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The U.S. state of West Virginia has 55 counties. Fifty of them existed at the time of the Wheeling Convention in 1861, during the American Civil War, when those counties seceded from the Commonwealth of Virginia to form the new state of West Virginia. [1]
CountyFips Code [15]County Seat [7]Est.[1]1843177218471836There are 55 counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia.
CountyFips CodeCounty Seat [1]Created [2]1843177218471836The U.S. state of West Virginia is divided into 55 Counties. Explore the West Virginia County Map, all Counties list along with their County Seats in alphabetical order and their population, areas and the date of formation.
CountyCounty SeatFips CodeFormedBarbour CountyPhilippi11843Berkeley CountyMartinsburg31772Boone CountyMadison51847Braxton CountySutton71836- North America
- State of West Virginia
- United States
- 55
- Randolph County
- Greenbrier County
- Pocahontas County
- Preston County
- Monroe County
- Hampshire County
- Hardy County
- Kanawha County
- Jefferson County
- Wood County
County Overview
1. County Seat:Elkins 2. Area:1,040 square miles 3. Population:28,695 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:38.8902° N 6. Longitude:79.8571° W
Location and History
Randolph County, located in the eastern part of West Virginia, is the largest county in the state by area. Established in 1787, the county was named after Edmund Jennings Randolph, the first Attorney General of the United States. The county’s seat, Elkins, was developed in the late 19th century as a center for the lumber industry, driven by the construction of railroads that facilitated the transportation of timber. The county’s history is also marked by its role in the Civil War, with severa...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 33 and U.S. Route 219 are the major highways that traverse Randolph County, connecting it to other regions of West Virginia and neighboring states. Major landmarks in the county include the Monongahela National Forest, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The town of Elkins is home to the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the oldest and largest festivals in West Virginia, celebrating the state’s rich forestry heritage. Another key...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Lewisburg 2. Area:1,025 square miles 3. Population:32,977 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:37.8539° N 6. Longitude:80.4515° W
Location and History
Greenbrier County is located in southeastern West Virginia and was established in 1778. The county was named after the Greenbrier River, which flows through the region. Lewisburg, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown and well-preserved architecture. The county’s history is deeply connected to the early settlement of western Virginia, with several significant events occurring in the area, including the Battle of Lewisburg during the Civil War. Greenbrier County has long been a h...
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 60 are the primary highways serving Greenbrier County, providing access to the county’s major attractions. Notable landmarks include The Greenbrier, a luxury resort that has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and other dignitaries. The resort is also known for its Cold War-era bunker, designed to house members of Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile-long rail trail, is another major attraction, offering scenic views and opp...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Marlinton 2. Area:942 square miles 3. Population:7,869 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:38.2740° N 6. Longitude:80.0088° W
Location and History
Pocahontas County, located in eastern West Virginia, is known for its rugged terrain and extensive wilderness areas. Established in 1821, the county was named after the Native American princess Pocahontas, who played a significant role in the early history of Virginia. The county seat, Marlinton, is a small town with a rich history, serving as a hub for the timber industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pocahontas County’s history is marked by its isolation and the development of...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 219 and West Virginia Route 28 are the main highways that provide access to Pocahontas County. Major landmarks include the Snowshoe Mountain Resort, one of the premier ski destinations in the southeastern United States. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, located within the Monongahela National Forest, is a unique natural area featuring bogs and diverse plant species typically found in northern climates. The Green Bank Observatory, home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Kingwood 2. Area:651 square miles 3. Population:33,180 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:39.4752° N 6. Longitude:79.6968° W
Location and History
Preston County, located in the northeastern part of West Virginia, was established in 1818 and named after Virginia Governor James Patton Preston. The county seat, Kingwood, is a small town known for its historic architecture and the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival, which celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage. The county’s history is closely tied to the early settlement of the Appalachian region, with many of its residents descending from the original European settlers who mo...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 50 and West Virginia Route 7 are the primary highways serving Preston County, providing connections to nearby states and major cities. Major landmarks in the county include Cathedral State Park, home to the only remaining virgin hemlock forest in West Virginia, offering a glimpse into the state’s natural history. The Cheat River, known for its challenging whitewater rapids, is another major attraction, drawing kayakers and rafters from across the region. The West Virginia Northern...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Union 2. Area:474 square miles 3. Population:12,376 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:37.5913° N 6. Longitude:80.5438° W
Location and History
Monroe County, located in southeastern West Virginia, was established in 1799 and named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. The county seat, Union, is a small town with a rich history, featuring numerous historic buildings and sites. Monroe County’s history is characterized by its role in the early settlement of western Virginia and its agricultural economy, which has long been based on livestock farming and tobacco cultivation. The county also played a role in the C...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 219 and West Virginia Route 3 are the major highways that provide access to Monroe County, connecting it to other regions of the state. Major landmarks include the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly during the fall migration. The county is also home to the Rehoboth Church, the oldest Methodist church in continuous use in West Virginia, dating back to 1786. The Organ Cave, a N...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Romney 2. Area:645 square miles 3. Population:23,175 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:39.3505° N 6. Longitude:78.6413° W
Location and History
Hampshire County, located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, is the oldest county in the state, established in 1754. The county was named after Hampshire in England, reflecting the origins of many of the early European settlers in the area. The county seat, Romney, is one of the oldest towns in West Virginia, with a history dating back to the French and Indian War. Hampshire County played a significant role in the early frontier history of the region, serving as a strategic location d...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 50 and West Virginia Route 28 are the main highways that traverse Hampshire County, providing access to its many historical and natural attractions. Major landmarks include the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, which offers scenic train rides through the South Branch Valley, known for its bald eagle sightings. The county is also home to the Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches, one of the best-preserved Civil War fortifications in the state, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s m...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Moorefield 2. Area:584 square miles 3. Population:14,299 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:39.0004° N 6. Longitude:78.9737° W
Location and History
Hardy County is located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and was established in 1786. The county was named after Samuel Hardy, a delegate to the Continental Congress. The county seat, Moorefield, is a small town with a rich history, serving as a focal point for the agricultural and timber industries in the region. Hardy County’s history is marked by its early settlement and strategic importance during various conflicts, including the Civil War. The county’s economy has traditionally...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 220 and West Virginia Route 55 are the primary highways that provide access to Hardy County, connecting it to other regions of West Virginia and neighboring states. Major landmarks include Lost River State Park, known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and historic structures, including the Lee Cabin, once owned by General Robert E. Lee’s family. The Trout Pond Recreation Area, home to the only natural lake in West Virginia, is another key attraction, offering opportunities for...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Charleston 2. Area:911 square miles 3. Population:178,124 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:38.3498° N 6. Longitude:81.6326° W
Location and History
Kanawha County, located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, is the most populous county in the state. Established in 1789, the county was named after the Kanawha River, which flows through the region. The county seat, Charleston, is also the state capital and the largest city in West Virginia. Kanawha County has a rich history tied to the early settlement of the Appalachian region, with the Kanawha River serving as a crucial transportation route for early settlers and industries. The c...
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 64, Interstate 77, and Interstate 79 intersect in Kanawha County, making it a key transportation hub in the state. U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 119 also provide important connections within the county. Major landmarks include the West Virginia State Capitol, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture with a gold-leafed dome, located in Charleston. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, also in Charleston, offers a wide range of cultural and educational programs, including...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Charles Town 2. Area:212 square miles 3. Population:57,701 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:39.3050° N 6. Longitude:77.8579° W
Location and History
Jefferson County, located in the easternmost part of West Virginia, is one of the state’s oldest and most historically significant counties. Established in 1801, the county was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. The county seat, Charles Town, was founded by Charles Washington, George Washington’s brother, and is known for its rich history and well-preserved historic sites. Jefferson County played a crucial role in the early history of the United States, pa...
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 340 and West Virginia Route 9 are the major highways that serve Jefferson County, providing connections to Virginia, Maryland, and other parts of West Virginia. Major landmarks include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a site of immense historical significance that offers visitors a chance to explore the town’s role in the abolitionist movement and the Civil War. The park also features hiking trails with stunning views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Charles Town’s hist...
County Overview
1. County Seat:Parkersburg 2. Area:377 square miles 3. Population:84,296 (2020 Census) 4. Area Codes:304, 681 5. Latitude:39.2665° N 6. Longitude:81.5421° W
Location and History
Wood County, located in northwestern West Virginia along the Ohio River, was established in 1798. The county was named after James Wood, a Governor of Virginia. The county seat, Parkersburg, is one of the largest cities in the state and has a rich history tied to the Ohio River and the development of the oil and gas industries. Wood County played a significant role in the transportation and industrial development of the region, particularly with the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail...
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 50 are the primary highways that run through Wood County, connecting it to other regions of West Virginia and neighboring states. Major landmarks include Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, which features a reconstructed mansion from the 18th century and offers boat tours on the Ohio River. The Oil and Gas Museum in Parkersburg highlights the county’s role in the development of the oil and gas industries, with exhibits on drilling technology, transportati...
There are 55 counties in West Virginia. West Virginia’s most populous county is Kanawha County, home of the city of Charleston, which has a 2019 population of 180,454. Since the last census was taken in 2010, Kanawha County has seen a loss in its total population with a negative -6.46% growth rate.
The state of West Virginia is divided into 55 counties. Our West Virginia Counties Map details the borders and major cities of these counties.
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Aug 16, 2022 · Currently, the state of WV comprises 55 counties. The counties in WV are administered by their corresponding county seats. Charleston, the capital of WV, is the county seat of Kanawha County. In terms of area, the biggest county is Randolph County and by population, Kanawha County is the largest. previous post. West Virginia Travel Attractions Map.
