Cities and Towns in Raleigh County, West Virginia
Founded in 1850, Raleigh County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Raleigh County was formed from Fayette County. The city of Beckley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 81, Raleigh County has a population of 73,771 and area of 607 square miles (1,572 km²).
List of all cities in Raleigh County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Abraham, WV | 25918 | 304 |
| Ameagle, WV | 25060 | 304 |
| Arnett, WV | 25007 | 304 |
| Artie, WV | 25008 | 304 |
| Beaver, WV | 25813 | 304 |
| Beckley, WV | 25801 | 304 |
| 25802 | 304 | |
| 25926 | 304 | |
| Blue Jay, WV | 25813 | 304 |
| Bolt, WV | 25817 | 304 |
| Bradley, WV | 25818 | 304 |
| Clear Creek, WV | 25044 | 304 |
| Coal City, WV | 25823 | 304 |
| Colcord, WV | 25048 | 304 |
| Cool Ridge, WV | 25825 | 304 |
| Crab Orchard, WV | 25827 | 304 |
| Daniels, WV | 25832 | 304 |
| Dorothy, WV | 25048 | 304 |
| 25060 | 304 | |
| Dry Creek, WV | 25062 | 304 |
| East Beckley, WV | 25801 | 304 |
| East Gulf, WV | 25915 | 304 |
| Eccles, WV | 25836 | 304 |
| Fairdale, WV | 25839 | 304 |
| Ghent, WV | 25843 | 304 |
| Glade Springs, WV | 25832 | 304 |
| Glen Daniel, WV | 25844 | 304 |
| Glen Morgan, WV | 25813 | 304 |
| Glen White, WV | 25849 | 304 |
| Harper, WV | 25851 | 304 |
| Helen, WV | 25853 | 304 |
| Jonben, WV | 25823 | 304 |
| Josephine, WV | 25857 | 304 |
| Lanark, WV | 25860 | 304 |
| Lester, WV | 25865 | 304 |
| Mabscott, WV | 25871 | 304 |
| Mac Arthur, WV | 25873 | 304 |
| McAlpin, WV | 25921 | 304 |
| Mead, WV | 25915 | 304 |
| Midway, WV | 25878 | 304 |
| Montcoal, WV | 25140 | 304 |
| Naoma, WV | 25140 | 304 |
| Odd, WV | 25902 | 304 |
| Pemberton, WV | 25878 | 304 |
| Piney View, WV | 25906 | 304 |
| Princewick, WV | 25908 | 304 |
| Prosperity, WV | 25909 | 304 |
| Raleigh, WV | 25911 | 304 |
| Rhodell, WV | 25915 | 304 |
| Rock Creek, WV | 25174 | 304 |
| Shady Spring, WV | 25918 | 304 |
| Skelton, WV | 25919 | 304 |
| Slab Fork, WV | 25920 | 304 |
| Sophia, WV | 25921 | 304 |
| Sprague, WV | 25802 | 304 |
| 25926 | 304 | |
| Stanaford, WV | 25927 | 304 |
| Stickney, WV | 25140 | 304 |
| Sundial, WV | 25140 | 304 |
| Surveyor, WV | 25932 | 304 |
| Tams, WV | 25921 | 304 |
| Whitby, WV | 25823 | 304 |
| White Oak, WV | 25989 | 304 |
| Winding Gulf, WV | 25908 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Raleigh County, West Virginia
Raleigh County, located in the southern part of West Virginia, is known for its rich history, outdoor recreation, and vibrant communities. The county’s landscape is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, and its economy historically revolved around coal mining, timber, and agriculture. Below are some of the major cities and towns in Raleigh County, each with its own unique characteristics and historical significance.
Beckley
Location and History
Beckley is the county seat of Raleigh County and the largest city in the county. Located at the intersection of Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 19, Beckley serves as the economic and cultural hub of southern West Virginia. Founded in 1838 and named after John Beckley, a U.S. Congressman and the first Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, the city developed rapidly after the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which opened the region to coal mining and commerce. Beckley became a key player in the coal industry during the 20th century, attracting workers and industries to the region. The decline of the coal industry in recent decades has led to diversification in the local economy, with healthcare, education, and tourism becoming increasingly important.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 8.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 17,000
- Zip Codes: 25801, 25802
- Latitude: 37.7785° N
- Longitude: 81.1910° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beckley is home to several educational institutions, including Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, which provides healthcare education and services, as well as the Academy of Careers and Technology. The city’s public schools are part of the Raleigh County School District, with notable schools such as Beckley-Stratton Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Beckley is also home to the University of Charleston-Beckley campus. Key landmarks in the area include the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, a museum that allows visitors to experience an authentic coal mine tour, and the Tamarack Center, which showcases West Virginia arts, crafts, and cuisine. The nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers hiking, white-water rafting, and rock climbing, making Beckley a gateway to outdoor adventure.
Daniels
Location and History
Daniels is a small town located in the southeastern part of Raleigh County, situated along the scenic route of U.S. Route 19. Originally a coal mining town, Daniels developed during the early 1900s as a hub for workers involved in the local coal industry. The town was named after a prominent local family and grew as a result of its proximity to the larger city of Beckley. With the decline of the coal industry in the late 20th century, Daniels shifted toward a more residential and recreational community, offering a peaceful alternative to the bustling city life of Beckley. Today, the town remains relatively small but offers a quiet, rural setting with access to nearby parks and outdoor activities.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 25832
- Latitude: 37.7743° N
- Longitude: 81.1812° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Daniels is served by the Raleigh County School District, and its students attend schools in the Beckley area. The town is home to several residential developments and serves as a popular location for families and retirees due to its peaceful environment and proximity to Beckley. Daniels is located near the iconic Glade Springs Resort, which provides visitors with golf courses, a spa, and other recreational facilities. The nearby Appalachian Regional Healthcare Beckley hospital also provides medical services to residents and surrounding areas. Daniels enjoys close proximity to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Crab Orchard
Location and History
Crab Orchard is a small unincorporated community located in the central part of Raleigh County, situated along U.S. Route 19, about halfway between Beckley and the town of Mount Hope. Originally established as a settlement in the 18th century, Crab Orchard grew as a crossroads town during the 1800s and became a local hub for farming and transportation. Its name likely comes from the abundance of crabapple trees in the area, which were once common in the region. Over the years, Crab Orchard developed into a modest rural community, known for its agricultural roots and proximity to Beckley, which offers greater urban amenities. Today, Crab Orchard remains a quiet community with a mix of residential and agricultural land.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Codes: 25827
- Latitude: 37.7510° N
- Longitude: 81.1322° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crab Orchard is served by the Raleigh County School District, and local students typically attend nearby schools in Beckley. One of the community’s primary landmarks is the Crab Orchard Baptist Church, which has served as a gathering place for residents for many years. The town is also located near several natural attractions, including the New River Gorge National Park, which offers stunning views and numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and rafting. Crab Orchard’s rural setting provides an idyllic escape from city life while being within easy reach of Beckley’s shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The town’s proximity to the Appalachian Mountains also offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Coal City
Location and History
Coal City is a small community located in the northeastern part of Raleigh County, nestled between the cities of Beckley and Shady Spring. As the name suggests, Coal City has deep roots in the coal mining industry, which was the primary driver of the town’s development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town was founded during the coal boom, and many of its residents were employed in the local mines. Following the decline of coal mining in the area, Coal City transitioned into a more residential and suburban community, offering a quieter lifestyle while still being close to Beckley’s urban amenities. The town is small but maintains a strong sense of community and pride in its history.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Codes: 25823
- Latitude: 37.7667° N
- Longitude: 81.1569° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coal City is part of the Raleigh County School District, with students attending local schools in the Beckley area. The town’s most notable landmark is the Coal City United Methodist Church, which serves as a central place of worship and community events. The town is located near the New River Gorge National Park, a prime location for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Coal City’s quiet, rural atmosphere and its proximity to Beckley make it an ideal location for residents who prefer a peaceful lifestyle while being close to the city’s cultural, educational, and medical amenities. The area around Coal City is also home to several historic mining structures, many of which are preserved as part of the region’s heritage.
The Settlement of Raleigh County
Location and History
Raleigh County was established in 1850 and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer. It is situated in the southern part of West Virginia, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains. The county is historically known for its coal mining industry, which dominated its economy for much of the 20th century. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s accelerated the growth of the county, making it an important transportation hub for coal exports. The decline of coal mining in the latter half of the 20th century has led to economic diversification, with a focus on healthcare, tourism, and retail. Today, Raleigh County is known for its natural beauty, including the New River Gorge National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Raleigh County is home to a robust educational system, with institutions such as the Raleigh County Schools, Concord University, and the University of Charleston-Beckley campus offering various educational opportunities. The county’s many landmarks include the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the most photographed structures in the country, and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, which provides visitors with an authentic mining experience. The county’s abundant parks, including the Little Beaver State Park and the Babcock State Park, offer numerous outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. The region’s rich cultural history, combined with its natural beauty, makes Raleigh County a unique destination for residents and tourists alike.