| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charles Town/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 106 | n/a (estimate) | 1,308 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 24.7 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 12.3 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 37.0 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 74 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 320.9 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 69 | n/a | 851.5 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 61.7 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 100 | n/a (estimate) | 1,234 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Charles Town crime rate is lower than the national average by 38.3%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Charles Town, equivalent to 74 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 79.4%. Furthermore, Charles Town recorded 100 property crimes, amounting to 1234 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 29.9%.
Charles Town shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 74 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Charles Town an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Charles Town registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Charles Town residents. Out of the respondents (14 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Charles Town were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Charles Town is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Charles Town has a total crime rate that is 38% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.29 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.27 daily property crimes) in Charles Town.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Charles Town. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Charles Town has increased by 60.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 33.3%, while property crimes have increased by 75.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Charles Town, 82.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Charles Town, the cost of living is 15.97% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Charles Town is $481,347, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Charles Town | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | West Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| West Virginia | 4,917 | 266 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bolivar, WV | 1,317 | 35 | 163 | 198 |
| Shepherdstown, WV | 1,694 | 35 | 163 | 198 |
| Shannondale, WV | 3,469 | 47 | 221 | 269 |
| Inwood, WV | 2,807 | 51 | 238 | 289 |
| Lovettsville, VA | 2,511 | 57 | 412 | 469 |
| Harpers Ferry, WV | 346 | 101 | 469 | 570 |
| Brunswick, MD | 6,559 | 130 | 495 | 624 |
| Charles Town, WV | 6,151 | 74 | 1,234 | 1,308 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Highland Lakes, AL | 6,151 | 117 | 509 | 626 |
| Fort Washington, PA | 6,152 | 80 | 467 | 547 |
| Snyderville, UT | 6,150 | 75 | 458 | 533 |
| Steelton, PA | 6,152 | 838 | 1,471 | 2,309 |
| District Heights, MD | 6,150 | 780 | 1,681 | 2,461 |
| Charles Town, WV | 6,151 | 74 | 1,234 | 1,308 |
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