Discover the 9 Counties that Make Up the Advantage Valley, WV Region
Advantage Valley residents have a superior quality of life. Find out more about the nine counties that make up this thriving region.
Advantage Valley is becoming a relocation destination thanks to abundant quality-of-life assets and career opportunities. Here are some highlights within each county that make Advantage Valley an attractive and growing region.
In This Article
Boone County
Population: 21,312
Median Home Value: $144,500
This county is named for pioneer Daniel Boone, who made his home in the Great Kanawha Valley but never actually lived in the region that became Boone County. Key industries include health care, oil and gas extraction, education, warehousing, construction and manufacturing, and the largest employer is Boone Memorial Hospital. In addition, Boone County recently received a $3.2 million Abandoned Mine Lands Grant to develop a resort and ATV trail.
Kanawha County
Population: 177,952
Median Home Value: $155,000
Kanawha County, which includes the state capital of Charleston, is West Virginia’s most populous county. The county is now home to GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of zero-emission, electric-powered vehicles. The area is served by West Virginia International Yeager Airport — the busiest airport in the state. Quality-of-life attractions include the recently renovated Kanawha County Public Library, frequently visited by hometown heroine and actress Jennifer Garner during her childhood.
Cabell County
Population: 93,418
Median Home Value: $176,300
Situated along the Ohio River, Cabell County is home to Huntington Tri-State Airport, West Virginia’s second busiest commercial airport that also offers general aviation. Key industry sectors include health care, retail, education, manufacturing and food services. Marshall University — a major regional employer — was recently designated as an R2 Research Institution, and it operates a world-class manufacturing assistance center (RCBI) in downtown Huntington.
Clay County
Population: 7,892
Median Home Value: $95,500
The county is named after American statesman Henry Clay. Nicknamed “Birthplace of the Golden Delicious Apple,” the county celebrates an annual Golden Delicious Festival and a springtime Elk River Challenge. The community is graced with scenic waterways, including the Elk River and Buffalo Creek, and critical industries are health care, construction, education and manufacturing, among others.
Lincoln County
Population: 20,126
Median Home Value: $145,000
Famed aviator Chuck Yeager hailed from Lincoln County, which takes its name from 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The county seat is Hamlin, and key economic sectors throughout Lincoln County include health care, retail, construction and education. The community is known for its patriotic residents, and a U.S. Veterans Memorial honors World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans and is located on the lawn of Lincoln County Courthouse.
Mason County
Population: 25,157
Median Home Value: $129,500
The Ohio River runs through Mason County. The largest city and the county seat is Point Pleasant, which hosts events like the Mason County Fair and Mothman Festival each year. In 2022, Nucor, a North Carolina-based steel manufacturer, revealed plans to build a new electric arc furnace and steel mill in Mason County — resulting in a $2.7 billion investment that will create around 800 full-time jobs once the mill is completed.
Putnam County
Population: 57,260
Median Home Value: $275,000
Bordering the Kanawha River, Putnam County sits just minutes from both downtown Huntington and Charleston. The county seat is Winfield, and the largest city is Hurricane. Major industries in Putnam County include health care, retail, manufacturing and education. PepsiCo/Frito Lay recently announced a $32.5 million investment in two warehouse distribution facilities employing 185 residents.
Jackson County
Population: 27,738
Median Home Value: $169,900
The largest city is Ravenswood, and the county seat is Ripley, which hosts the annual “Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Celebration in the United States.” Jackson County’s small-town charm is drawing in big business. Two companies owned by Berkshire Hathaway, BHE Renewables and Precision Castparts Corp., are purchasing more than 2,000 acres in the area and investing $500 million into a first-of-its-kind renewable energy microgrid-powered industrial site.d
Wayne County
Population: 38,498
Median Home Value: $134,600
Named for Revolutionary War Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne, the county includes parts of Huntington, plus the county seat is Wayne. Key industry sectors include healthcare, retail, manufacturing and warehousing. In addition, the Ohio River and several lakes and creeks occupy the landscape, and Tri-State Airport is a transportation asset for private pilots and companies doing business in Wayne County. Two wildlife management areas and one state forest make this an ideal place for nature lovers.
If you’d like to learn more about the Advantage Valley region, check out the latest edition of Livability: Advantage Valley, West Virginia.
