Best Cities for Families in West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #36 of 50 for families, with a families score of 57.5. Bridgeport is its best city for families at 64.5.
- West Virginia, all states
- #36 of 50
- Population
- 9,252
What Families Should Know About West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #36 out of 50 for families, placing it in the lower third of states. That doesn't mean families can't thrive here — the state scores well in affordability (86/100) — but West Virginia's overall profile suggests families should weigh the tradeoffs carefully, particularly around outdoor access and health.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and West Virginia faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 91.2%, above the national average. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 45/100) mask significant local variation. Center-based infant care costs $9,339 a year, below the 50-state average, easing the financial burden on young families.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. West Virginia performs reasonably well, with a violent crime rate below the 50-state average at 241.7 incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI estimate). The low cost of living (index: 89.5) means family budgets stretch further here than in most states, leaving more room for savings, activities, and college funds.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # City | Grade | Families score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bridgeport | B+ | 64.5 | 62.8 | 68 | 92 | 80 | 9,252 |
| 2Cheat Lake | B+ | 61.3 | 62.2 | — | — | 73 | 10,902 |
| 3Weirton | C | 61.2 | 50.4 | 73 | 98 | 90 | 18,647 |
| 4Morgantown | C+ | 60.1 | 52.8 | 64 | 79 | 79 | 30,236 |
| 5Moundsville | D | 59.9 | 46.3 | 84 | 72 | 90 | 7,869 |
| 6Oak Hill | D | 59.0 | 44.7 | 62 | 97 | 89 | 7,937 |
| 7Martinsburg | D | 58.5 | 47.6 | 67 | 80 | 77 | 18,904 |
| 8Clarksburg | D | 58.5 | 46.1 | 77 | 73 | 90 | 15,549 |
| 9Bluefield | D | 57.4 | 44.7 | 62 | 78 | 91 | 9,387 |
| 10Fairmont | D | 56.6 | 48.4 | 69 | 73 | 87 | 18,221 |
| 11Teays Valley | B | 56.5 | 57.8 | — | — | 79 | 14,151 |
| 12St. Albans | D | 56.5 | 47.0 | 59 | 82 | 87 | 10,522 |
| 13Parkersburg | D | 56.2 | 47.8 | 65 | 73 | 91 | 29,240 |
| 14Vienna | D | 56.0 | 47.8 | 63 | 67 | 89 | 10,518 |
| 15Wheeling | D | 53.7 | 47.0 | 78 | 43 | 89 | 26,350 |
| 16Charleston | D | 51.0 | 48.6 | 61 | 42 | 85 | 47,421 |
| 17Huntington | D | 50.8 | 44.2 | 67 | 40 | 88 | 45,787 |
| 18Cross Lanes | D | 49.3 | 45.1 | — | — | 86 | 9,671 |
| 19South Charleston | F | 48.8 | 42.1 | 60 | 40 | 88 | 13,457 |
| 20Beckley | F | 47.8 | 34.1 | 61 | 18 | 87 | 16,818 |
City families scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for families also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), lower is better; the share of households with someone under 18 (Census ACS), higher is better.
Compare: States with Similar Families Rankings
Also See: West Virginia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia a good state for families?
West Virginia ranks #36 out of 50 for families with a persona-weighted score of 57.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (17/100).
What is the best city for families in West Virginia?
Bridgeport ranks #1 in West Virginia for families with a score of 64.5/100, followed by Cheat Lake and Weirton.
What factors are most important for families in West Virginia?
Rankings weighted toward education quality, public safety, affordable housing, healthcare, and community livability — the factors that matter most to families with children.