Pleasants County, West Virginia
Pleasants County may be small, but it has plenty of heart. Located along the Ohio River in northwestern West Virginia, it’s not the kind of place packed with tourists, and that’s exactly what makes it appealing.
Fishing and boating are popular ways to enjoy the river, while the county’s past is closely connected to the oil and gas industry. These days, community life takes center stage. Residents come together for high school football games, county fairs, and other local events.
St. Marys, the county seat, has a charming main street with an old-fashioned feel. It’s the kind of community where neighbors know one another and people still take time to enjoy the simple things. Quiet, friendly, and close-knit, Pleasants County offers a slower pace that many people appreciate.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pleasants County |
| County Seat | St. Marys |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | St. Marys, Belmont, Eureka, Hebron, Arvilla |
| Interstates and Highways | WV-2, WV-16 |
| Etymology | Named after James Pleasants, a Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator |
| FIPS Code | 54-073 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 135 sq mi (Land: 130 sq mi; Water: 5 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 39.3920° N, 81.1946° W |
| Major Landmarks | Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, St. Marys Marina, Middle Island |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Washington County, Ohio (North), Tyler County (East), Ritchie County (Southeast), Wood County (Southwest) |
| Population | Approximately 7,000 |
