Clay County Crime & Safety

Clay County, West Virginia

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

708.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

87.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

621.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

70/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#28

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Clay County, West Virginia

Excellent National Safety Rating

Clay County is highly rated for safety with a score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 708.2 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national average.

Lower Than Average Crime

The county significantly outperforms the state average, reporting 240 fewer crimes per 100,000 people than the West Virginia norm. Four local agencies provide these safety statistics for the region.

Regional Lows for Violent Crime

Clay is safer than neighboring Calhoun and Barbour in terms of total crime. It also reports one of the lowest violent crime rates in the entire state at just 87.0.

Violent Crime Is Rare

Property crime is the primary issue at 621.2 per 100,000 people, though it still sits far below national levels. Violent crime occurs at a rate nearly four times lower than the national average.

Watching Over Your Neighborhood

Investing in a smart doorbell and ensuring all entry points are secure helps keep these low numbers stable. Neighbors looking out for neighbors is the strongest defense in Clay County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Clay County, WV?

Clay County has a total crime rate of 708.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (87.0 per 100K) and property crimes (621.2 per 100K).

Is Clay County, WV safe?

Clay 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 #28 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county significantly outperforms the state average, reporting 240 fewer crimes per 100,000 people than the West Virginia norm. Four local agencies provide these safety statistics for the region.

What types of crime are most common in Clay County?

Property crime is the primary issue at 621.2 per 100,000 people, though it still sits far below national levels. Violent crime occurs at a rate nearly four times lower than the national average.

How is crime data measured and reported for Clay County?

Crime data for Clay 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 Clay County safer than the West Virginia average?

Clay 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.