The Mountain State offers low costs, but poor education and a lack of innovation leave it in a deep hole.
Economic Profile
Governor: Jim Justice, Republican
Population: 1,784,787
Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.
GDP growth (Q1 2021): 8.2%
Unemployment rate (May 2021): 5.5%
Top corporate tax rate: 6.5%
Money Report
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
Copyright CNBC