The Mountain State offers low costs, but poor education and a lack of innovation leave it in a deep hole.
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West Virginia Score and Ranking
| Category | 2021 Score | 2021 Rank | 2019 Rank | 2021 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Doing Business | 233 | 21 | 6 | B |
| Infrastructure | 155 | 41 | 35 | D |
| Life, Health & Inclusion | 203 | 22 | -- | C |
| Workforce | 121 | 44 | 44 | F |
| Economy | 109 | 35 | 33 | C- |
| Business Friendliness | 48 | 46 | 48 | D- |
| Access to Capital | 28 | 47 | 48 | F |
| Technology & Innovation | 37 | 49 | 50 | F |
| Education | 56 | 45 | 42 | D- |
| Cost of Living | 54 | 15 | 21 | B+ |
| Overall | 1044 | 47 | 45 | -- |
Economic Profile
Governor: Jim Justice, Republican
Population: 1,784,787
GDP growth (Q1 2021): 8.2%
Unemployment rate (May 2021): 5.5%
Top corporate tax rate: 6.5%
Top individual income tax rate: 6.5%
Gasoline tax: 35.70 cents/gallon
Bond rating (Moody's/S&P): Aa2, stable/AA-, stable
Major private employers: Wal-Mart, West Virginia United Health System, United Bankshares
Economic profile sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute (excluding 18.40 cent/gallon federal tax), Moody's Investor Service, S&P Global Market Intelligence
