Exodus in West Virginia: 5 Places Losing Residents at Alarming Rates

WEST VIRGINIA (DDN) – West Virginia, known for its stunning natural beauty and tight-knit communities, is facing a harsh reality. The state has seen a steady decline in population for decades, with a net loss of over 120,000 residents since 1980.

This exodus is particularly acute in small towns, many of them built around the now-faltering resource extraction industries like coal mining. These towns are left grappling with unemployment, poverty, and a lack of opportunities, driving residents like Sarah to pack their bags and chase a better life elsewhere.

McDowell

Once a bustling hub fueled by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, the town thrived for decades. However, the decline of the coal industry in the late 20th and early 21st centuries hit McDowell hard. By 2020, the town’s population had shrunk to a mere 780 residents, a staggering 80% decline from its peak. Unemployment rates soar above the national average at nearly 15%, with many residents struggling to find work.

Thurmond

Nestled amidst the breathtaking cliffs of the New River Gorge, Thurmond in Fayette County offers a postcard-perfect setting. However, its scenic beauty can’t mask the challenges it faces. Thurmond’s population has dwindled to around 200, with limited job opportunities beyond a handful of tourism-related businesses.

Isolation is another major hurdle. Located far from major highways and lacking significant infrastructure development, attracting new residents and businesses proves difficult.

Matewan

Matewan, in Mingo County, holds a special place in West Virginia’s history. The town gained national attention in 1920 due to the Matewan Massacre, a violent clash between coal miners and company guards. Today, Matewan faces a different kind of struggle. The decline of manufacturing and mining has left the town economically depressed, with many residents forced to commute long distances for work. Additionally, environmental concerns surrounding mountaintop removal coal mining pose a threat to the town’s future.

Keystone

Keystone, another McDowell County town, serves as a cautionary tale. Once a thriving company town built around a single, massive coal mine, Keystone was completely abandoned by the mining company in the 1980s. Left with limited resources and crumbling infrastructure, the town’s population plummeted to a mere 30 residents by 2020. Abandoned buildings stand as a stark reminder of the town’s former prosperity, and basic services like healthcare are scarce.

Holley

Holley, nestled in Webster County, represents another facet of West Virginia’s struggle. Unlike McDowell or Keystone, Holley wasn’t solely reliant on a single industry. However, the town faces a different challenge: a rapidly aging population and a steady out-migration of young people.

Limited access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and entertainment options make it difficult for young families to put down roots. By 2020, the median age in Holley reached a staggering 52, with a significant decline in the population under 18.

Conclusion

West Virginia’s struggling towns face immense challenges, but there’s also a spark of hope. The determination of their residents, coupled with strategic solutions, can turn the tide. A key factor is economic diversification. Moving beyond resource extraction and fostering growth in sectors like tourism, outdoor recreation, and remote work opportunities are crucial. Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are essential to create a foundation for a thriving future.

Government support plays a vital role. Initiatives that provide funding for infrastructure development, job training programs, and small business development can create a fertile ground for economic revitalization. Community-driven initiatives are equally important. Resident-led projects that focus on historic preservation, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability can foster a sense of pride and attract new residents who share similar values.