Harrison County Crime & Safety

Harrison County, West Virginia

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1491.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

171.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1319.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#48

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Harrison County, West Virginia

Harrison County Outperforms the National Crime Average

Harrison County reports a total crime rate of 1491.0 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100. This data reflects a community that is notably safer than many other regions across the United States.

Crime Rates Surpass the West Virginia Average

While safe by national standards, Harrison County's total crime rate of 1491.0 is higher than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 97.6 also trails slightly behind the state average score of 98.5. Residents experience a higher frequency of reported incidents compared to many neighboring rural counties.

A Similar Profile to Nearby Marion County

Harrison County shares a similar safety profile with its neighbor, Marion County, which has a slightly higher crime rate of 1514.4 per 100,000. However, both counties see much higher activity than Lewis County to the south, where the rate is only 661.9. These figures highlight a busier central corridor compared to more secluded neighbors.

Property Offenses Drive Local Crime Figures

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 1319.4 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains relatively low at 171.6, which is less than half the national violent crime average of 369.8. This breakdown suggests that theft and burglary are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Harrison Home

Since property crime represents the largest share of local offenses, home security is a smart investment. Installing outdoor lighting and high-quality locks can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent reporting to the 13 local law enforcement agencies helps maintain the county’s strong safety record.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Harrison County, WV?

Harrison County has a total crime rate of 1491.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (171.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1319.4 per 100K).

Is Harrison County, WV safe?

Harrison County has a safety score of 36/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #48 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Harrison County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Harrison County?

Crime data for Harrison 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.

What is being done about crime in Harrison County?

Harrison County has a safety score of 36/100, which is below the West Virginia average of 63/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.