In the Appalachian area of the country is the state of West Virginia. It is renowned for its stunning mountains, abundance of outdoor activities, and history of coal mining. What about its populace, though? West Virginia is a very white state.
Estimates from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau place West Virginia’s population at around 1.8 million. 93.6% of the residents there only identify as white. Only Maine has a larger proportion of white population, making West Virginia one of the whitest states in the US.
Although West Virginia may not have as diverse a population as other regions of the nation, that does not mean that the state is not open to residents of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In fact, the state has been working on initiatives like the West Virginia Forward program in recent years to attract and keep diverse talent.
The answer is a little more complicated when it comes to the topic of whether West Virginia is a state that encourages retirement. Compared to some other states, the state does have cheaper taxes and a lower cost of living, but it also has significant disadvantages for seniors. For instance, the state’s poverty rate is relatively high, and certain areas only have limited access to healthcare services.
The southern region of West Virginia often has the highest rates of poverty. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, McDowell County, which is followed by Mingo County, has the highest rate of poverty in the state at 37.4%. Furthermore, compared to other regions of the state, these communities frequently have lower median household earnings.
What you are seeking for will determine which West Virginia city is the nicest. A few well-liked choices are Wheeling, a historic city in the state’s north on the Ohio River, Morgantown, the location of West Virginia University, and Charleston, the state capital, which has a variety of cultural attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities.
How many millionaires reside in West Virginia, in total? In the state, there were about 460 millionaires, according to a Wealth-X estimate from 2020. Although this is a modest proportion compared to other states, it is important to remember that West Virginia also has a lower cost of living than many other regions of the nation.
Despite being one of the most predominantly white states in the union, West Virginia is aggressively pursuing diversity and inclusion efforts, it is crucial to note. It is ultimately up to people to decide if the state is the appropriate place for them, although it does have advantages and disadvantages in terms of retirement, poverty rates, and the prettiest cities.
How White is West Virginia?, the title of the article