Safest cities in West Virginia

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.

Weirton Population: 18,458 469 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 92 Property Crime / 100k: 377 chance of being a victim: 1 in 213

Weirton proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in West Virginia. With only 469 crimes per 100,000 people, Weirton has a crime rate that is 81% lower than the West Virginia average. This equates to an average of 0.24 crimes per day and a 1 in 213 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.

Grafton Population: 5,035 677 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 677 chance of being a victim: 1 in 148

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Grafton comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in West Virginia with a crime rate of 677 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 306 counts of burglary, 328 counts of theft, 44 counts of vehicle theft, 0 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Grafton, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Bridgeport Population: 8,675 1,401 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 272 Property Crime / 100k: 1,130 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71

With a population of 8,675 and a total crime rate of 1,401 per 100,000 residents, Bridgeport is the 3rd safest city in West Virginia. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 91% 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.

Bluefield Population: 9,776 1,477 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,392 Property Crime / 100k: 85 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Bluefield 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 1,477, 91% lower than the West Virginia average. This amounts to 0.38 crimes per day and a 1 in 68 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 Bluefield a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Buckhannon Population: 5,473 1,698 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 57 Property Crime / 100k: 1,640 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Buckhannon consistently ranks high in safety. In Buckhannon, 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 1,698, which is 95% lower than the state average.

Fairmont Population: 18,443 1,777 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 392 Property Crime / 100k: 1,385 chance of being a victim: 1 in 56

Fairmont 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 1,777 crimes per 100,000 people, 82% lower than the West Virginia average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 298 reports of burglary, 988 reports of theft, 99 reports of vehicle theft, 309 reports of assault, 28 reports of robbery, 50 reports of rape and 6 reports of homicide.

Morgantown Population: 30,953 2,729 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 287 Property Crime / 100k: 2,442 chance of being a victim: 1 in 37

Morgantown ranks as the seventh safest city in West Virginia and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 2.19 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. Morgantown’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in West Virginia.

Huntington Population: 46,139 3,429 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 632 Property Crime / 100k: 2,797 chance of being a victim: 1 in 29

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Huntington 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 54% lower than the West Virginia average, reporting a total of 3,429 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.

Wheeling Population: 27,046 3,643 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,231 Property Crime / 100k: 2,412 chance of being a victim: 1 in 27

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Wheeling 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 3,643 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 74% lower than the state average.

Vienna Population: 10,261 3,802 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 181 Property Crime / 100k: 3,621 chance of being a victim: 1 in 26

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in West Virginia, is Vienna. With a low rate of crime that included 114 burglaries, 3,441 thefts, 67 vehicle thefts, 105 assaults, 19 robberies, 57 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 89% 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	Weirton	18,458	92	377	469
2	Grafton	5,035	0	677	677
3	Bridgeport	8,675	272	1,130	1,401
4	Bluefield	9,776	1,392	85	1,477
5	Buckhannon	5,473	57	1,640	1,698
6	Fairmont	18,443	392	1,385	1,777
7	Morgantown	30,953	287	2,442	2,729
8	Huntington	46,139	632	2,797	3,429
9	Wheeling	27,046	1,231	2,412	3,643
10	Vienna	10,261	181	3,621	3,802
11	Parkersburg	29,732	442	3,464	3,905
12	Nitro	6,498	171	4,019	4,190
13	Charleston	47,273	638	4,103	4,741
14	South Charleston	12,461	624	4,643	5,267
15	Beckley	16,240	742	7,701	8,443

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.