’s development accelerated in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. During the Civil War, Parkersburg became a key logistical hub for the Union Army, further cementing its importance. The city played a significant role in the oil and gas industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today it remains an important regional center for transportation, commerce, and industry.

Colleges and Universities

West Virginia University at Parkersburg: A regional campus of WVU, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields like business, education, and nursing.
Mountain State College: A small private college offering career-focused programs in business and health care.
Washington State Community College (Marietta, Ohio, nearby): Provides two-year degree programs and technical certifications for students in the Parkersburg area.

Major Landmarks

One of Parkersburg’s key landmarks is Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, located on an island in the Ohio River. The park features a reconstructed mansion and offers insights into the life of Harman Blennerhassett, an early settler involved in a historical conspiracy. The Oil and Gas Museum chronicles the city’s role in the development of the energy industry. Point Park, along the riverfront, offers scenic views and hosts local events. The Smoot Theatre, a historic venue, hosts live performances and films. Fort Boreman Park provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding rivers.

5. Wheeling

City Facts

Population: Approximately 26,568 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 304, 681
Zip Codes: 26003
County: Ohio County

Geography and History

Wheeling is located along the Ohio River in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, near the Pennsylvania and Ohio borders. The city has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Wheeling was originally settled in the late 18th century and became a key transportation and industrial center due to its location on the river. In 1863, during the Civil War, Wheeling was briefly the capital of West Virginia. The city grew rapidly as a manufacturing hub, particularly in steel and iron production. In the 20th century, Wheeling became a center for education and healthcare, and it now serves as an important cultural and economic hub for the region.

Colleges and Universities

Wheeling University: A private, Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly known for nursing, business, and education.
West Liberty University (nearby): A public university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
West Virginia Northern Community College: Provides associate degrees and technical certifications in fields like business, health care, and technology.

Major Landmarks

Wheeling is home to the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1849. Oglebay Park, a large municipal park, features gardens, a zoo, and golf courses, and is a popular year-round destination. The Capitol Theatre is a major cultural venue, hosting concerts, plays, and performances. Independence Hall, where the West Virginia statehood movement was born during the Civil War, is an important historical landmark. The Centre Market district, a revitalized area with shops and restaurants, showcases Wheeling’s architectural heritage and is a hub of local activity.

List of Cities in West Virginia Alphabetically

1. Charleston

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Huntington

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Morgantown

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Parkersburg

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Wheeling

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in West Virginia in Alphabetical Order

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