Top Franchises in West Virginia (WV)
Franchise Opportunities in West Virginia
Automated Investments is the pillar of e-Commerce automation. Automated Investments build and operate profitable and hands off Amazon FBA (Fulfilled-By-Amazon) businesses for their clients and investors. While the clients and…
100k Minimum Cash Required
Here at The UPS Store franchise, we know first-hand how important a healthy work-life balance is. When you become an owner of a The UPS Store, you are assisted with finding the right balance as you pursue your entrepreneurial…
75k Minimum Cash Required
Over 30 years of consistent growth. Ongoing support. Multiple revenue streams. Whether you’re looking into owning your very first store, or you’re interested in adding to your existing franchise portfolio, Batteries Plus…
100k Minimum Cash Required
Sniffing around for a great new opportunity? Zoomin Groomin is expanding our Mobile Pet Grooming business nationwide. Set your own schedule, be your own boss and work with pets all day. We’ll be right by your side, every…
90k Minimum Cash Required
Join the growing garage makeover industry with GarageExperts®. GarageExperts® offers a proven franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who are passionate about delivering quality, value and exceptional service. With our…
60k Minimum Cash Required
Wings Etc. is a sports-themed, family-friendly restaurant and pub with over 30 years of industry-leading experience. With a diverse menu featuring Award-Winning Jumbo Wings, Premium Burgers, Wraps, Salads, Cold Beers, and…
350k Minimum Cash Required
Most Popular Industries & Categories
As of March 1, 2025:
Popular Cities in West Virginia
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Facts About West Virginia
| Capital: | Charleston |
| Year of Statehood: | 1794 |
| Largest Cities: | Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington |
| Motto: | Mountaineers are Always Free. |
| Nickname: | Mountain State |
Franchising Economic Indicators in West Virginia
- West Virginia is ranked 18th in Opportunity by the U.S. News & World Report. (source)
- Ranked as having the 10th best business climate in the United States. (source)
- The retail trade sector in West Virginia saw a significant real GDP growth rate of 14.2% per year in the first quarter of 2023. (source)
- Kanawha County, West Virginia’s largest county in terms of employment, saw a 2.9% increase in employment from June 2022 to June 2023. (source)
Here are the best franchises for sale in West Virginia. Below is a list of essential demographic data, economic indicators, and insights into key industries that will help you plan out your next franchise venture in West Virginia.
| Population per Square Mile | 74.6 |
| Per Capita Income | $31,462 |
| Total Employer Establishments | 35,316 |
| Total Employment | 519,122 |
| Total Retail Sales per Capita | $12,678 |
West Virginia's economy has shown notable resilience and recovery post-COVID-19, with most economic indicators surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The real GDP growth rate for the state was 0.2% per year in the first quarter of 2023, showcasing steady economic progress. Significantly, the real GDP growth rate for retail trade in West Virginia was an impressive 14.2% per year during the same period, highlighting the state's robust retail sector. The overall real GDP for West Virginia was $94.2 billion in goods and services per year. The energy sector, especially mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, remains a significant contributor to the state's economy, with a real GDP of $16.1 billion per year.
West Virginia has diversified its economy, moving beyond traditional resource extraction. The state now boasts a strong presence in sectors such as automotive components, energy, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, research and information technology, manufacturing, and metal supply. This diversification provides a wide range of opportunities for potential franchisees.
Overall, West Virginia's economic landscape offers a mix of stability, growth, and diversity, creating a promising environment for business opportunities across various industries.
Cities and Industries
Morgantown's average household income of $91,552 in 2023 signifies a strong consumer base with purchasing power. The city's total annual consumer expenditure of $2.29 billion, including a substantial $1.08 billion allocated to retail expenditure, highlights the significant demand for retail businesses.
Morgantown's demographic profile is ideal for the food industry. The presence of West Virginia University in the city adds a unique dynamic, attracting a diverse audience of students, faculty, and residents with varying dining preferences. The annual consumer expenditure, including $335.51 million spent on food and beverages, provides fertile ground for entrepreneurs in the food industry. Restaurants, cafes, and food establishments can thrive by offering a wide range of culinary options to cater to Morgantown's consumer base.
Charleston has an annual automotive expenditure of approximately $371.76 million in 2023. With a significant portion of residents driving to work alone (72.9%), there's consistent demand for automotive services like maintenance and repair.
Charleston's housing structures, including a high percentage of detached homes (68.8%), present opportunities for home improvement and maintenance services. The city's residents spent approximately $439.66 million on shelter-related expenses in 2023, indicating potential for home-related services and improvements.
Website Analytics
The data from our website's West Virginia visitor analytics is quite telling. With an 81.83% bounce rate, it's evident that a significant portion of visitors from West Virginia may not be engaging further on our site. On average, visitors from the state view 1.41 pages per session, and the average session duration is 47 seconds. The lower engagement levels indicate that there may be an open window to stand out in West Virginia for those that are ready to take the leap into franchising today.
Franchise Opportunities
Discover available businesses for sale in West Virginia by browsing our extensive list of options below.