West Virginia Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 55 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
214.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
735.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
63/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in West Virginia
National Context
West Virginia Boasts High Safety Rankings
West Virginia maintains a total crime rate of 949.0 per 100K residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This positioning places the Mountain State among the safest regions in the country, with crime occurring at less than half the national frequency. Residents enjoy a level of security that distinguishes the state on the national spectrum.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Crimes Drive Most Local Incidents
Property crime dominates the landscape at 735.1 incidents per 100K, nearly triple the state's violent crime rate of 213.9. While property offenses are the primary concern, West Virginia's violent crime rate remains well below the national benchmark of 369.8. This data suggests that while theft occurs, personal safety risks remain statistically low across the state.
Safest Counties
Hancock County Leads the State in Security
Hancock County reports a remarkably low total crime rate of only 51.9 per 100K residents, making it the safest area in the state. Pleasants and Grant counties follow closely, with rates of 144.3 and 208.4 respectively. These three counties represent some of the most secure communities for families in the entire Appalachian region.
Crime Hotspots
Monitoring Activity in Regional Urban Hubs
Marshall County reports the state's highest activity at 3,792.3 incidents per 100K, followed by Kanawha and Raleigh counties. These figures are often higher in population centers and transit hubs where law enforcement presence and reporting are more concentrated. Even in these hotspots, property crime remains the largest statistical factor in the total rate.
The Takeaway
A Highly Secure Choice for Residents
West Virginia offers a high level of public safety with a total crime rate sitting 60% below the national average. Prospective movers find the greatest security in rural counties and the northern panhandle, where rates are exceptionally low. Overall, the state remains a statistically safe environment for both current residents and newcomers.
Safest Counties
All West Virginia Counties
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.