Berkeley County Crime & Safety

Berkeley County, West Virginia

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

706.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

158.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

548.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#27

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Berkeley County, West Virginia

Impressive National Safety Standing

Berkeley County boasts a high safety score of 98.9, reflecting a secure environment for residents. Its crime rate of 706.5 per 100,000 people is less than one-third of the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

Berkeley ranks impressively within West Virginia, with a total crime rate well below the state average of 949.0. This performance highlights the effectiveness of the six reporting agencies serving the region.

Eastern Panhandle Comparison

Compared to urban centers like Cabell, Berkeley offers a much calmer environment with fewer than 160 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. It remains one of the safer options in the eastern panhandle.

Property Concerns Dominate Local Reports

Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 548.3 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 158.2 is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Enhance Your Home's Defense

Consistent property maintenance and smart locks help deter opportunistic theft in suburban neighborhoods. Engaging with community watch groups further strengthens local safety nets.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Berkeley County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Berkeley County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Berkeley County, WV?

Berkeley County has a total crime rate of 706.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (158.2 per 100K) and property crimes (548.3 per 100K).

Is Berkeley County, WV safe?

Berkeley County has a safety score of 70/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #27 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Berkeley County crime compare to the West Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Berkeley County?

Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 548.3 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 158.2 is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

How is crime data measured and reported for Berkeley County?

Crime data for Berkeley County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Berkeley County safer than the West Virginia average?

Berkeley County has a safety score of 70/100, which is above the West Virginia average of 63/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.