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 Bureau.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 $33,750, a poverty rate of 23.9%, and a unemployment rate of 9.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
4. Matoaka
Matoaka is a town in Mercer County that was named after the Native American princess Pocahontas, who was also known as Matoaka. The town was once a railroad hub and a coal mining center, but has since fallen into decline and decay. Matoaka’s population decreased by 18.4%, from 227 in 2010 to 185 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $21,250, a poverty rate of 44.3%, and a unemployment rate of 16.2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
5. Gary
Gary is a town in McDowell County that was established by the U.S. Steel Corporation as a coal mining company town. Gary was once a prosperous and diverse town, with a hospital, a theater, a golf course, and a swimming pool. However, the town has been devastated by the collapse of the coal industry, the outmigration of its residents, and the deterioration of its infrastructure and amenities. Gary’s population decreased by 17.9%, from 968 in 2010 to 794 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $24,063, a poverty rate of 35.8%, and a unemployment rate of 11.8%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
6. Rainelle
Rainelle is a town in Greenbrier County that was founded by two brothers who built a large lumber mill and a railroad. Rainelle was once a booming and vibrant town, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, the town has been hit hard by the decline of the lumber industry, the loss of its young population, and the floods that have damaged its homes and businesses. Rainelle’s population decreased by 17.8%, from 1,505 in 2010 to 1,237 in 2020. The town has a median household income of $29,375, a poverty rate of 28.9%, and a unemployment rate of 8.9%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
7. Mullens
Mullens is a city in Wyoming County that was named after a railroad tycoon who helped develop the coal fields in the region. Mullens was once a bustling and wealthy city, with a large downtown, a hospital, a college, and a newspaper. However, the city has been declining for years, due to the loss of the coal industry, the closure of its major employers, and the lack of economic diversification. Mullens’ population decreased by 17.7%, from 1,559 in 2010 to 1,283 in 2020. The city has a median household income of $27,500, a poverty rate of 30.9%, and a unemployment rate of 10.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Conclusion
West Virginia is a state that has many challenges to overcome, but also many opportunities to seize. The state has a rich culture, a loyal workforce, and a stunning natural beauty. However, the state also needs to invest in its education, health, infrastructure, and innovation, and to diversify its economy beyond coal and other extractive industries. The state also needs to retain and attract more young and talented people, and to offer them more options and incentives to stay or move to the state.
The state also needs to embrace its diversity and inclusivity, and to foster a more positive and progressive image of itself. The state also needs to support and revitalize its small towns and rural areas, and to help them cope with the changes and challenges they face. The state also needs to preserve and protect its environment and heritage, and to promote its tourism and recreation potential.
West Virginia is a state that has a lot to offer, but also a lot to improve. The state has a lot of potential, but also a lot of problems. The state has a lot of pride, but also a lot of pain. The state has a lot of hope, but also a lot of despair. The state has a lot of work to do, but also a lot of possibilities to explore. The state has a lot of people who love it, but also a lot of people who leave it. The state has a lot of stories to tell, but also a lot of stories to write. The state has a lot of history to remember, but also a lot of history to make. The state has a lot of West Virginia, but also a lot of America.