| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Beckley/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,394 | n/a (estimate) | 8,517 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 116.1 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 55.0 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 71 | n/a | 433.8 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 99 | n/a (estimate) | 605 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 144 | n/a | 879.8 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,123 | n/a | 6,861.4 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 171.1 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,295 | n/a (estimate) | 7,912 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Beckley is 301.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 99 violent crimes reported in Beckley, equivalent to 605 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 68.4%. Additionally, Beckley recorded 1295 property crimes, amounting to 7912 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 349.5%.
In Beckley, the crime rate stands at 8517 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 301.9%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Beckley that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
In the most recently reported crime year, Beckley registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
With a property crime rate of 7912 crimes per 100,000 people, Beckley unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Beckley is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 13, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What do the local residents think about crime in Beckley? Well, based on a recent survey of 63 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 19% of Beckley residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 81% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Beckley is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Beckley has an overall crime rate that is 302% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.82 daily occurrences, comprising 0.27 violent crimes and 3.55 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Beckley as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Beckley. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Beckley has increased by 30.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 16.8%, while property crime has increased by 36.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Beckley.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Beckley crime rates. The population density in Beckley is 1775.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Beckley, 80.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Beckley stands at $201,383, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Beckley | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 65 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | West Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| West Virginia | 4,917 | 266 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Daniels, WV | 1,837 | 77 | 359 | 436 |
| Stanaford, WV | 1,064 | 79 | 367 | 446 |
| Shady Spring, WV | 3,570 | 79 | 370 | 449 |
| Bradley, WV | 1,799 | 89 | 416 | 505 |
| Piney View, WV | 1,245 | 90 | 420 | 510 |
| Crab Orchard, WV | 2,576 | 91 | 423 | 513 |
| MacArthur, WV | 1,770 | 91 | 426 | 518 |
| Beckley, WV | 16,865 | 605 | 7,912 | 8,517 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wolf Trap, VA | 16,866 | 89 | 641 | 730 |
| Fort Thomas, KY | 16,868 | 48 | 487 | 535 |
| New River, AZ | 16,857 | 172 | 731 | 903 |
| Coos Bay, OR | 16,855 | 627 | 4,461 | 5,088 |
| Glassmanor, MD | 16,877 | 494 | 2,410 | 2,904 |
| Beckley, WV | 16,865 | 605 | 7,912 | 8,517 |
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