West Virginia Ranks 51st in 2026 State Economy Report as Employment Falls by 6,700
Updated
Updated · Parkersburg News · Jun 1
West Virginia Ranks 51st in 2026 State Economy Report as Employment Falls by 6,700
3 articles · Updated · Parkersburg News · Jun 1
WalletHub placed West Virginia 51st in its 2026 state economy ranking, with the state also last in economic activity and innovation potential.
6,700 jobs disappeared from March 2025 to March 2026, leaving total employment at 744,000, according to WorkForce West Virginia data cited in the report.
Mining lost 400 jobs, manufacturing 300 and leisure and hospitality 1,600, reinforcing concerns from the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that the state is falling behind.
The ranking also showed West Virginia 50th in annual median household income, 48th in GDP change, 47th in high-tech job share and 43rd in nonfarm payroll change.
The editorial argues lawmakers' policy choices and focus away from infrastructure, education and transparent governance have undermined growth despite public claims of economic progress.
With federal support for clean energy waning, can West Virginia still attract the investment needed for economic diversification?
Can new policies fix West Virginia's economy without first solving its deep-rooted child care and workforce participation crises?
Can West Virginia revive its economy by supporting coal while also funding a 'just transition' to green energy?