West Virginia is known for its stunning mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and deep-rooted Appalachian culture. From charming small towns to vibrant communities along the state’s rivers and valleys, the Mountain State offers a lifestyle that attracts residents and visitors alike.
However, like many states across America, some communities continue to face public safety challenges. Crime rates can vary significantly from one city to another, influenced by factors such as population density, economic conditions, and local law enforcement resources.
Quick Guide
- State: West Virginia
- Focus: Violent crime rates
- Data Metric: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide offenses
- Ranking Method: Highest violent crime rates among West Virginia cities
- Important Note: Crime rates can vary significantly between neighborhoods
- Source: areavibes
This list highlights the cities in West Virginia with the highest reported violent crime rates per 100,000 residents based on the latest available crime data. While these statistics provide valuable insight into public safety trends, they do not define an entire community. Many of these cities are home to hardworking residents, thriving local businesses, and ongoing efforts to improve neighborhood safety.
10. Buckhannon
- Population: 5,599
- 319 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 0.87
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 313
- Total Crimes / 100k: 1,556
Rounding out our list at #10 is Buckhannon, WV. With a population of 5,599 and a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 people (28% higher than the West Virginia average), some parts of Buckhannon are incredible unsafe.
The violent crime rate consists of 279 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 40 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 313 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Clarksburg
- Population: 16,166
- 372 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.02
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 269
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,592
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Clarksburg, WV comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in West Virginia with a violent crime rate of 372 per 100,000 people.
If we break that down, the city sees 1.02 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 269 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Elkins
- Population: 7,267
- 478 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.31
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 209
- Total Crimes / 100k: 881
Elkins, WV is another one of the most dangerous cities in West Virginia and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 7,267 and a violent crime rate of 478 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 463 counts of assault, 15 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. All told, the Elkins violent crime rate is 92% higher than the West Virginia average.
7. Bluefield
- Population: 10,163
- 480 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.32
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 208
- Total Crimes / 100k: 1,517
A 1 in 208 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 1.32 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Bluefield makes the list at #7.
According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 480 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 93% higher than the West Virginia average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (404), robbery (11), rape (55) and homicide (11).
6. South Charleston
- Population: 12,935
- 489 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.34
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 205
- Total Crimes / 100k: 6,009
South Charleston, WV comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 489 per 100,000 people, which is 96% higher than the West Virginia average.
South Charleston has a population of 12,935, which translates to 1.34 crimes per day and 1 in 205 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in South Charleston which are much safer than others.
5. Fairmont
- Population: 19,106
- 520 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.43
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 192
- Total Crimes / 100k: 1,843
The ongoing battle with crime in Fairmont, WV, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 520 and a 1 in 192 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Fairmont has a violent crime rate that is 109% higher than the West Virginia average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Fairmont.
4. Charleston
- Population: 48,539
- 543 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.49
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 184
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,663
With a violent crime rate that is 118% higher than the West Virginia average, it’s not hard to see why Charleston made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (54), assault (417), rape (58) and homicide (13).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Charleston more vulnerable to high crime.
3. Beckley
- Population: 16,865
- 605 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.66
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 165
- Total Crimes / 100k: 8,517
Home to 16,865 residents, Beckley, WV ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in West Virginia. Unfortunately for residents of Beckley, crime is widespread, with more than 605 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year.
When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 1.66 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 143% higher than the West Virginia violent crime rate.
2. Huntington
- Population: 47,371
- 800 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.19
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 125
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,403
The second most dangerous city is Huntington. With a population of 47,371 and a violent crime rate that is 222% higher than the West Virginia average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in Huntington are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 800 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Wheeling
- Population: 27,630
- 983 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.69
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 102
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,975
Wheeling, WV holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in West Virginia with 983 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (875), robbery (54), rape (54) and homicide (0) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 295% higher than the West Virginia average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Final Thoughts
While crime statistics provide useful insight into public safety trends, they represent only one aspect of a community. Many of the cities on this list offer strong local cultures, historic attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and dedicated residents committed to positive change.
As West Virginia continues investing in economic development, public safety programs, and community partnerships, many cities are working toward creating safer environments for current and future generations.
