West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #47 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 33.6/100 and a D grade. Its strongest category is Affordability (87/100) and its weakest is Health (4/100).
How Does West Virginia Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in West Virginia
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 283 | Bridgeport | B+ | 58.0 | 9,292 | $99,936 | 150.5 | 106.5 |
| 620 | Weirton | C+ | 50.4 | 18,785 | $56,699 | 78 | 88.8 |
| 621 | Vienna | C+ | 50.4 | 10,575 | $65,211 | 95.8 | 88.2 |
| 634 | Cheat Lake | C+ | 50.1 | 10,485 | $111,379 | — | — |
| 669 | Morgantown | C | 49.0 | 30,273 | $42,245 | 352.8 | 92.3 |
| 714 | Teays Valley | C | 48.1 | 13,961 | $106,798 | — | — |
| 730 | Martinsburg | C | 47.3 | 18,805 | $54,590 | 231.1 | 95.1 |
| 780 | Moundsville | C | 45.9 | 7,934 | $48,590 | 233.2 | — |
| 810 | Charleston | D | 45.0 | 47,918 | $64,512 | 607.9 | 88.4 |
| 815 | Clarksburg | D | 44.8 | 15,829 | $46,859 | 342.7 | 88.2 |
| 836 | St. Albans | D | 44.2 | 10,637 | $58,788 | 369.8 | — |
| 841 | Fairmont | D | 44.0 | 18,303 | $60,791 | 606 | — |
| 859 | Oak Hill | D | 43.0 | 8,057 | $51,799 | 242.3 | — |
| 866 | Cross Lanes | D | 42.8 | 10,172 | $62,704 | — | — |
| 875 | Wheeling | D | 42.7 | 26,670 | $48,498 | 992.2 | 89 |
| 878 | Parkersburg | D | 42.6 | 29,461 | $44,675 | 265.9 | 88.2 |
| 915 | South Charleston | D | 41.0 | 13,594 | $59,616 | 571.6 | — |
| 952 | Huntington | F | 38.8 | 46,189 | $43,146 | 782.3 | 88.4 |
| 969 | Bluefield | F | 37.1 | 9,511 | $43,826 | 1267.5 | — |
| 989 | Beckley | F | 34.6 | 16,977 | $39,939 | 617.4 | 89.6 |
Best Cities in West Virginia for...
| # | City | Families Score | 🎓 Education | 🛡️ Safety | 🏠 Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | 62.9 | 67.5 | 88.1 | 74.9 |
| 2 | Weirton | 62.3 | 72.9 | 98.2 | 86.9 |
| 3 | Morgantown | 58.9 | 64.5 | 68.4 | 81.6 |
| 4 | Moundsville | 58.8 | 83.7 | 80.4 | 78.7 |
| 5 | Vienna | 57.8 | 62.6 | 77.5 | 85.3 |
More South States
West Virginia Rankings Overview
West Virginia earns an overall grade of D with a composite score of 33.6 out of 100, ranking #47 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (87/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (4/100).
Economy & Employment in West Virginia
With an unemployment rate of 4.7% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), West Virginia performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $54,515, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in West Virginia
West Virginia's violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #48 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #47 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in West Virginia is 74 years, and the high school graduation rate is 91%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in West Virginia
West Virginia's total tax burden is 8.85% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 4.82%. The effective property tax rate is 0.55% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 6.59%.
Housing & Affordability in West Virginia
The median home price in West Virginia is $249,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 90 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Environment in West Virginia
West Virginia has a median air quality index of 40 (EPA AirData), above the national average. 8% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 36.7 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in West Virginia
West Virginia's population growth rate is 0% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +2.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 74.3% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in West Virginia
The top-ranked cities in West Virginia based on our composite scoring are Bridgeport, Weirton, and Vienna. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in West Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Virginia's overall ranking?
West Virginia ranks #47 out of 50 states with a composite score of 33.6/100 and a grade of D.
Is West Virginia a good place to live?
West Virginia faces several challenges, scoring 33.6/100 in our composite rankings. Areas such as crime rates and economic indicators trail the national average, though the state offers its own unique qualities and ongoing improvement efforts.
What is the crime rate in West Virginia?
The violent crime rate in West Virginia is 285 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does West Virginia's economy compare?
West Virginia's median household income is $54,515 with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in West Virginia?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in West Virginia are Bridgeport, Weirton, and Vienna.
How does West Virginia rank for families?
West Virginia ranks #43 of 50 states for families with a score of 40.7/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does West Virginia rank for retirees?
West Virginia ranks #42 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 49.9/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does West Virginia rank for remote workers?
West Virginia ranks #39 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 49/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.