Market Snapshot: West Virginia

Market Snapshot: West Virginia

50 states in 50 weeks – This series leverages our market intelligence database to bring you powerful AE industry insights. Each week, we highlight a new state in green while previously featured states fade to a lighter green. Next, let’s look at West Virginia.

West Virginia Economic Performance and Outlook Grade*: D-

• Economy: C
• Population: D
• Workforce: D
• Financial/Fiscal Health: B

* Overall grade is assigned based on a curve (relative to all states’ performances).

West Virginia’s infrastructure is being reshaped by major investments in transportation and energy. According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT), ongoing construction projects are valued at over $4 billion. The state is aggressively working to modernize its transportation infrastructure, particularly its aging bridge network—one of the worst in the nation in terms of poor-condition bridge area. State leaders expect substantial improvement in upcoming national infrastructure report cards due to these upgrades. West Virginia also ranks among the top 10 states for private nonresidential construction spending growth, highlighting increased demand for design and construction services across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. On the energy front, the state is a national leader in fossil fuel production and is gaining momentum in clean energy jobs. West Virginia ranks sixth in energy-related GDP as a share of its total economy and has seen the fifth-fastest growth in that sector since 2020. It also ranks in the top 10 for job growth in both renewable energy and energy efficiency fields—creating opportunities for firms working in environmental consulting, transmission upgrades, and building performance. See below for regional highlights in West Virginia:

• Charleston: The capital region is seeing infrastructure upgrades, including road and water system improvements, supporting downtown redevelopment and state government facilities.
• Huntington: Investments in port and rail infrastructure are enhancing the city’s role in freight logistics and multimodal connectivity. The city has seen a surge in new business establishments.
• Morgantown: Driven by West Virginia University and related research hubs, the region is expanding in health care and innovation-related facilities.
• Parkersburg: Public-sector projects, including courthouse and school renovations, are generating AE service demand.
• Martinsburg: Proximity to the D.C. metro is driving growth in residential, transportation, and utility infrastructure, especially around I-81 and MARC commuter access.

For sector-specific data and insights for West Virginia or questions about our market intelligence and research services, call/text Rafael Barbosa at 972-266-4955 or email [email protected].

For a comprehensive outlook for 2025, you can access the 2025 AE Market Intelligence Webinar (recorded on January 28). Click here for details.