Best Cities for Small Business in West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #39 of 50 for small business, with a small business score of 46.1. Cheat Lake is its best city for small business at 68.6.
- West Virginia, all states
- #39 of 50
- Population
- 10,902
What Small Business Should Know About West Virginia
West Virginia ranks #39 out of 50 for small business owners and entrepreneurs, presenting some challenges for business formation and growth. The state's fiscal health score of 60/100 is adequate, though fiscal conditions aren't a standout advantage.
Tax policy directly impacts the bottom line. West Virginia's overall tax burden is 8.85% of income, with a 4.82% income tax rate that applies to both personal and pass-through business income. The 6.59% combined sales tax rate is moderate and worth factoring into pricing strategy. The economic environment (score: 26/100) with 4.2% unemployment shows healthy labor availability.
Declining population (-0.07%) is a headwind for customer-dependent businesses, though it can reduce competition. Workforce quality may require investment in training — the education score of 45/100 suggests gaps in preparation. A typical home value of $179,496 helps attract and retain employees who can afford to live nearby.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Small Business
| # City | Grade | Small Business score | Overall | Household finances | Economy | Growth | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Cheat Lake | B+ | 68.6 | 62.2 | 79 | 71 | — | 10,902 |
| 2Teays Valley | B | 67.7 | 57.8 | 78 | 64 | — | 14,151 |
| 3Bridgeport | B+ | 61.5 | 62.8 | 77 | 57 | 36 | 9,252 |
| 4Charleston | D | 47.9 | 48.6 | 40 | 49 | 35 | 47,421 |
| 5Cross Lanes | D | 47.7 | 45.1 | 59 | 25 | — | 9,671 |
| 6Weirton | C | 42.8 | 50.4 | 43 | 21 | 16 | 18,647 |
| 7Vienna | D | 42.7 | 47.8 | 48 | 22 | 20 | 10,518 |
| 8Parkersburg | D | 42.4 | 47.8 | 20 | 37 | 32 | 29,240 |
| 9Fairmont | D | 42.3 | 48.4 | 36 | 24 | 23 | 18,221 |
| 10Martinsburg | D | 42.1 | 47.6 | 30 | 21 | 41 | 18,904 |
| 11Wheeling | D | 42.1 | 47.0 | 24 | 39 | 28 | 26,350 |
| 12Morgantown | C+ | 40.2 | 52.8 | 4 | 38 | 40 | 30,236 |
| 13Huntington | D | 39.9 | 44.2 | 12 | 39 | 35 | 45,787 |
| 14St. Albans | D | 39.6 | 47.0 | 38 | 17 | 17 | 10,522 |
| 15South Charleston | F | 38.6 | 42.1 | 37 | 25 | 19 | 13,457 |
| 16Bluefield | D | 36.7 | 44.7 | 28 | 13 | 23 | 9,387 |
| 17Moundsville | D | 36.1 | 46.3 | 20 | 12 | 21 | 7,869 |
| 18Clarksburg | D | 35.7 | 46.1 | 17 | 11 | 20 | 15,549 |
| 19Oak Hill | D | 34.3 | 44.7 | 23 | 15 | 11 | 7,937 |
| 20Beckley | F | 26.6 | 34.1 | 7 | 9 | 17 | 16,818 |
City small business 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.
Compare: States with Similar Small Business Rankings
Also See: West Virginia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia a good state for small business?
West Virginia ranks #39 out of 50 for small business with a persona-weighted score of 46.1/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (86/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (17/100).
What is the best city for small business in West Virginia?
Cheat Lake ranks #1 in West Virginia for small business with a score of 68.6/100, followed by Teays Valley and Bridgeport.
What factors are most important for small business in West Virginia?
Rankings weighted toward business-friendly tax climate, strong economy, population growth, workforce quality, and transportation infrastructure — what matters when starting or running a small business.