Mercer County Crime & Safety

Mercer County, West Virginia

Safety Score

47/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1184.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

451.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

732.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

47/100

Higher = safer

State avg 63/100

State Safety Rank

#44

of 55 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Mercer County, West Virginia

Mercer Maintains a Strong Safety Standard

Mercer County maintains a solid safety score of 98.1, with a total crime rate of 1,184.3 per 100K. This is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5, positioning the county as a safe place to live.

An Active Hub in Southern West Virginia

Mercer's safety score sits just below the West Virginia state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,184.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 949.0, reflecting its role as a regional center.

A Middle Ground in Regional Safety

Mercer experiences more reported crime than McDowell's 386.0 per 100K but is much safer than Marshall’s 3,792.3. It strikes a balance between regional activity and the rural safety West Virginians expect.

Theft Outpaces Violent Crime Reports

Property crime totals 732.4 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 451.9 incidents. Residents should focus on property protection, as theft is more common than violent encounters.

Visible Deterrents Discourage Local Crime

Enhancing your home's exterior with motion-sensor lights can effectively discourage property crime. Staying informed about neighborhood activity through local alerts adds an extra layer of protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Mercer County, WV?

Mercer County has a total crime rate of 1184.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (451.9 per 100K) and property crimes (732.4 per 100K).

Is Mercer County, WV safe?

Mercer County has a safety score of 47/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #44 out of 55 counties in West Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Mercer County?

Property crime totals 732.4 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 451.9 incidents. Residents should focus on property protection, as theft is more common than violent encounters.

How is crime data measured and reported for Mercer County?

Crime data for Mercer 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 Mercer County?

Mercer County has a safety score of 47/100, 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.