Gov. Patrick Morrisey has been on quite a tour over the past few weeks as he signs legislation, makes important announcements and listens in communities all over the state. Here’s hoping he is using those visits to gain an honest understanding of where West Virginia stands against our competition in an economic Backyard Brawl.

While there are bright spots here and there, for the most part the Mountain State’s communities and counties are struggling. Backing that up is WalletHub’s “2025’s Best and Worst State Economies” report. No, we’re not dead last. We are second from the bottom.

It may come as a surprise to learn Iowa is 51st. Mississippi (44th) and Louisiana (46th) have climbed above us.

Researchers put us 38th for economic activity, 45th for economic health and 51st for innovation

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