Who’s Moving To and From West Virginia?
In the latest Census data (2022), West Virginia gained about 1,889 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Virginia, and the largest number leaving head to Ohio.
Top states moving into West Virginia
- Virginia 7,381
- Ohio 5,254
- Maryland 5,201
- Pennsylvania 4,808
- Florida 2,733
Where West Virginia residents move
- Ohio 7,020
- Virginia 5,323
- Pennsylvania 3,868
- Florida 3,182
- Maryland 3,029
Net interstate migration: +1,889 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where West Virginia residents go: the biggest destinations are Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The single largest stream runs to Ohio — about 7,020 people in a year. In total, roughly 39,934 residents left West Virginia for another state, versus about 41,823 who moved in.
Who moves to West Virginia: the largest inbound flows come from Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, led by Virginia with about 7,381 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people come: West Virginia is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (2.1%–4.6%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Virginia and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between West Virginia and Ohio can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare West Virginia with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving West Virginia?
- On net, no — West Virginia gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 1,889 in 2022. The most people arrive from Virginia.
- Which state do most people move to from West Virginia?
- Ohio is the top destination for people leaving West Virginia, with about 7,020 moves in the latest year, followed by Virginia and Pennsylvania.
- Which states do people move to West Virginia from?
- The largest inbound flows to West Virginia come from Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, led by Virginia with about 7,381 arrivals.