Eastern
RANK #745 / 996 NAT · #11 / 11 WV · POP 105,988
1YR FORECAST: +0.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Monongalia County, West Virginia, is defined by its natural scenery and the presence of West Virginia University in its county seat, Morgantown. The county, established in 1776, is located in northern West Virginia, approximately an hour and a half south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Residents experience a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Cheat Lake offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while the Monongahela River provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Coopers Rock State Forest, encompassing over 16,000 acres, is also nearby, offering hiking and scenic overlooks. The community has a blend of urban amenities in Morgantown and more rural areas throughout the county.
Life in Monongalia County is shaped by its educational and healthcare sectors. West Virginia University is the largest employer in the county, and along with major hospitals, these institutions drive nearly 40% of the local job market. The public school system in Monongalia County is highly rated, with several elementary and middle schools receiving top rankings within the state. While a personal vehicle is often necessary for commuting, the Mountain Line Transit Authority provides bus services within Morgantown and to other areas of the county, with free rides for high school students, WVU students, and seniors. The county has seen consistent job growth, outpacing the state average, particularly in professional, scientific, and technical services. Recent economic developments include the East End Village project in Morgantown, a significant private investment aimed at creating new housing and retail options.
Below national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 24/100, Monongalia County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $60,893 combined with job growth of +1.7% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Monongalia County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $242,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.25, with rents averaging $929/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Monongalia County are hiring — job growth of +1.7% — but the population is close to flat (+0.3% YoY). Home values moved +0.5% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
In significant numbers — 5.75% of Monongalia County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.