How Virginia Border Counties Support the West Virginia Economy

West Virginia’s southeastern border with Virginia forms an important economic corridor, strengthening workforce connections, outdoor tourism, transportation routes, and shared business opportunities.

A Cross-State Relationship That Strengthens Both Regions

The border between West Virginia and Virginia is more than a geographic line – it’s a shared economic region influenced by commuting patterns, tourism, transportation access, higher education, healthcare, and business partnerships.

Virginia’s border counties play a significant role by supporting labor, commerce, travel, and regional identity in the southeastern and east-central parts of West Virginia.

Key Virginia Border Counties Connected to the West Virginia Economy

Several Virginia counties share direct borders with West Virginia. These counties influence workforce movement, retail spending, outdoor recreation, and transportation infrastructure used daily by West Virginia residents:

Southwest Virginia

  • Bland County, VA – Interstate corridor used for freight and workforce mobility into southern WV counties.
  • Tazewell County, VA – Energy, manufacturing, and outdoor tourism flow directly into McDowell and Mercer Counties in WV.
  • Buchanan County, VA – Shared Appalachian workforce and natural resource partnerships.

Shenandoah & Central Highlands

  • Highland County, VA – Tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural collaborations with Pendleton County, WV.
  • Augusta County, VA – Extended corridor of commuting and commercial flow influenced by I-81.
  • Rockingham County, VA – Retail, agriculture, and workforce activity that impacts the eastern highlands of WV.

These counties form an economic bridge between the Shenandoah Valley, the Appalachian Highlands, and the southern coalfields, supporting West Virginia’s connectivity and commerce.

Cross-Border Workforce and Commuting Patterns

Thousands of people from Virginia travel into West Virginia for work every week — especially into Mercer, Monroe, Greenbrier, Pendleton, and other southeastern WV counties. This movement supports the WV economy by:

  • Helping employers fill essential roles in healthcare, education, retail, and industrial trades.
  • Increasing customer activity at West Virginia restaurants, shops, fuel stations, and service businesses.
  • Providing skilled workers for manufacturing, energy, and logistics operations in WV.
  • Strengthening multi-state workforce development initiatives.

West Virginia also sends residents into Virginia for employment, creating a mutually beneficial labor exchange.

Transportation Routes That Connect WV and VA Economies

Virginia offers West Virginia key transportation corridors that enhance economic mobility, including:

  • Interstate 81 – Major Mid-Atlantic artery supporting freight, tourism, and regional business ties.
  • U.S. Route 460 – Connects Tazewell County, VA to Mercer and McDowell Counties in WV.
  • U.S. Route 219 / Mountain Corridors – Outdoor tourism access that benefits both states.
  • Rail networks – Provide supply-chain support for manufacturing and logistics operations on both sides.

These routes enable faster shipping, broader market access, and increased travel activity for West Virginia residents and businesses.

Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Shared Appalachian Culture

Virginia’s scenic valleys, mountain byways, and cultural attractions feed tourism into West Virginia’s neighboring counties. Visitors frequently cross the border to experience:

  • State parks and national forest access in WV
  • Resort areas, outdoor outfitters, and adventure recreation
  • Small-town hospitality and historic districts
  • Festivals, events, and mountain heritage experiences

This shared tourism ecosystem generates lodging, restaurant, retail, and recreation revenue for West Virginia communities.

Business, Industry, and Chamber Collaboration

Regional chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, and development authorities in Virginia and West Virginia often collaborate on:

  • Cross-state business promotion
  • Tourism marketing campaigns
  • Workforce and employer outreach
  • Economic diversification and regional planning

Platforms like MyOhioValley.com provide a unified online presence that strengthens these cross-state partnerships and highlights opportunities across the region.

A Stronger West Virginia Through Virginia Border Partnerships

Virginia’s border counties contribute workforce, tourism, transportation access, and industry support that directly strengthens the West Virginia economy. These shared connections enhance resilience, expand opportunity, and validate the importance of regional collaboration.

As these partnerships continue to grow, both states benefit — and West Virginia gains increased stability and economic reach throughout the Appalachian region.