Lousy Internet Connection Among Reasons People Leaving W.Va. In Droves

Not being able to log on is driving people right out of West Virginia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s population was 1.85 million — but had dropped to 1.79 million in 2020. And that 3.2% dive in population marked one of the nation’s sharpest declines over the past decade, per The Associated Press.

Oh by the way, West Virginia also lost a congressional seat as a result of all the aforementioned numbers.

So, why are people bolting from the Mountaineer State?

Several reasons were cited by the AP. The list includes high poverty rates, low pay, lack of opportunities and, yes, poor internet connection.

It’s true, as the Census Bureau reported that just 76% of West Virginians have a broadband internet subscription.

Along with that, only 20% of the state’s population has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Hence, the low paying gigs.

You could even say that people are, uh, dying to get out of the state. After all, over the past 20 years, West Virginia has experienced more deaths than births.

What does West Virginia plan to do about all this dire news?

Well, for starters, it is offering $12,000 and free outdoor activities to remote workers who move to the state, per the AP.

No word on if decent broadband is on the way.