Huntington, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Huntington, WV

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Huntington is 47.6% 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 Huntington, there were 288 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 632 per 100,000 individuals, 71% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1274 property crimes, amounting to 2797 per 100,000 residents, 43.1% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Huntington stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Huntington, a total of 6 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Huntington?

AreaVibes surveyed 98 local residents in Huntington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 23% of people answered that there was very little crime in Huntington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 77% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Huntington a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Huntington is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Huntington has a total crime rate that is 48% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.28 daily crimes (0.79 violent daily crimes and 3.49 daily property crimes) in Huntington.

Has Crime in Huntington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Huntington. 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 Huntington has decreased by 14.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 1.7%, while property crime has decreased by 16.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Huntington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Huntington

Huntington has a poverty rate that stands at 32.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Huntington crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Huntington crime rates. Huntington registers a population density of 2844.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Huntington, 81.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Huntington crime map