Moving to West Virginia statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to West Virginia?

Approximately 42,020 people moved to West Virginia in 2023, while 41,042 moved out. This represents a net gain of 978 residents. While the Mountain State managed to attract an average of 13 movers per day in 2022, this wasn’t enough to offset the number of natural deaths.

Though West Virginia’s population has been declining since the 1950s, domestic migrants are still the primary driver of population growth. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, West Virginia ranked as the 24th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 locales that people moved to in West Virginia

As shown by data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, such as quality of life and affordability, West Virginia ranks as the 37th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. This falls in line with the state’s decades-long population decline. However, improving safety scores have also helped boost its ranking in recent years.

Of those moving to the Mountain State, the majority are relocating to northern counties bordering Maryland or Virginia. This region is more economically prosperous than the south, offering access to major cities like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Berkeley and Jefferson Counties — both less than a two-hour drive from D.C. — attracted the most new residents, adding 10,365 and 2,082 movers between 2020 and 2023. Berkeley County also saw the highest population growth rate, growing by 8.5% during the same period.

The top five locales people moved to in West Virginia between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to West Virginia?

Though there is a general lack of positive net migration to West Virginia, affordable housing and natural beauty are some of the primary reasons people move here. It offers the most affordable rentals in the U.S. and homes that are over 20% more affordable than the national median.

In addition to affordable housing, access to major cities like Washington, D.C., in the northeast and the state’s revitalization efforts provide a variety of job opportunities. The largest industries in the state are government, trade, transportation, and utilities, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 58% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in also education and health services, surpassing mining and logging with a growth rate of 4.1% between July 2023 and July 2024.

West Virginia housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $920.67 and a median home sale price of $332,600, West Virginia is the most affordable state for renters, and homeowners can expect to pay 20.9% less than the national median for housing.

West Virginia also has the 8th lowest property taxes in the country, at a rate of 0.57%. The tax rate here is less than half that of 17 states and exactly half that of Massachusetts (1.14%).

In 2021, the average property owner in Berkeley County paid $1,224 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in West Virginia varies greatly by county but is also less than in other states. For instance, residents of Jefferson County paid an average of $1,674 annually in 2021, while those in McDowell County paid substantially less with an average of $237.

Cost-of-living statistics in West Virginia

West Virginia’s cost-of-living index is 90.3, making it the eighth most affordable state in the nation. Expect groceries and certain utilities to be less than average, although gas prices are slightly higher than the national average ($3.26) at $3.38 per gallon. While West Virginia is one of the least green states in the U.S., the Appalachian Mountains can make the logistics of transporting gas difficult, ultimately raising prices.

Though West Virginia does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is $55,394. That means the typical household here earns 26.5% less than the national median of $75,358. Unemployment is just 1 percentage point below the national average, at 4.1%.

Overall, West Virginia boasts a desirably low cost of living but also has a much lower-than-average median household income. Would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in West Virginia?

An estimated 1,770,071 people live in West Virginia as of 2023, making it the 12th smallest state in terms of population. This represents a population decline of 3,964 people compared to 2022.

West Virginia’s population is nearly evenly split male and female, with women accounting for 50.07% of the population and men accounting for 49.03%. In 2023, around 886,438 West Virginia residents were female, and 883,633 were male.

On average, West Virginia’s population is significantly older (42.9 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 and 64 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 27.3% of the population, or 483,294 people.

White Americans account for the vast majority of West Virginians, approximating 92.8% of the population (1.64 million people). This is then followed by Black and Hispanic residents, accounting for 3.8% and 2.2% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to West Virginia

Not sure how to start your move to West Virginia? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Offering a combination of low property taxes and home sale prices, West Virginia is among the most affordable states in the nation. However, costs will still vary by region, with cities like Morgantown being more expensive than more rural areas. It's also worth noting that the median household income is one of the lowest in the country, so choosing your career carefully is essential. For a deeper dive into local costs, visit WV.gov for regional breakdowns and resources.

2. Learn about the job market

With large government, health care and education industries, key hubs like Charleston and Huntington can offer several quality job opportunities to West Virginians. Smaller towns will likely focus on energy or tourism but offer unmatched remote work opportunities. Either way, prepare for a salary that may be lower than your previous state. Check online job boards and the West Virginia Department of Commerce to explore job opportunities before moving.

3. Prepare for the unpredictable weather

West Virginia’s mountains facilitate unpredictable seasonal weather, with significant snow being as common as hot, humid summers. Depending on where you move, the mountains can also cause flooding and landslides, particularly during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt. We recommend investing in proper heating and cooling systems as well as weather-appropriate clothing. Familiarize yourself with local flood zones and disaster preparedness on the West Virginia Emergency Management Division website.

4. Understand transportation options

Though you may find limited public transportation in cities like Charleston and Morgantown, West Virginia’s sparse towns and rugged landscape make owning a personal vehicle essential. Road conditions can be especially challenging in winter or after major storms, so we recommend also investing in snow or all-season tires. Visit the West Virginia Department of Transportation website to learn about road safety, traffic patterns and local public transit options.

5. Embrace the breathtaking views

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia offers stunning natural landscapes and unique Appalachian culture. Explore the New River Gorge National Park and embrace small-town festivals and events. You can learn more by visiting the West Virginia State Parks website.

6. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to West Virginia, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.