Kanawha County Crime & Safety

Kanawha County, West Virginia

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3241.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

522.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2719.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

6/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#54

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Kanawha County, West Virginia

Crime Rates Exceed National Averages

Kanawha County reports a total crime rate of 3241.9 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 94.9. As the state's most populous county, it faces urban challenges not seen in more rural areas.

Higher Incident Rates than the State Average

Kanawha County’s crime rate of 3241.9 is more than triple the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 94.9 is also lower than the state's typical 98.5 mark. With 26 reporting agencies, the county is under significant active monitoring.

Comparing Kanawha to Surrounding Counties

Kanawha County has a much higher crime rate than its neighbors, such as Jackson County at 872.0 and Lincoln County at 744.7. The concentration of population and industry in the Charleston area contributes to these higher figures. This makes Kanawha the regional outlier for crime activity.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

Property crime drives the high local rate, sitting at 2719.9 per 100,000 residents compared to the national 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 522.0, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. These numbers mean residents are more likely to experience theft or burglary than in other parts of the state.

Stay Vigilant to Protect Your Property

Because property crime is prevalent, investing in a robust home security system and motion-sensor lighting is highly recommended. Residents should ensure all entry points are secure and participate in local crime watch programs. Working closely with the 26 reporting agencies can help improve safety for everyone.

SimpliSafe Home Security

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

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Kanawha County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Kanawha County, WV?

Kanawha County has a total crime rate of 3241.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (522.0 per 100K) and property crimes (2719.9 per 100K).

Is Kanawha County, WV safe?

Kanawha County has a safety score of 6/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #54 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Kanawha County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Kanawha County?

Crime data for Kanawha 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 Kanawha County?

Kanawha County has a safety score of 6/100, 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.