Nestled in the idyllic Southern Appalachian region of the United States, West Virginia boasts breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that are perfect for both permanent residency and vacationing.
West Virginia, also known as the “Mountain State,” is famous for offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and whitewater rafting.
Located adjacent to Ohio and Kentucky, West Virginia has gifted us with the renowned Golden Delicious apple and the eminent host of Family Feud, Steve Harvey.
In 1863, they withdrew from the state of Virginia.
West Virginia is home to a working-class community of just over 1.8 million individuals, predominantly blue-collar professionals.
According to statistics, there are 1,900 criminal incidents per 100,000 residents in West Virginia.
The Mountain state boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to thirty-six other states in the US.
Unfortunately, this state has the highest number of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States, with a staggering 66 deaths per 100,000 people.
West Virginia is facing a significant problem with drugs.
The closure of coal mines has resulted in a high unemployment rate, which has now been further worsened.
The lack of employment opportunities and a sense of hopelessness can lead to criminal behaviour.
While West Virginia boasts of its scenic beauty, there are certain cities within the state that are plagued with crime, making them unsafe for residents and visitors alike.
Discover the top 10 most perilous ones by reading further.
The Top 10 Riskiest Cities in West Virginia
10. Dunbar, West Virginia
Dunbar, a picturesque town located on the banks of the Kanawha River, spans 2.8 square miles and is home to a population of 7,480.
The town was originally a quiet, rural farming community until the glass and bottling plants arrived, bringing with them a wave of change and development.
As a result, Dunbar was transformed into a thriving community despite its modest size.
Regrettably, the businesses ultimately shut down, resulting in a significant number of individuals losing their jobs.
As per the latest statistics, Dunbar’s safety record is a cause of concern since it is considered safer than only 7% of cities with a similar population. These figures indicate that there is room for improvement in terms of enhancing the security measures in the city.
According to the most recent data, the region experienced a total of 44 violent crimes, which included one homicide, three sexual assaults, and 40 aggravated assaults.
Furthermore, a total of 223 property crimes which included larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft were reported.
In Dunbar, the likelihood of falling prey to a violent crime is 1 in 183, while the possibility of being a victim of property crime stands at 1 in 33.
9. Parkersburg, West Virginia
With a population of 29,749, Parkersburg is ranked as the fourth largest city in West Virginia.
West Virginia’s county seat of Wood County is located here.
Once upon a time, Parkersburg held the title of being the primary industrial hub in the Ohio Valley. It was renowned for manufacturing a wide range of products, including glass, chemicals, rayon, tools and iron.
Currently, more than a fifth of the population lives below the poverty level.
As per the statistics provided by Crime Grades, Parkersburg’s safety rating falls in the 25th percentile, indicating that there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring public safety.
According to the statistics, Parkersburg is deemed less safe compared to 75% of cities that have a similar population size. This data is based on the crime rate analysis conducted by NeighborhoodScout. To clarify, you can check the source link to learn more about the details of the report.
In the previous year, the city witnessed a sum of 1,706 criminal activities.
In the report, it was revealed that there were 137 cases of violent crimes and 1,154 instances of property crimes.
According to the statistics, it seems that the residents of Parkersburg should prioritize protecting themselves against assault and theft.
If you plan on visiting Parkersburg, it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid flaunting your valuables.
8. Clarksburg, West Virginia
With a population of 16,000, Clarksburg serves as the county seat of Harrison County. Unfortunately, the city also bears a 20% poverty rate.
In the past, the city was full of activity, with various industries such as brickworks, potteries, chemical plants, and glass factories.
The heart of the city boasted an impressive array of amenities, including eight banks, three hospitals, and a handful of luxurious hotels.
In 1980, the town was facing a challenging time as most of its resources had been depleted.
Based on statistics, Clarksburg has been proven to be safer than 98% of cities with similar population sizes, as per the data provided by NeighborhoodScout.
Although the city is home to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Division, it is important to note that…
In the previous year, a total of 72 violent crimes and 757 property crimes were reported.
According to statistics, there is a 1 in 21 chance of falling prey to theft or robbery in Clarksburg.
7. Wheeling, West Virginia
Located along the Ohio River, Wheeling boasts a population of 27,000 residents.
Located just 60 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this destination is easily accessible for travellers looking for a quick getaway.
Before the onset of the Great Depression, the city was thriving with various industries and a rich cultural scene.
Their notoriety stems from their contribution to the invention of cut nails and overalls.
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge (1849) was once considered as the biggest bridge in the world at a certain point in time.
As with several other major cities in the US, Wheeling also faced its fair share of challenges as manufacturing factories began to shut down.
According to the latest statistics, the town in West Virginia has become a safer place than approximately 86% of other towns of similar size. This is indeed a positive development for the community and its residents. As per the available data, the town has made significant progress in reducing crime rates, which is a great achievement.
According to statistics from last year, there were 862 assaults for every 100,000 individuals, 7.7 murders for every 100,000 individuals, and 46 robberies for every 100,000 individuals.
When residing in Wheeling, the likelihood of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 103, while the probability of falling victim to property crime is 1 in 60.
6. Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington boasts a population of 49,000 and is renowned for housing the second busiest inland port in the United States.
Located on the Ohio River, the city has strategically leveraged its position to enable easy transportation of industrial goods through cargo boats.
Their crime situation does not benefit from this.
For a city of this size, the crime rate is the highest in the United States.
In the previous year, a total of 320 violent crimes were reported.
More than just acts of violence, the number of property crimes committed amounted to over 1,600.
If you plan to visit Huntington, one important thing to keep in mind is the possibility of theft.
5. Discovering the Charm of Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown, with a population of 30,300, is situated along the Monongahela River.
The count comprises of the individuals studying at Morgantown’s West Virginia University.
It’s quite alarming to know that the poverty rate in this town is as high as 38%. This means that a significant number of people in the area are struggling to make ends meet and are living below the poverty line. It’s unfortunate to see that many families are not able to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. This issue needs to be addressed urgently to ensure that the people living in this town are not deprived of their basic human rights.
It is likely that the reason behind most criminal activities is theft, which accounts for 68% of all criminal incidents. Additionally, burglaries make up a significant portion of criminal activities, contributing to 12.7% of the total.
In the previous year, there were a total of 94 incidents of violent crimes and 798 cases of property crimes reported in Morgantown, as per the official records.
According to statistics, Morgantown’s safety index is quite low compared to other towns of a similar size, as it ranks in the bottom 10%.
If you plan on visiting this city, it’s important to exercise caution and be mindful of your personal belongings. It’s advisable to avoid wearing expensive jewelry and to keep an eye on your possessions at all times. This will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip without any incidents or mishaps.
4. Exploring Martinsburg, West Virginia
Martinsburg, with a population of 28,835, has a crime rate that is 75% higher than other cities of similar size in the United States.
The year 1792 marked the opening of the very first post office in the United States, located in the city.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, this place was the central hub of the railroad industry in the state, playing a pivotal role in transportation and commerce.
Until the 1970s, Martinsburg was home to several mills and factories scattered throughout the area.
As soon as the establishments shut down, a significant number of individuals lost their source of income, resulting in a mass migration of people from the area. It also led to an increase in criminal activities in the vicinity.
According to the latest statistics, the previous year saw a total of 83 violent crimes and 725 property crimes reported in the area. These numbers are a concerning reminder of the importance of maintaining safety measures in the community.
3. Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia’s capital, has a population of 48,864.
With the discovery of salt deposits in the early 1800s, the city rose to prominence.
Natural gas was discovered when drilling salt wells, and coal was discovered while drilling for gas.
Charleston harnessed its abundant natural resources to create a prosperous industrial community.
Today, the city serves as a significant commercial, legal, and economic hub for the state.
They hold numerous arts festivals and activities.
Nonetheless, Charleston has a serious crime problem.
The inflow of gangs and drugs has been blamed heavily by the authorities.
The rate of violent crime is 63.4 per 1,000 persons (compared to the national average of 22).
Property crime affects 95 persons out of every 1,000.
In Charleston, the chances of becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 28.
People who visit should be cautious and mindful of their surroundings.
2. South Charleston, West Virginia
South Charleston has a population of slightly over 13,000 people and is located just outside of the larger city of Charleston.
It is home to International Industries, a major coal and timber company.
On the surface, it appears to be a little town with a rural feel.
Unfortunately, the population-based crime rate is 103% greater than the national average.
It is safer than only 2% of similar-sized cities.
There were 47 violent offenses and 577 property crimes committed last year.
In South Charleston, the chances of becoming a victim of a property crime are 1 in 21.
1. Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley is the county seat of Raleigh County, West Virginia, and has a population of 26,286 people.
It was previously the coal mining industry’s leader in West Virginia.
One of the primary attractions today is the restored mine, which has been turned into a museum.
West Virginia University’s Institute of Technology is also located in Beckley.
The town is fairly active, with a variety of enterprises and government offices.
Beckley ranks in the 19th percentile for crime based on population.
This suggests that 81% of similar-sized cities are safer than Beckley.
There were 1,045 total offences reported last year.
There were two murders, eight sexual assaults, and 116 aggravated assaults.
Overall, the crime rate is 45.7 per 1,000 people.
In some Beckley neighbourhoods, the chances of becoming a victim of crime are 1 in 18.
When visiting, make sure to lock your vehicle and, if feasible, stay with a group.
More News:
- Family members inquire about the police response, Officers involved in a tragic shooting in Jersey City have been identified
- Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi (Updated 2023)
