Safest cities in West Virginia

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Known as the 'Mountain State,' West Virginia is renowned for its rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the Appalachian region of the United States, West Virginia offers a diverse geography that includes the Appalachian Mountains, rolling hills, and scenic rivers. The state's economy is supported by industries such as energy, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Charleston, the state capital, is a cultural and economic hub known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful waterfront. West Virginia is also famous for its outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, white-water rafting, and exploring its numerous state parks and natural reserves.

Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in West Virginia highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of West Virginia's cities include strong law enforcement, active community policing, and engaged local governments. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring a transparent and reliable measure of safety. This emphasis on security allows residents to enjoy West Virginia's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Grafton Population: 5,035 575 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 44 Property Crime / 100k: 531 chance of being a victim: 1 in 174

Grafton proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in West Virginia. With only 575 crimes per 100,000 people, Grafton has a crime rate that is 95% lower than the West Virginia average. This equates to an average of 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 174 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Ranson Population: 5,217 1,005 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 173 Property Crime / 100k: 832 chance of being a victim: 1 in 100

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Ranson comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in West Virginia with a crime rate of 1,005 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 121 counts of burglary, 624 counts of theft, 87 counts of vehicle theft, 121 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 52 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Ranson, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Oak Hill Population: 8,249 1,135 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 217 Property Crime / 100k: 918 chance of being a victim: 1 in 88

With a population of 8,249 and a total crime rate of 1,135 per 100,000 residents, Oak Hill is the 3rd safest city in West Virginia. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the West Virginia average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Martinsburg Population: 17,517 1,218 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 231 Property Crime / 100k: 987 chance of being a victim: 1 in 82

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Martinsburg is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 1,218, 81% lower than the West Virginia average. This amounts to 0.64 crimes per day and a 1 in 82 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Martinsburg a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Bridgeport Population: 8,675 1,418 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 150 Property Crime / 100k: 1,268 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Bridgeport consistently ranks high in safety. In Bridgeport, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 1,418, which is 91% lower than the state average.

Buckhannon Population: 5,473 1,598 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 79 Property Crime / 100k: 1,519 chance of being a victim: 1 in 63

Buckhannon has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in West Virginia. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,598 crimes per 100,000 people, 95% lower than the West Virginia average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 0 reports of burglary, 1,519 reports of theft, 0 reports of vehicle theft, 79 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 0 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Bluefield Population: 9,776 1,600 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,267 Property Crime / 100k: 333 chance of being a victim: 1 in 62

Bluefield ranks as the seventh safest city in West Virginia and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 62 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.41 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Bluefield’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in West Virginia.

Moundsville Population: 8,356 1,814 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 233 Property Crime / 100k: 1,581 chance of being a victim: 1 in 55

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Moundsville is the 8th safest city in West Virginia. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 92% lower than the West Virginia average, reporting a total of 1,814 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Dunbar Population: 7,166 1,892 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 466 Property Crime / 100k: 1,426 chance of being a victim: 1 in 53

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Dunbar is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in West Virginia, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,892 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 93% lower than the state average.

Fairmont Population: 18,443 1,945 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 606 Property Crime / 100k: 1,339 chance of being a victim: 1 in 51

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in West Virginia, is Fairmont. With a low rate of crime that included 259 burglaries, 981 thefts, 99 vehicle thefts, 501 assaults, 17 robberies, 72 rapes and 17 homicides, the overall crime rate was 82% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in West Virginia

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Grafton	5,035	44	531	575
2	Ranson	5,217	173	832	1,005
3	Oak Hill	8,249	217	918	1,135
4	Martinsburg	17,517	231	987	1,218
5	Bridgeport	8,675	150	1,268	1,418
6	Buckhannon	5,473	79	1,519	1,598
7	Bluefield	9,776	1,267	333	1,600
8	Moundsville	8,356	233	1,581	1,814
9	Dunbar	7,166	466	1,426	1,892
10	Fairmont	18,443	606	1,339	1,945
11	Morgantown	30,953	346	2,206	2,552
12	St. Albans	10,078	331	2,355	2,686
13	Wheeling	27,046	985	2,030	3,015
14	Vienna	10,261	96	3,189	3,285
15	Clarksburg	15,743	343	3,130	3,472
16	Parkersburg	29,732	266	3,508	3,774
17	Huntington	46,139	782	3,277	4,060
18	Charleston	47,273	608	3,777	4,385
19	South Charleston	12,461	564	4,673	5,237
20	Nitro	6,498	235	5,238	5,473
21	Beckley	16,240	617	7,040	7,657

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in West Virginia is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included West Virginia cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.