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………..Read full article
