F
263%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
101%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
294%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBeckley/100k peopleWest Virginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,422n/a (estimate)8,4431,5082,324
Murder1n/a5.94.66.3
Rape15n/a89.144.440.0
Robbery8n/a47.510.066.1
Assault101n/a599.7218.9268.2
Violent crime125n/a (estimate)742278370
Burglary134n/a795.6190.2269.8
Theft1,114n/a6,614.0951.21,401.9
Vehicle theft49n/a290.988.7282.7
Property crime1,297n/a (estimate)7,7011,2301,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Beckley, WV

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Beckley is 263.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Beckley, there were 125 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 742 per 100,000 individuals, 100.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1297 property crimes, amounting to 7701 per 100,000 residents, 294% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 8443 crimes per 100,000 people, the Beckley crime rates stand at 263.25 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Beckley, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Beckley ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 742 per 100,000 people, Beckley is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Beckley, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

With a property crime rate of 7701 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 Locals Say About Crime in Beckley?

What do the local residents think about crime in Beckley? Well, based on a recent survey of 59 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 17% of Beckley residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 83% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Beckley a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Beckley a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Beckley crime rate is 263% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.9 crimes per day - 0.34 violent crimes and 3.55 property crimes.

Has Crime in Beckley Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Beckley has increased by 33% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Beckley is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 5%, while property crime has increased by 36.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Beckley.

Potential Causes for Crime in Beckley

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.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Beckley, the cost of living is 9.52% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Beckley, there are 3.68 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Beckley crime map



The Beckley crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Beckley as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Beckley crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Beckley crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Beckley, WV Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Beckley crime rates are 263% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Beckley are 101% higher than the national average
      • In Beckley you have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Beckley is safer than 4% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Beckley has increased by 23%

      Beckley, WV Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Beckley

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        Daily Crime In Beckley (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Beckley, WV per 100,000 people. In Beckley, the total number of daily crimes is 5.60 times more than the West Virginia average and 3.63 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Beckley is 2.67 times more than the West Virginia average and 2.01 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Beckley has a daily crime rate that is 6.26 times more than the West Virginia average and 3.94 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Beckley (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Beckley in comparison to other West Virginia communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Beckley safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Beckley being safer than 3% of cities in West Virginia and 4% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking West Virginia cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Beckley. In conclusion, Beckley ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Beckley

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Beckley is 1 in 135
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Beckley is 1 in 13
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Beckley is 1 in 12
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Beckley, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 135. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 13 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Beckley is 1 in 12.

        Year Over Year Crime In Beckley (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Beckley, West Virginia (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Beckley has decreased by 2%, the amount of property crime in Beckley has increased by 27%, and the total amount of crime in Beckley has increased by 23% year over year.

        Beckley police department

        Item Beckley West Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)651,642558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.73.03.3
        There are a total of 65 Beckley police officers. This results in 3.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 21.4% greater than the West Virginia average and 13.1% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in West Virginia

        State Total offenders West Virginia /100K National /100K
        West Virginia4,917266266
        There are a total of 4,917 sex offenders in West Virginia. This yields a total of 266 sex offenders in West Virginia per 100,000 residents which is equal the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mabscott, WV1,44165286351
        Shady Spring, WV3,46777339415
        MacArthur, WV1,712103457560
        Prosperity, WV1,451104460565
        Bradley, WV1,758105465570
        Coal City, WV1,942114506621
        Mullens, WV1,797117519637
        Beckley, WV16,2407427,7018,443

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Shelbyville, KY16,2441201,1731,293
        Port Washington, NY16,23230688717
        Brunswick, GA16,2311,3925,5366,928
        Auburndale, FL16,2303122,4162,728
        Southchase, FL16,2502711,6371,908
        Beckley, WV16,2407427,7018,443
        Source: The Beckley, WV crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.