Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in West Virginia
How local government works in West Virginia, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse West Virginia’s Local Wiki pages below.
Nearly every county (54 of 55) is run by a three-member elected County Commission holding combined legislative and executive power (Jefferson County has five). Other officials — assessor, clerk, sheriff — are separately elected and run their offices independently of the commission. Contact the County Commission office for public meetings, held at the courthouse, and the county clerk for records requests.
Local government in West Virginia
- County governments55
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages230
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - School districts55
Independent school districts with their own elected boards. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts298
Single-purpose governments — fire, water, library, parks, housing, transit, and more.
Counts: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments — Government Units listing. A consolidated city-county is counted once.
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