RANK #462 / 996 · POP 105,988 · WV
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Monongalia County has a Boom Town Index score of 54/100, ranking #462 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $60,893, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Monongalia County is $242,100 with median rent at $929/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2515, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.75% of Monongalia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.