Crime in West Virginia

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia naturally provides easy access to fun outdoor activities, beautiful state parks, and historic destinations. Like any state, however, crime occurs no matter where you live. The crime rates throughout West Virginia are 3.64 per 1,000 residents for violent crimes and 18.04 per 1,000 residents for property crimes.

Charleston

As the capital of West Virginia, Charleston is a large city with a rich history. Residents have scenic views of the Kanawha and Elk rivers. A couple of the more popular museums in Charleston include the West Virginia State Museum and The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

When considering the crime rates in Charleston, violent crime rates are 6.21 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are 35.63 per 1,000 residents. Crime rates are at their lowest in neighborhoods like Loudon Heights, Rocky Fork, and Sissonville.

Morgantown

Morgantown is a picturesque city that is home to West Virginia University, which includes the university's sculpture garden and art museum. Much of the city consists of old-growth forest that provides great spots for hiking and other outdoor activities. With a population of just over 29,300, Morgantown is a mid-sized city that offers something for everyone.

Crime rates in Morgantown for violent crimes and property crimes are 3.22 per 1,000 residents and 27.31 per 1,000 residents respectively. The locations with the lowest crime rates include Imperial Woods, Van Voorhis, and Brookhaven.

Parkersburg

Parkersburg is the heart of the Parkersburg–Vienna metropolitan area and is present at the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Like Morgantown and other mid-sized cities in West Virginia, there are plenty of things to see and do. For example, residents are able to visit fun destinations like Fort Boreman Park, the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, and the Smoot Theatre.

The violent and property crime rates in Parkersburg are 4.66 per 1,000 residents and 39.25 per 1,000 residents respectively. A few of the areas in Parkersburg that have the lowest crime rates include Dallison, Davisville, and Pettyville.

Huntington

With a population of more than 45,000, Huntington is one of the largest cities in West Virginia. Residents often visit places like Ritter Park, Marshall University, Huntington Arcade, and Downtown Huntington. The city is home to nearly a dozen parks, which accommodate outdoor activities like hiking, basketball, tennis, and camping.

The crime rate in Huntington is 42 per 1,000 residents, which involves a violent crime rate of 6.95 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 35.05 per 1,000 residents. You'll find that the lowest crime rates in Huntington are in places like Hodges, West Pea Ridge, and Beverly Hills.

Clarksburg

Clarksburg is a small but popular destination in West Virginia that's home to attractions like the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, the Clarksburg Splash Zone, and Veterans Memorial Park. The city has a small-town feel and is part of the Clarksburg metropolitan area.

Crime rates in Clarksburg are 4.56 per 1,000 residents for violent crimes and 47.96 per 1,000 residents for property crimes. The areas with the lowest crime rates include Mount Claire, Stealey, and Spring Hill Chapel.

Martinsburg

Martinsburg is a relatively small but historic city in West Virginia that offers original architecture that's several hundred years old and a bustling downtown area. To learn more about the history of Martinsburg, consider visiting the General Adam Stephen House and Triple Brick Museum or the Belle Boyd House.

The current crime rates for violent crimes and property crimes in Martinsburg are 4.41 per 1,000 residents and 38.49 per 1,000 residents, respectively. A few of the neighborhoods and areas with the lowest crime rates in the city include Douglas Grove, Grubbs Corner, and Blairton.

Vehicle theft in West Virginia

Whether you live in a small rural town or a large city like Charleston, vehicle theft is something worth proactively preventing. Implementing safe and effective security measures can reduce the likelihood that someone steals your vehicle. In 2021, criminals stole more than 2,000 vehicles in West Virginia. While this number might seem high, it's a 12% decrease in comparison to 2020. In fact, West Virginia had the best year-over-year decrease in vehicle thefts throughout the country.

Benefits of a home security system and home automation in West Virginia

Whether you live in Charleston, Huntington, or a smaller community, a home security system will help protect your family and deter potential crimes. Here are some benefits of installing a security system in West Virginia.

• Save energy: With a Smart Thermostat from Vivint, your home can increase in energy efficiency while staying at the temperature you like. And with Smart Lighting, you can turn your lights off remotely, even after you’ve left the house.
• Increase protection: By installing security sensors and safety alarms with your security system, you can increase your home’s protection. If someone tries to enter your home when they aren't meant to, you'll receive a notification immediately.
• Reduce home insurance premiums: Installing smart door locks and other security features in your home can potentially lead to a discount on your homeowners' insurance. Check with your insurance provider to learn more.
• Increase convenience: Once you install a home automation system, you can manage nearly every device in your home from a single location. All you need to do is connect your devices to the hub and your smartphone for easy control.
• Appliance integration: Your Vivint system can integrate with your favorite smart home assistants. Arm your system, adjust your thermostat, and more with simple voice commands.

Increase the security in your home with Vivint's security systems

Crime rates in West Virginia are very close to the national average. Whether you live in a city with exceedingly low crime rates or a place where crime rates are higher than the state average, it’s wise to take measures to protect yourself, your family and your assets. Install a security and home automation system today to increase your peace of mind. Call us at 855.822.1220 to learn more.