On the western side of the Appalachian range sits West Virginia, the mountainous, largely rural state that broke away from Virginia during the Civil War. In its early years West Virginia was very much a frontier land, and it remains one of the most rural states in the country. Coal mining runs deep in the state's history, but it now shares the stage with other industries. Health care, natural-gas and chemical production, tourism, higher education, advanced manufacturing, and energy all play meaningful roles in the state's economy today. Even so, West Virginia has a relatively small population compared with its neighbors, ranking near the bottom of the states by population.
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to roughly 1.77 million people as of the 2025 Census estimate, which places it around 39th among the states. It covers about 24,000 square miles, ranking 41st in land area. The state economy produces on the order of $80 billion a year (2024) — modest by U.S. standards, but larger than the output of many countries.
Top Cities in West Virginia
West Virginia remains one of the most affordable states in the nation for housing. As of 2026, Zillow's typical home value in the state is around $183,000, well below the national figure, though values have climbed substantially over the past decade. Prices vary less dramatically from town to town than they do in many states, which means buyers can often find comparable value across a wide range of communities.
Charleston
Population: approximately 47,000
Charleston is West Virginia's capital and largest city, anchoring a metro area of several hundred thousand residents. Longtime major employers include Appalachian Power, United Bank, and the research organization MATRIC. Decades of downtown investment have left the city center filled with restaurants, cultural attractions, and independent small businesses.
Huntington
Population: approximately 46,000
Huntington, home of Marshall University, gained national attention through the film We Are Marshall. Together, the Charleston and Huntington areas account for a large share of the state's population. Beyond the university, the region's economy leans heavily on health care, with hospital systems among its largest employers.
Morgantown
Population: approximately 30,000
West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, and the local population swells when school is in session. If you like the atmosphere of a college town — or you're curious about the university's distinctive Personal Rapid Transit system — Morgantown may be the city for you.
Your Banking Options
Whether you're new to the Mountain State or a lifelong West Virginian, you have many choices when it comes to finding a bank — from small community institutions to the larger regional and national banks that operate here. The right decision comes down to weighing your needs, your preferences, and, of course, who offers the best rates and terms.
Community banks and regional institutions with a West Virginia presence include:
- City National Bank
- Citizens Bank of Morgantown
- Jefferson Security Bank
- First Century Bank
Credit unions serving the state include:
- West Virginia Federal Credit Union
- Star USA Federal Credit Union
- Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union
- Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union
- First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union
Larger banks operating across West Virginia include:
- United Bank
- WesBanco
- Truist
- Chase
- PNC Bank
Now that you've seen your options, it's time to make some comparisons. Get started using RateZip.com's free financial search engine, where you can shop for everything from an auto loan to a checking account.
Home Buying in WV
RateZip.com helps homebuyers who want to settle into the West Virginia countryside by connecting them with rates from regional lenders, so buyers can compare offers and find the right financing for their purchase. If you're looking to refinance, our short form can help you gather multiple quotes in a matter of minutes. Because mortgage rates move constantly, we encourage you to check current rates rather than rely on any single figure.
Two home loan options that may be of particular interest to West Virginia residents are both government-backed programs: FHA mortgages and USDA home loans. FHA mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to make homeownership available to a broader range of buyers. These loans require smaller down payments than many conventional mortgages, and borrowers with less-than-perfect credit may still qualify, depending on the lender.
USDA home loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are available to buyers in eligible rural areas — a category that covers much of West Virginia. Income is the other key factor: household income generally cannot exceed 115% of the area median. Buyers who qualify gain access to an especially appealing product, often with little to no down payment and more flexible underwriting than conventional financing.
First-time buyers should also look into the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), the state's housing finance agency. Its Homeownership Program offers 30-year, fixed-rate loans aimed at first-time and lower-to-moderate-income buyers, and it can be paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance. Eligibility depends on factors such as income and home price limits that vary by county, so it's worth checking the current guidelines when you begin your search.