Cities and Towns in Wayne County, West Virginia
Founded in 1842, Wayne County is one of 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. Historically, Wayne County was formed from Cabell County. The city of Wayne is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, Wayne County has a population of 38,498 and area of 506 square miles (1,311 km²).
List of all cities in Wayne County, WV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ceredo, WV | 25507 | 304 |
| Cove Gap, WV | 25534 | 304 |
| Crum, WV | 25669 | 304 |
| Dunlow, WV | 25511 | 304 |
| East Lynn, WV | 25512 | 304 |
| Fort Gay, WV | 25514 | 304 |
| Genoa, WV | 25517 | 304 |
| Glenhayes, WV | 25514 | 304 |
| Huntington, WV | 25704 | 304 |
| Kenova, WV | 25530 | 304 |
| Kiahsville, WV | 25534 | 304 |
| Lavalette, WV | 25535 | 304 |
| Prichard, WV | 25555 | 304 |
| Radnor, WV | 25517 | 304 |
| Shoals, WV | 25562 | 304 |
| Wayne, WV | 25570 | 304 |
| Wilsondale, WV | 25699 | 304 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, West Virginia
Wayne County, located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, is a region known for its scenic beauty, rural atmosphere, and rich history. The county is home to several small towns and communities, each offering a glimpse into the region’s past, from its settlement in the 19th century to its role in the coal mining industry. Below is a look at some of the major cities and towns in Wayne County.
Wayne
Location and History
Wayne is the county seat of Wayne County and is located in the southwestern part of the county, near the Kentucky border. The town was founded in the mid-19th century, with its name derived from the famous Revolutionary War general “Mad Anthony” Wayne. It developed as a transportation hub, with the arrival of the railroad playing a key role in its growth. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wayne became a small but prosperous town, benefiting from its access to railroads, the Big Sandy River, and the coal industry. Over time, however, as coal mining declined, the town’s economy transitioned to a more diversified base, including agriculture, retail, and services. Today, Wayne remains a small, rural community with a rich history, serving as the administrative and cultural center of Wayne County.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Codes: 25570
- Latitude: 38.1470° N
- Longitude: 82.3582° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wayne is served by the Wayne County School District, with local schools including Wayne High School and Wayne Elementary School. Wayne High School is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball, and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Wayne County Courthouse, which serves as the hub of local government. The nearby Big Sandy River provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and the surrounding Appalachian mountains offer hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Wayne is also located close to the Beech Fork State Park, which offers outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, making the town a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Ceredo
Location and History
Ceredo is a small town located in the northeastern part of Wayne County, along the banks of the Ohio River. The town was incorporated in 1857 and has a rich history tied to the region’s development during the Industrial Revolution. Ceredo was initially a small settlement that grew rapidly due to its location along the river and the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. The town became a key transportation hub for goods and passengers moving through the region. Over time, Ceredo developed a more industrial character, with manufacturing, agriculture, and coal mining providing jobs for many residents. Today, the town is a residential community, but it retains its historical character and proximity to the Ohio River, which continues to be an important part of its identity.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 25507
- Latitude: 38.4175° N
- Longitude: 82.5371° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ceredo is served by the Wayne County School District, with local schools including Ceredo-Kenova Elementary School and Ceredo-Kenova Middle School. Ceredo High School, located nearby in Kenova, is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. The town is home to several historic buildings, such as the Ceredo Masonic Lodge, and it maintains a small-town charm with its historic homes and streets. Ceredo is situated near the Ohio River, offering access to recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. The town is also part of the Tri-State area, with easy access to nearby Huntington, West Virginia, and the surrounding region, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. Ceredo’s proximity to the river and to regional parks adds to its appeal as a residential town with historical significance.
Lavalette
Location and History
Lavalette is located in the western part of Wayne County, just a few miles from the Ohio River. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was originally an agricultural community, with farming being the primary economic activity. As with many towns in West Virginia, the development of the coal industry in the early 20th century brought growth to the area, as did the arrival of the railroad. Lavalette’s position along U.S. Route 152 allowed it to become a center for trade and transportation in the region. The town has remained small and quiet, with a focus on residential life and community-oriented activities. Today, Lavalette is a peaceful town known for its friendly atmosphere, historical significance, and proximity to the natural beauty of the surrounding region.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- Zip Codes: 25535
- Latitude: 38.3928° N
- Longitude: 82.5469° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lavalette is served by the Wayne County School District, with students attending Lavalette Elementary School and Wayne High School, located nearby in the town of Wayne. Lavalette Elementary provides a solid educational foundation for younger students, while Wayne High School offers a range of academic and athletic programs. One of the town’s landmarks is the Lavalette Community Park, which offers outdoor recreation such as picnicking, sports fields, and playgrounds. The town is also close to the Beech Fork State Park, which provides additional opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. Lavalette’s historical buildings and small-town charm make it a quiet, welcoming community, while its location near larger towns like Huntington makes it a convenient place to live for those working in nearby urban centers.
Fort Gay
Location and History
Fort Gay is located in the far southwestern part of Wayne County, along the Big Sandy River near the Kentucky border. The town was named for a fort that was established in the area during the early 19th century to protect settlers from Native American raids. Fort Gay’s location along the Big Sandy River made it an important transportation and trade hub in the region. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town developed as an industrial and agricultural center, with coal mining, farming, and manufacturing providing jobs for many of its residents. Today, Fort Gay is a small rural community that has largely retained its historic character and charm, offering a quiet, close-knit atmosphere for its residents.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200
- Zip Codes: 25514
- Latitude: 38.2769° N
- Longitude: 82.5523° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Gay is served by the Wayne County School District, with local students attending schools such as Fort Gay Elementary School and nearby Wayne High School. The town is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Fort Gay Memorial Park, which commemorates the town’s early military history. The Big Sandy River is a major feature of the town, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation. Fort Gay is also close to the Tri-State area, making it easy for residents to access nearby towns in both West Virginia and Kentucky. Despite its small size, Fort Gay serves as a key part of the rural community, offering a peaceful place to live while maintaining its rich historical legacy.
Kenova
Location and History
Kenova, located in the northeastern corner of Wayne County, is a historic town that was once an important center for railroad transportation. Founded in the late 1800s, Kenova developed as a railroad town and quickly grew into a thriving community thanks to its location at the junction of several major rail lines. The town’s location along the Ohio River also played a significant role in its growth, with river transport complementing rail transport for the movement of goods. In the 20th century, Kenova became an important industrial town, with factories and mills providing jobs for the local population. Today, Kenova is a small town that retains much of its historic charm, and it is known for its vibrant community and picturesque location along the river.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,300
- Zip Codes: 25530
- Latitude: 38.4190° N
- Longitude: 82.5794° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kenova is served by the Wayne County School District, with schools including Ceredo-Kenova Elementary School and Ceredo-Kenova Middle School. Kenova High School, located nearby, has a strong athletics program and is known for its competitive football and basketball teams. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Kenova Train Depot, which is now a museum showcasing the town’s railroad history. The nearby Ohio River offers boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities, while local parks such as Kenova City Park provide spaces for outdoor activities. Kenova also hosts several community events, including an annual festival, which celebrates the town’s history and fosters a strong sense of local pride.
The Settlement of Wayne County
Location and History
Wayne County, founded in 1842, is located in the southwestern part of West Virginia, along the borders of Kentucky and Ohio. The county is named after General Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolution. Early settlers in the region were attracted by the fertile land, timber resources, and access to waterways like the Big Sandy River. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Wayne County’s economy was based on agriculture, timber, and coal mining. The railroad played a major role in the county’s development, bringing both trade and industry to the region. In the 20th century, however, the decline of coal mining caused an economic shift, and Wayne County transitioned to a more service- and agriculture-based economy. Today, Wayne County remains a rural area, known for its scenic landscapes and quiet, close-knit communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wayne County is served by the Wayne County School District, which provides education from elementary through high school. The county is home to several historic towns, including Wayne, Kenova, and Ceredo. Notable landmarks in Wayne County include the Wayne County Courthouse, Beech Fork State Park, and the nearby Ohio River, which offers recreational activities such as boating and fishing. The county also boasts a number of festivals and local events that celebrate its rich history and community spirit. With its access to the Appalachian Mountains and the Big Sandy River, Wayne County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
