Known for its close-knit towns and breathtaking natural beauty, West Virginia is dealing with a hard reality. The population of the state has been steadily declining for decades; since 1980, the net loss of citizens has exceeded 120,000.
Small towns, many of which were founded on the now-evolving resource extraction sectors like coal mining, are most affected by this departure.
Residents like Sarah are forced to leave these places in search of a better life elsewhere due to unemployment, poverty, and a lack of possibilities.
McDowell
Once a bustling hub fueled by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, the town thrived for decades. However, the decline of the coal industry in the late 20th and early 21st centuries hit McDowell hard.
By 2020, the town’s population had shrunk to a mere 780 residents, a staggering 80% decline from its peak. Unemployment rates soar above the national average at nearly 15%, with many residents struggling to find work.
Thurmond
Nestled amidst the breathtaking cliffs of the New River Gorge, Thurmond in Fayette County offers a postcard-perfect setting. However, its scenic beauty can’t mask the challenges it faces.
Thurmond’s population has dwindled to around 200, with limited job opportunities beyond a handful of tourism-related businesses.
Isolation is another major hurdle. Located far from major highways and lacking significant infrastructure development, attracting new residents and businesses proves difficult.
Matewan
Matewan, in Mingo County, holds a special place in West Virginia’s history. The town gained national attention in 1920 due to the Matewan Massacre, a violent clash between coal miners and company guards.
Today, Matewan faces a different kind of struggle.
The decline of manufacturing and mining has left the town economically depressed, with many residents forced to commute long distances for work.
Additionally, environmental concerns surrounding mountaintop removal coal mining pose a threat to the town’s future.
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Keystone
Keystone, another McDowell County town, serves as a cautionary tale. Once a thriving company town built around a single, massive coal mine, Keystone was completely abandoned by the mining company in the 1980s.
Left with limited resources and crumbling infrastructure, the town’s population plummeted to a mere 30 residents by 2020.
Abandoned buildings stand as a stark reminder of the town’s former prosperity, and basic services like healthcare are scarce.
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Holley
Holley, nestled in Webster County, represents another facet of West Virginia’s struggle. Unlike McDowell or Keystone, Holley wasn’t solely reliant on a single industry. However, the town faces a different challenge: a rapidly aging population and a steady out-migration of young people.
Limited access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and entertainment options make it difficult for young families to put down roots. By 2020, the median age in Holley reached a staggering 52, with a significant decline in the population under 18.
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Conclusion
Despite the tremendous obstacles that West Virginia’s struggling towns must overcome, there is some optimism. Strategic solutions combined with the people’ tenacity can make a difference. Economic diversification is a crucial component.
It’s critical to go beyond resource extraction and promote expansion in industries like travel, outdoor recreation, and distant employment.
To provide the groundwork for a prosperous future, investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure are crucial.
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