Mason County offers an affordable industry location, geographically situated to take advantage of proximity to resources and transportation infrastructure.

With an attractive cost of living at 12 percent below than the national average, with a homeownership rate over 80 percent. The cost of doing business in our state is among the lowest in the nation.

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With no state business franchise taxes and a 6.5 percent corporate net income tax rate, our state has reduced its business tax burden more than $800 million since 2014. With its optimal location, Mason County is the premier place for small and large businesses to put down roots and grow.

The region has some of the lowest workers’ compensation rates in the nation, a ready and reliable workforce, and a ready-for-business tax structure.

With the natural beauty of our rolling hills, broad farmlands, rich river bottoms, and vibrant, historic towns, Mason County is a dynamic place year-round.

Abundant outdoor adventure awaits hikers, boaters, hunters, and anglers, with spectacular views. A lively arts and culture scene and cost of living 12 percent lower than the national average makes Mason County a great place to call home.

Population: 27,071

Percentage of Population 64 years and younger: 78 percent

Average Household Income: $60,891

Average Daily Commute: 29 minutes

Crime Rate: 12.3 (US rate = 22.7)

ranked number-one in the nation for the lowest turnover rate for industry.

Residents between the ages of 20 and 64: 15,000

Population with college experience: 41 percent

Human capital in 5 surrounding counties: 125,000

Mason County is supported by WorkForce West Virginia and Workforce Development Region 4, which connects employers with employees across the region.

Mason County is supported by excellent educational institutions from K-12 to undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and workforce training.

Marshall University’s Mid-Ohio Valley Center: Located in Point Pleasant, the Mid-Ohio Valley Center offers core courses and specialized programs of study through daytime and evening classes. Designed to provide flexibility, the center meets the needs of accelerated high school students, traditional college students, and adults returning to school.

Other Institutions: Mountwest Community and Technical College, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, and Rio Grande Community College also have campuses in neighboring counties and support the region with numerous associate degrees, certificate degrees, certifications, and other workforce and technical programs.

The Mason County Career Center: Our Career Center supports workforce efforts locally using a nationally recognized Simulated Workplace model that combines the teaching of professional skills (e.g., punctuality, teamwork, and safety) with technical skills to grow local business and industry.

Within a short drive to multiple airports, including one within Point Pleasant, Mason County makes it easy to get where you need to go—for business and pleasure. It resides in a region recognized as a player in the aerospace industry.

Mason County sits within a day’s drive of 50 percent of the country’s population and almost 40 percent of the market involved in the aerospace industry, including defense contractors, federal agencies, as well as large and small manufacturers, service-oriented businesses, and educational partners, including the Marshall University Division of Aviation.

Farm-to-table is vastly popular, and there is no better place to experience it than Mason County, West Virginia, where agriculture is part of its heritage. The same can be said about the state. Farming reaches back to before the state was founded in 1863.

Peacefulness and beauty arrive each spring season as the soil is tilled and planting season begins. Everything from grains and vegetables to legumes and farm-fresh eggs can be found in the county that spans 445-square miles.

The most recent census of agriculture and farms indicates Mason County has more than 800 active farms spread across 125,000 acres of land. This allows residents to enjoy fresh produce and other farm-related products.

Point Pleasant is midway between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and is where the Ohio and Kanawha rivers meet. The region has a rich history of chemical and polymer production.

As a member of both the chemical and polymer alliance zones, Mason County sits in a hub of industrial activity and growth. Mason County and West Virginia support growth for chemicals and polymer production:

• Top natural gas producing basin in the U.S.

• Projected to produce almost 30 percent of NGLs in the United States within the next 20 years.

• Easy access to the Ohio River for Processing and Transportation

• Day’s drive to 70 percent of polyethylene and 77 percent of polypropylene demand

• Lower ethylene and polyethylene cash costs

In addition to a close working relationship with the state’s higher education institutions, the county and state work closely with workforce development programs to project and meet the needs of industry.

Mason County and West Virginia are at the forefront of energy conservation and are planning for the future. The region knows it is critical to the nation’s energy supply and is making certain that demand is met.

As part of a state that ranks fifth in the nation in total energy production, Mason County offers residents and businesses a low-cost option where energy needs can be met in a manner that encourages and welcomes growth potential.

West Virginia serves as an energy hub. The state is the second largest coal producer, the seventh-largest gas producer and is growing its renewable energy mix. Mason County is positioned to offer a great mix of energy options.

Mason County is on the nation’s map as a location for manufacturers to want to build and grow. A multi-billion dollar investment was announced in 2022 by manufacturers locating in the area. More development is expected.

The companies will join other manufacturers who produce plastics, agricultural products and alloys, to name a few. In the state, manufacturers produce products, such as chemicals, automobile parts and household goods, such as custom handmade furniture and hardwood flooring.

Blended with an ideal location for transportation and low energy cost is a workforce that ranks first in the country for the lowest turnover rate in manufacturing-related jobs.

Steel manufacturing and Mason County are synonymous. Before the 2022 announcement of Nucor’s $2.7 billion investment in its new manufacturing site there, Mason County was known as home to several facilities connected to the steel industry.

The vast supply of energy in the region, an eager workforce and resources available to support the industry make Mason County attractive. The state’s supportive business climate adds to the attraction.

Highway, river and rail connect Mason County to regional, state and national markets, making it easy for travel and transportation. The Kanawha River flows into the Ohio River in Point Pleasant. Both are key to moving products to and from manufacturing facilities. Additionally, both rivers are venues for fairs and festivals throughout the year, including sternwheel festivals, jet ski races and powerboat competitions.

Running through Mason County is Route 35, which provides 412 miles of highway as it crosses West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana before it ends in Michigan City, Indiana. In addition to highway and river options for moving goods and products, CSX and Norfolk Southern services are available.