Jackson County Crime & Safety

Jackson County, West Virginia

Safety Score

62/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

872.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

405.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

466.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

62/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#36

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Jackson County, West Virginia

Jackson County Maintains High National Safety Scores

Jackson County boasts a remarkable safety score of 98.6, placing it well above typical national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 872.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers indicate a exceptionally secure environment for residents compared to the rest of the country.

Competitive Safety Rankings Within West Virginia

Jackson County’s crime rate of 872.0 is lower than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. With a safety score of 98.6, the county slightly exceeds the state average safety score of 98.5. This makes it one of the more secure regions in the state, supported by six reporting agencies.

Quiet Living Compared to Nearby Kanawha

Jackson County is significantly safer than its neighbor to the south, Kanawha County, where the crime rate reaches 3241.9. While Jackson County maintains a rate of 872.0, it offers a starkly different pace of life. This regional contrast makes it a preferred haven for those seeking a lower-crime environment.

Elevated Violent Crime Rates Require Attention

In a departure from state trends, Jackson County's violent crime rate of 405.5 exceeds the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is exceptionally low at 466.5, which is far below the national average of 2,015.7. This unique data split suggests that while property is safe, interpersonal conflicts are more frequent.

Prioritizing Personal and Home Security

The low property crime rate is encouraging, but residents should remain vigilant about personal safety. Simple habits like locking doors and being aware of surroundings help mitigate the localized violent crime risks. Community-based neighborhood watch programs can further strengthen the county's already high safety score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Jackson County, WV?

Jackson County has a total crime rate of 872.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (405.5 per 100K) and property crimes (466.5 per 100K).

Is Jackson County, WV safe?

Jackson County has a safety score of 62/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #36 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Jackson County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Jackson County?

Crime data for Jackson 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 Jackson County?

Jackson County has a safety score of 62/100, 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.