West Virginia moving guide

Where should I move in West Virginia?

We ranked 5 West Virginia cities with 20,000+ residents on home affordability (income vs. home value), unemployment, education and population growth. Here are the top 5.

1. 1

   Morgantown

   Home $238,200 · Rent $888 · Income $42,245 · Unemployment 7.6%
   63/100
2. 2

   Charleston

   Home $187,300 · Rent $898 · Income $64,512 · Unemployment 6.3%
   56/100
3. 3

   Wheeling

   Home $142,500 · Rent $795 · Income $48,498 · Unemployment 6.6%
   50/100
4. 4

   Parkersburg

   Home $113,900 · Rent $746 · Income $44,675 · Unemployment 8.0%
   44/100
5. 5

   Huntington

   Home $118,800 · Rent $863 · Income $43,146 · Unemployment 7.6%
   38/100

Statewide, West Virginia recorded 1,359 crimes per 100,000 people in 2025 — #41 highest of 50 states (FBI).

Also see: Best counties in West Virginia to live

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates (2023); FBI Crime Data Explorer.