West Virginia is a state with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. However, it is also a state that has been facing many challenges in recent years, such as population decline, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and social problems.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia lost a higher percentage of its residents than any other state in the nation. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census.
Some of the reasons why people are leaving West Virginia include a lack of opportunity or low pay, not enough to do, a political climate that some find oppressive, and poor cellphone and internet service. Many young and educated people are moving to other states in search of better prospects, while some older and retired people are seeking warmer and more affordable places to live.
The population decline has also affected the state’s tax base, public services, infrastructure, and quality of life. While some towns and cities in West Virginia are trying to revitalize themselves and attract new residents, others are struggling to survive and cope with the loss of their communities.
Here are seven West Virginia towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, based on the percentage of population change from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau12.
Welch
Welch is the county seat of McDowell County, which was once the largest coal-producing county in the nation. However, the decline of the coal industry, along with the opioid epidemic, poverty, and crime, have taken a toll on the town and its people.
Welch’s population decreased by 23.6%, from 2,406 in 2010 to 1,838 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $25,625, a poverty rate of 36.4%, and a unemployment rate of 12.9%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
War
War is another town in McDowell County that has suffered from the same problems as Welch. War was named after the nearby War Creek, and was once a thriving coal mining community. However, the town has been losing its population and businesses for decades, and now has a bleak outlook.
War’s population decreased by 22.9%, from 862 in 2010 to 665 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $23,750, a poverty rate of 38.8%, and a unemployment rate of 14.5%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Ansted
Ansted is a town in Fayette County that is located on the rim of the New River Gorge, a popular tourist destination and national park. Ansted was founded by a British geologist and coal mine owner, and was once a prosperous and cultured town. However, the town has been losing its population and charm, and has become more isolated and neglected.
Ansted’s population decreased by 18.8%, from 1,404 in 2010 to 1,140 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $34,375, a poverty rate of 19.9%, and a unemployment rate of 8.8%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Charleston
Charleston is the state’s capital and largest city, but it has been losing residents steadily over the years. Charleston was once a center of commerce, industry, and culture, but it has been facing competition from other cities in the region and the country. Charleston has also been dealing with issues such as crime, pollution, and aging infrastructure.
Charleston’s population decreased by 11.1%, from 51,400 in 2010 to 45,703 in 2020. The city has a median household income of $48,442, a poverty rate of 20.7%, and a unemployment rate of 6.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Huntington
Huntington is the second-largest city in the state and the home of Marshall University. Huntington was once a booming railroad and manufacturing town, but it has been hit hard by the decline of those sectors. Huntington has also been struggling with the opioid crisis, which has claimed many lives and affected many families.
Huntington’s population decreased by 10.5%, from 49,138 in 2010 to 43,967 in 2020. The city has a median household income of $31,834, a poverty rate of 32.4%, and a unemployment rate of 7.7%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Wheeling
Wheeling was once a booming steel town and a cultural hub of the state. Wheeling was the first state capital of West Virginia, and the birthplace of many famous people, such as author Pearl S. Buck, singer Brad Paisley, and actor Walter Brennan. Wheeling also has many historic landmarks, such as the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and the Capitol Theatre. However, the town has been losing its population and vitality, and has become more rundown and deserted.
Wheeling’s population decreased by 9.4%, from 28,486 in 2010 to 25,814 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $41,170, a poverty rate of 18.6%, and a unemployment rate of 6.1%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Clarksburg
Clarksburg is a town in Harrison County that was once a major railroad and industrial center. Clarksburg was also the hometown of Stonewall Jackson, a famous Confederate general in the Civil War. Clarksburg has been trying to revitalize its downtown and attract new businesses, but it has been facing challenges such as crime, poverty, and population loss.
Clarksburg’s population decreased by 8.9%, from 16,578 in 2010 to 15,104 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $40,556, a poverty rate of 22.4%, and a unemployment rate of 6.9%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Conclusion
These are some of the towns in West Virginia that people are fleeing as soon as possible, due to various reasons such as economic hardship, social problems, and lack of opportunity. These towns represent the challenges and struggles that the state as a whole is facing, and the need for more investment, innovation, and collaboration to reverse the trend of population decline and improve the quality of life for the remaining residents. West Virginia is a state with a lot of potential and beauty, but it also needs a lot of help and hope.