Wheeling, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wheeling, WV

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Wheeling is 56.7% 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 Wheeling, there were 323 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1231 per 100,000 individuals, 232.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 633 property crimes, amounting to 2412 per 100,000 residents, 23.4% higher than the U.S. average.

Wheeling is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1231 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Wheeling is 1 in 82.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Wheeling ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Wheeling, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wheeling?

What do the local residents think about crime in Wheeling? Well, based on a recent survey of 28 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 25% of Wheeling residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 75% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Wheeling a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Wheeling, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wheeling presents a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wheeling experiences an average of 2.62 daily crimes, comprising 0.88 violent incidents and 1.73 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Wheeling Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wheeling has increased by 38.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wheeling, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 26.7%, while property crime has increased by 44.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wheeling is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wheeling

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Wheeling currently has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In Wheeling, the cost of living is 10.58% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Wheeling, the average rental rates are $645 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Wheeling crime map