.webp){kind=icon}
Population (2025 est.)1,766,147
Discover • Explore • Connect
Mountain Towns and River Valleys
West VirginiaWest Virginia’s communities follow mountain ridges and river valleys across Appalachia. Charleston is the capital and largest city, while Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, and towns throughout the state offer distinct local histories. Forests, rail corridors, coal heritage, and community traditions help explain the places people call home.
West Virginia at a Glance
Population (2025 est.)1,766,147.webp){kind=icon}
CapitalCharleston.webp){kind=icon}
Largest CityCharleston.webp){kind=icon}
Counties55 counties.webp){kind=icon}
Land Area24,041 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
Water Area189 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
Statehood1863.webp){kind=icon}
Highest PointSpruce Knob — 4,863 ft
Explore West Virginia
County Guides in West Virginia
Choose a county to explore local information, resources and the businesses listed for that area.
Counties of West Virginia
Get to know the cities, towns and landscapes of West Virginia. Browse the photographs and official resources on this page for places to explore and practical information.
Featured Counties
See More of West Virginia
ABOUT THE STATE
America
Local communities make a national story tangible. Across West Virginia, libraries, schools, businesses, public spaces, and volunteer groups give neighbors places to meet, learn, work, and contribute. Exploring a community means listening to its people and understanding both its achievements and its challenges.
Places, People and Stories
Freedom to Build
Freedom gives people room to create businesses, raise families, serve their communities, and pursue a future they choose.
Community Makes Us Stronger
Strong communities grow when neighbors participate, local institutions serve well, and people invest time and care close to home.
Opportunity Within Reach
Education, work, entrepreneurship, and community connections can open practical paths for people to build more secure and meaningful lives.
Building Tomorrow Together
A shared future grows from responsible choices today—supporting families, strengthening communities, preserving local heritage, and creating room for new ideas.
LATEST FROM
West Virginia Headlines
Latest reporting from West Virginia Watch. Coverage may include state and national stories.
West Virginia Watch
Live coverage: 2026 West Virginia general election
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Read the full storySTATEWIDE COVERAGEPresented by Local Supporters
Around West Virginia Headlines
Stories from every corner of West Virginia Headlines.
Live coverage: 2026 West Virginia general election
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 4, 2026 • 2 min read
GOP stronghold remains in WV Senate, but Democrats flip seats to gain 4 members
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 4, 2026 • 2 min read
Democrats set to pick up more seats in the West Virginia House
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 4, 2026 • 2 min read
Riley Moore wins another term in U.S. House of Representatives
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 4, 2026 • 2 min read
Carol Miller will continue to serve in US House
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 4, 2026 • 2 min readSTATE SYMBOLS
Nickname Motto Bird Flower Tree State Animal
The Spirit and Symbols of West Virginia
Symbols that represent West Virginia
Mountain State
Mountain State is a widely used name for West Virginia.
Montani Semper Liberi
The motto means “Mountaineers Are Always Free.”
Northern cardinal
Northern cardinal is the state bird of West Virginia.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is the state flower of West Virginia.
Sugar maple
Sugar maple represents West Virginia among its official tree symbols.
Black bear
Black bear represents West Virginia among its official animal symbols.
A State with Many Stories
Mountain Towns, River Valleys, and Appalachian Stories. Explore the communities, public lands, and local traditions that give West Virginia its own sense of place.
PHOTO JOURNAL
WEST VIRGINIA
Mountain StateExplore West Virginia through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
Our State. Our Stories.★
STATE RESOURCES
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
West Virginia Resources
Explore West Virginia through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
Government
Find state agencies, public contacts, and local government information.
Schools
Find public education information, school contacts, and family resources.
Health Services
Find public health programs and information about health services.
Public Safety
Find public safety agencies and non-emergency contacts.
Emergency Preparedness
Find preparedness guidance and official emergency information.
State Parks
Find parks, visitor information, and recreation planning resources.
Trails and Public Lands
Find public lands, visitor maps, and current access information.
Utilities
Find the agency responsible for utility regulation or consumer assistance; contact your provider for local service and outages.
Libraries
Find library services, local collections, and public learning resources.
Courts
Find the relevant court, official contacts, and public information.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Find the correct agency for licensing, registration, and appointments.
Transportation
Find transportation agencies, road information, and travel updates.
Postal Services
Find post offices, mailing services, and ZIP Code information.
Veterans
Find veteran services and official benefits information.
Employment
Find workforce services, job-search resources, and training information.
Need a Place to Start?
Browse official links for public services, parks and visitor information.
HELP DESK
Questions About West Virginia
Answers and links for residents and travelers.
Charleston is the state capital. Charleston is the largest city.
West Virginia has 55 counties.
Spruce Knob — 4,863 ft.
The official tourism guide provides destinations and trip-planning information.
Use the National Park Service’s West Virginia directory and the parks resources above. Check current access and conditions with the managing agency.
Start with the official government directory and choose the agency for the service you need.
Consult Division of Motor Vehicles via Transportation to find the correct service and current requirements.
See Emergency Management Division for the relevant state resources, and use the National Weather Service for forecasts and alerts.
Use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for official service and benefits information.
The population shown is the 2025 Census estimate, sourced through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED table. Land and water figures use 2025 Census geography.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
My Local Guide
Start with a region. Explore its towns.
My Local Guide