West Virginia Cities by Population 2026

West Virginia’s governance system is structured around 55 counties and 232 incorporated municipalities, each adapting to the state’s mountainous geography and historically coal-driven economy. Municipalities are classified as Class I, II, III, or IV, based on population, which affects their governance and service capabilities.

Charleston, the state capital and largest city, is a Class I municipality operating under a mayor-council government. The city handles urban services such as police, fire, and public works while collaborating with Kanawha County on regional infrastructure and economic development. Charleston’s government is proactive in addressing economic transition challenges as coal-related industries decline.

Huntington, another Class I city, has gained attention for its innovative council-manager form of government and its leadership in urban revitalization projects. The city’s success in obtaining federal funding for opioid crisis response programs has set a model for municipal-state collaboration.

County governments, led by elected commissioners, oversee services in unincorporated areas, including road maintenance and rural healthcare initiatives. Many counties rely on levies to fund services such as fire protection and public libraries, a common practice given the state’s limited tax base.

Unincorporated areas, particularly in the state’s southern coalfields, often face challenges due to declining populations and limited resources. However, regional initiatives, such as the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority, have fostered tourism-driven economic diversification.

West Virginia also features a significant number of special districts and public service districts that manage utilities and water services, particularly in rural regions where county resources are stretched thin.