Bad things about West Virginia
West Virginia is known for its coal mines, mountains, and rich history. But there are also many bad things about the state, such as high poverty rates and a struggling economy. This article looks at some of the bad things about West Virginia and offers tips on how to make the most of your time there.
The Economy
West Virginia has one of the lowest economies in the country. The unemployment rate is above the national average and the median household income is below the national average.
Crime
West Virginia has the highest crime rate in the United States. There was an increase in violent crimes from 337.9 in 2015 to 358.1 in 2016 per 100,000 residents. Which then declined by 19% in 2018 and again increased by 9% in 2019. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 1,800 crimes per 100,000 residents.
One of the main reasons for this high crime rate is the prevalence of drugs and gangs in West Virginia. In 2013, over 60% of all arrests were for drug-related offenses. This is much higher than the national average of about 35% for drug-related arrests. The high crime rate also affects the economy in West Virginia. Many businesses are afraid to invest in the state due to the risk of crime. This hurts jobs and economic growth in West Virginia.
Education
West Virginia ranks 47th in the nation for education. The state’s rank has decreased since 2010 when it ranked 43rd. West Virginia also ranks 49th in terms of average teacher pay and 41st in terms of average student-teacher ratio. The state also has the lowest percentage of students who graduate from high school. West Virginia also ranks poorly in terms of access to affordable health care and low life expectancy.
Healthcare
There are several bad things about healthcare in West Virginia. The state has the highest number of uninsured residents and the lowest rate of health insurance coverage. This means that many people in West Virginia do not have access to affordable healthcare. The state also does not have a universal healthcare system like those in other developed countries. This means that people who can’t afford to pay for their healthcare are forced to use expensive, private healthcare services.
Another bad thing about healthcare in West Virginia is the high cost of medications. Medications are often expensive, and people in West Virginia have to pay more for them than people in other states. This creates a burden for people who need medications, and it makes it difficult for people to afford healthcare overall.
The Climate
West Virginia has a climate that is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. The average temperature in Charleston is 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the average temperature in Parkersburg is 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather can change quickly in either direction, so it is important to prepare for any weather condition. The humidity in the summer makes it difficult to work or stay active outdoors. The humidity in the winter can make it very cold and uncomfortable to be outside. There is also a risk of getting sick from the bad air quality.
Limited Diversity
One of the many drawbacks of living in West Virginia is the limited diversity. The state has a population that is 86% white, and only 2% are black. This lack of diversity can be tough for people who are not used to living in a majority-white area.
Additionally, there is not a lot of cultural variety available in West Virginia. This can be a problem for people who are interested in experiencing different types of cultures, as there are not many options available.
Significant Drug Abuse
West Virginia is one of the most opioid-addicted states in the country. Overdose deaths are on the rise, and addiction to opioids is now considered an epidemic in the state. In 2016, West Virginia had more than 1,000 overdose deaths related to opioids. That’s more than double the number of overdose deaths from heroin and cocaine combined.
The problem has gotten so bad that officials in West Virginia have declared a state of emergency. One reason for the epidemic is that prescription opioids are easily available in West Virginia. This is because the state has one of the lowest rates of prescription drug use in the country. Only 3% of people in West Virginia use prescription drugs regularly, which is lower than any other state in the country. This means that people who are addicted to opioids can easily find and abuse these drugs.
Another reason for the opioid epidemic in West Virginia is that people there are using drugs at a much higher rate than anywhere else in the country. People in West Virginia are using opioids at twice the rate as people in Massachusetts. This high rate of drug use is partly due to low-income levels and a lack of job opportunities. People who are addicted
Lack Of Health Care Services
West Virginia ranks 48th in the nation in terms of health care coverage. There are only two clinics providing abortion services, and they are both located in the state capital, Charleston. In 2012, West Virginia was one of only six states that refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
As a result, nearly one-third of the state’s population is uninsured or has only limited coverage. West Virginia also has one of the highest rates of death due to cancer in the country. The state has only five cancer centers, and only one is located in a major metropolitan area.
The state also has one of the lowest incomes in the country, and its residents have some of the shortest life expectancies. There are many bad things about West Virginia, but its lack of health care services is definitely among the worst.
Low-Quality Educational System
West Virginia has a low-quality educational system. The state ranks 46th in terms of quality of education, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. This is due in part to the fact that West Virginia spends less money per student than any other state. In 2013, West Virginia spent $8,051 per student, while states like Massachusetts and California spent $12,433 and $13,636 per student, respectively.
Additionally, West Virginia ranks poorly in terms of access to higher education. Only 38 percent of students in the state are considered college-ready, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Poor Quality Government Services
West Virginia ranks 47th in the nation in terms of the quality of government services. According to the 2017 edition of the State Integrity Investigation, West Virginia has experienced a steep decline in government transparency and accountability over the past two decades. In 2000, West Virginia was ranked 26th in terms of government transparency.
However, by 2017, the state had fallen to 47th. One way that West Virginia has lowered its ranking is by having a very low rate of public disclosure of information about how public money is being spent. In 2000, West Virginia had a disclosure rate of 55%. By 2017, this number had fallen to 33%.
This lack of transparency makes it difficult for citizens to hold their government officials accountable. For example, it is difficult to know how well taxpayer dollars are being spent if the information about how these dollars are being spent is not available to the public.
West Virginia also ranks poorly in terms of meeting citizen needs. In 2000, West Virginia was ranked 36th in terms of meeting citizens’ needs. However, by 2017, this ranking had dropped to 47th place. One reason why WV falls short in meeting citizen needs is that the state does not have a strong system of
High Poverty Rates
West Virginia has one of the highest poverty rates in the United States. The current poverty rate of West Virginians is 15.8%. The high poverty rate is likely due to the lower income levels and the lack of jobs in West Virginia. West Virginia also has one of the lowest levels of educational attainment in the United States. Only 21.3% of adults in West Virginia have a college degree or higher, which is below the national average of 27%. This low level of education attainment is likely due to the lack of jobs and the high poverty rates in West Virginia.
You may also like: 15 Worst small towns in Texas
Conclusion
There are a few things about West Virginia that you might want to avoid if you’re looking for a happy, peaceful life. For starters, the state is ranked 44th in terms of economic competitiveness according to Forbes magazine. Additionally, it has one of the highest rates of opioid addiction in the country and lower-than-average educational attainment levels. Finally, West Virginia ranks last in terms of quality of life according to Gallup. If these factors aren’t enough to put you off, consider the high crime rate and low job opportunities.
Related Article // Worst places to live in Florida | Must Read
