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Map of West Virginia

The state of West Virginia is located in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and northeast, Maryland to the east and northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest.

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This map of West Virginia State shows the state borders, states, state capital, county borders, counties, county seats and important cities.

County seats are indicated by a red circle, white circles indicate cities, and the capital of West Virginia is indicated by a star in the red circle. The larger the city in terms of population, the larger the circle on the map and the larger the font of the city name.

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West Virginia State Maps

West Virginia County Map

Counties and County Seats in West Virginia

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West Virginia Official State Map - PDF
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West Virginia State Profile

Key Facts:

The Great Seal of the State of West Virginia	Flag of West Virginia
Capital:	Charleston
Largest city:	Charleston
Largest metropolitan area:	Huntington
Largest county by population:	Kanawha County
Largest county by area:	Randolph County
Area:	24,230 sq mi (62,755 km²)
Population (2024):	1,769,979^[1]
Density:	77/sq mi (29.8/km²)
Dimensions:	Length 239 mi (385 km) Width 130 mi (210 km)
Latitude:	37°12′ N to 40°39′ N
Longitude:	77°43′ W to 82°39′ W
Elevation:	Highest elevation (Spruce Knob) - 4,862 ft (1,482 m) Lowest elevation (Potomac River) - 240 ft (73 m)
Official language:	English
Religion (2021):^[2]	70% - Protestantism 6% - Catholicism 2% - Mormonism 1% - Jewish 1% - Muslim 18% - Unaffiliated 1% - other religions
Racial/ethnic groups (2024):^[1]	90.6% White 2.4% Hispanic or Latino 3.9% Black or African American 2.2% Two or more races 1% Asian 0.3% Native American or Alaska Native - % Pacific Islander
Median household income (2023):	$57,917^[1]
USPS abbreviation:	WV
ISO 3166 code:	US-WV
Time zone:	UTC−05:00 (Eastern) Summer (DST) UTC−04:00 (EDT)
The Official Website of the State of West Virginia:	www.wv.gov

About the State of West Virginia

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and northeast, Maryland to the east and northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. The state capital and largest city is Charleston. West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States on June 20, 1863, during the American Civil War, making it the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state.

Where is the state of West Virginia in the United States of America?

Geography and Climate

West Virginia covers an area of approximately 24,230 square miles, making it the 41st-largest state by area. The state is noted for its mountainous terrain, with the Appalachian Mountains dominating the landscape. The highest point in the state is Spruce Knob, which reaches an elevation of 4,863 feet above sea level.

The state's topography is characterized by rugged terrain, with an average elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, the highest mean elevation east of the Mississippi River. Major rivers include the Ohio River, which forms part of the western border, the Potomac River in the eastern panhandle, and the Kanawha River, which flows through Charleston. West Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate in the lower elevations and a humid continental climate in the higher elevations, with four distinct seasons and significant precipitation throughout the year.

History

Early Settlement and Statehood

The region that is now West Virginia was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Cherokee. European exploration began in the late 17th century, with permanent settlements established in the early 18th century. The area was part of Virginia until the American Civil War.

When Virginia voted to secede from the Union in 1861, the northwestern counties, which had different economic interests and fewer enslaved people than eastern Virginia, opposed secession. Delegates from these counties met in Wheeling and formed a loyalist government. After a complex political and legal process, West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, with the requirement that it gradually abolish slavery. This created the unique situation of a state being formed from another state during wartime.

Industrial Development

Following statehood, West Virginia experienced rapid industrial growth. The state's vast coal deposits became central to its economy. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw extensive railroad construction, which facilitated coal mining and timber extraction. This period also witnessed significant labor conflicts, including the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, one of the largest labor uprisings in United States history.

Economy

Historically, West Virginia's economy has been heavily dependent on coal mining. The state has some of the largest coal reserves in the nation and has been a leading coal producer for decades. However, the decline of the coal industry in recent years has significantly impacted the state's economy.

Modern economic activities in West Virginia include:

Energy production, including natural gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing
Chemical manufacturing, particularly in the Kanawha Valley
Tourism, centered around outdoor recreation in the mountains
Healthcare and education services
Aerospace and automotive manufacturing

The state faces economic challenges, including population decline and lower median household incomes compared to the national average. Efforts to diversify the economy have focused on technology, renewable energy, and tourism development.

Demographics

According to recent census data, West Virginia has a population of approximately 1.8 million people, making it one of the least populous states. The state has experienced population decline in recent decades due to economic factors and out-migration. West Virginia has one of the highest median ages in the United States, reflecting an aging population.

The population is predominantly white, with approximately 93% identifying as such, making it one of the least diverse states demographically. The largest ancestry groups include German, Irish, English, and Italian. The state has a relatively small urban population, with most residents living in small towns and rural areas.

Education

Higher education institutions in West Virginia include West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, which is the state's flagship university and largest institution of higher education. Marshall University in Huntington is another major public university. The state also has several smaller colleges and community colleges distributed throughout the region.

West Virginia faces educational challenges, including lower high school graduation rates and college attainment levels compared to national averages. The state has implemented various programs to improve educational outcomes and increase access to higher education.

Culture and Recreation

West Virginia's culture reflects its Appalachian heritage, with strong traditions in folk music, particularly bluegrass and country music. The state is known for its festivals, including the Mountain State Forest Festival and Bridge Day, an annual event where BASE jumpers leap from the New River Gorge Bridge.

Outdoor recreation is a significant aspect of life in West Virginia. The state offers extensive opportunities for hiking, particularly along the Appalachian Trail, white-water rafting on the New River and Gauley River, and skiing at several mountain resorts. The New River Gorge was designated as a National Park and Preserve in 2020, becoming West Virginia's first national park.

Government and Politics

West Virginia has a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Delegates and the Senate. The state has historically shifted in its political alignments. During the 20th century, it was predominantly Democratic, particularly due to strong labor union influence. However, in recent decades, the state has trended strongly Republican in federal elections.

The state government faces ongoing challenges related to budget constraints, healthcare access in rural areas, and addressing the opioid epidemic, which has affected West Virginia more severely than most other states. Infrastructure maintenance, particularly of the extensive road network through mountainous terrain, represents another significant governmental responsibility and expense.

Major cities in West Virginia

Charleston
Huntington
Morgantown
Parkersburg
Wheeling

Weirton
Fairmont
Martinsburg
Beckley
Clarksburg

South Charleston
Vienna
St. Albans
Bluefield
Bridgeport

Moundsville
Oak Hill
Dunbar
Elkins
Hurricane

Counties in West Virginia

There are 55 counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia.

List of counties in West Virginia

West Virginia County Map

Geography of West Virginia

West Virginia is renowned for its mountainous terrain, earning it the nickname "The Mountain State." The state lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range, with an average elevation of approximately 1,500 feet (457 meters) above sea level. Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest point in the state at 4,863 feet (1,482 meters). The lowest point is along the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, sitting at 240 feet (73 meters) above sea level.

The terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, steep valleys, and rolling hills. The state can be divided into two major physiographic provinces: the Appalachian Plateau in the west and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians to the east. The eastern panhandle features a small portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Major Rivers and Waterways

West Virginia is home to numerous rivers and streams, with all of them being part of the Mississippi River watershed system through the Ohio River. The Ohio River forms the entire western and northwestern border of the state. Major tributaries include the Kanawha River, which flows through Charleston, the state capital, and the Monongahela River in the northern part of the state.

Other significant rivers include the Potomac River, which forms part of the northeastern border, the Greenbrier River, the Elk River, and the Gauley River. These waterways have historically been important for transportation and continue to be vital for recreation and hydroelectric power generation.

Climate

West Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate in the lower elevations and a humid continental climate in the higher mountain areas. The state receives abundant precipitation throughout the year, averaging between 40 to 50 inches (1,016 to 1,270 millimeters) annually. Snowfall is common in winter, particularly in the mountainous regions, where some areas can receive over 100 inches (254 centimeters) of snow annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations.

Natural Resources and Geology

The state is geologically rich, containing significant deposits of coal, natural gas, and timber. Coal seams are particularly abundant in the southern and central regions, making West Virginia one of the leading coal-producing states in the United States. The underlying rock formations consist primarily of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone, which were formed during the Paleozoic Era.

West Virginia also contains numerous caves and caverns, formed through limestone dissolution. The state is home to more than 4,000 documented caves.

Forests and Biodiversity

Approximately 78 percent of West Virginia is covered by forests, making it one of the most heavily forested states in the nation. The predominant forest types include mixed mesophytic forests at lower elevations and northern hardwood forests at higher elevations. Common tree species include oak, maple, hickory, beech, and various conifers such as spruce and hemlock in the higher mountains. The Monongahela National Forest, covering more than 900,000 acres, is the state's primary national forest and hosts diverse wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species.

Below you will find a list of the largest lakes, the longest rivers, and the highest mountain peaks in West Virginia.