West Virginia, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and close-knit communities, is facing a harsh reality. The state’s population has been steadily declining for decades, with a net loss of more than 120,000 residents since 1980.
This exodus is especially pronounced in small towns, many of which were built around declining resource extraction industries such as coal mining. These towns are struggling with unemployment, poverty, and a lack of opportunities, prompting residents like Sarah to pack their belongings and seek a better life elsewhere.
McDowell
The town was once a thriving hub, powered by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, for decades. However, the decline of the coal industry in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries had a significant impact on McDowell’s life.
By 2020, the town’s population had dropped to just 780 people, a staggering 80% decrease from its peak. Unemployment rates have risen above the national average to nearly 15%, with many residents struggling to find work.
Thurmond
Thurmond, Fayette County, is nestled amidst the breathtaking cliffs of the New River Gorge and offers a postcard-perfect setting. However, its scenic beauty cannot disguise the difficulties it faces. Thurmond’s population has shrunk to around 200 people, with few job opportunities beyond a handful of tourism-related businesses.
Isolation is another significant challenge. Located far from major highways and lacking significant infrastructure development, attracting new residents and businesses is difficult.
Matewan
Matewan, in Mingo County, has a special significance in West Virginia history. The Matewan Massacre, a violent clash between coal miners and company guards, brought the town to national attention in 1920. Matewan is currently facing a different type of struggle.
The decline of manufacturing and mining has left the town economically depressed, forcing many residents to travel long distances for work. Additionally, environmental concerns about mountaintop removal coal mining endanger the town’s future.
Keystone
Keystone, another McDowell County town, provides a cautionary tale. Keystone was once a thriving company town built around a single, massive coal mine, but the mining company abandoned it completely in the 1980s. With limited resources and crumbling infrastructure, the town’s population fell to just 30 people by 2020.
Abandoned buildings serve as a stark reminder of the town’s former prosperity, while basic services such as healthcare are scarce.
Holley
Holley, located in Webster County, symbolises another aspect of West Virginia’s struggle. Unlike McDowell and Keystone, Holley was not solely dependent on a single industry. However, the town faces a different challenge: a rapidly ageing population and a steady outflow of young people.
Young families struggle to establish roots due to limited access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and entertainment options. By 2020, the median age in Holley had risen to 52, with a significant decline in the population under 18.
West Virginia’s struggling towns face enormous challenges, but there is also a spark of hope. The residents’ determination, combined with strategic solutions, has the potential to turn the tide. Economic diversification is an important consideration.
Moving beyond resource extraction and promoting growth in industries such as tourism, outdoor recreation, and remote work opportunities is critical. Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are required to lay the groundwork for a prosperous future.
Government support is critical. Initiatives that fund infrastructure development, job training programs, and small business development can help to revitalise the economy. Community-led initiatives are equally important.
Resident-led projects that prioritise historic preservation, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability can boost community pride and attract new residents with similar values.
