According to newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia lost a higher percentage of its residents than any other state in the nation. From 2010 to 2020, the population dropped 3.2%, or about 59,000 people. Because of that, West Virginia was one of only seven states to lose a congressional seat following the 2020 census. Reasons for leaving vary, but the Associated Press reported common themes include a lack of opportunity or low pay; not enough to do; a political climate that some find oppressive, and poor cellphone and internet service. In an effort to reverse the population losses, West Virginia started encouraging remote workers to move to the state by offering incentives.