New study shows West Virginia to be among the worst states for infrastructure, attractivity to business

By Matthew Young, RealWV

Earlier this month, research conducted by educational platform Guru99 showed West Virginia to be among the “least intelligent” states in the country, thanks, in part, to its low high school graduation and literacy rates, and the nation’s lowest average SAT scores. Now, new studies from CNBC reveal West Virginia to be among the worst states in the nation with regard to both infrastructure and attractivity to business, as well. 

According to CNBC’s research, West Virginia’s deteriorating infrastructure ranks 46 out of the 50 states, and the Mountain State’s “notoriously unreliable” power grid is responsible for some 16.7 average hours of power outages per household each year. The research further indicates that more than 13% of the state’s roadways are in “unacceptable” condition, and nearly 20% of bridges are considered to be in “poor” condition. 

In terms of attractivity to outside business, West Virginia is ranked 40th in the nation, with poor infrastructure being a significant contributor to the low ranking. The research shows that a mere 30.2% of residents have access to affordable in-home broadband. This fact certainly plays a part in West Virginia’s depleted workforce, and low output of technology and innovation – two additional factors which led to the state’s low overall ranking. 

CNBC’s research did, however, identify West Virginia as the least expensive state to live in, noting a, “Cost of living 12% lower than the national average.” Although West Virginia’s 2023 average hourly wage of $25.10 is cited as the third lowest hourly pay rate in the nation. 

According to the Poynter Institute, West Virginia has received more than $150 billion in federal financial aid since 2016 – with $92.4 billion coming during the period between 2020 and 2023, and approximately $60 billion during the four years before that. That amount is over $30 billion more federal aid than West Virginia has received during any eight-year period since the state’s admittance into the Union. 

Read RealWV’s previous reporting on West Virginia’s national rankings here: