| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charleston/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,694 | n/a (estimate) | 3,663 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 13.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 58.4 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 25 | n/a | 54.1 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 193 | n/a | 417.3 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 543 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 303 | n/a | 655.1 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,055 | n/a | 2,281.0 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 85 | n/a | 183.8 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,443 | n/a (estimate) | 3,120 | 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 Charleston crime rate is higher than the national average by 72.8%. Specifically, there were 251 violent crimes in Charleston, equivalent to 543 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 51.1%. Furthermore, Charleston recorded 1443 property crimes, amounting to 3120 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 77.3%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Charleston ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Charleston, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Charleston residents. Out of the respondents (100 in total), 16% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Charleston were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 84% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Charleston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Charleston presents a total crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Charleston experiences an average of 4.64 daily crimes, comprising 0.69 violent incidents and 3.95 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Charleston has decreased by 10.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Charleston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 12.5%, while property crime has decreased by 10.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Charleston is a safe place to live.
Charleston reports an unemployment rate of 3.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Charleston crime rates.
Charleston has a population density of 1540.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Charleston crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Charleston, the average monthly rent stands at $1,120, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Charleston | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 185 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 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 |
| Cedar Grove, WV | 520 | 0 | 147 | 147 |
| Pinch, WV | 3,634 | 47 | 221 | 269 |
| Winfield, WV | 3,252 | 42 | 297 | 339 |
| Alum Creek, WV | 1,637 | 75 | 350 | 425 |
| Belle, WV | 1,406 | 87 | 408 | 496 |
| Elkview, WV | 1,130 | 89 | 416 | 505 |
| Coal Fork, WV | 1,608 | 100 | 469 | 569 |
| Charleston, WV | 48,539 | 543 | 3,120 | 3,663 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Roseville, MI | 48,471 | 522 | 3,311 | 3,833 |
| Burleson, TX | 48,615 | 171 | 1,089 | 1,260 |
| El Dorado Hills, CA | 48,625 | 210 | 898 | 1,108 |
| Elmhurst, IL | 48,413 | 60 | 823 | 883 |
| Keller, TX | 48,412 | 77 | 656 | 733 |
| Charleston, WV | 48,539 | 543 | 3,120 | 3,663 |
Here are the best places to live in West Virginia
Safest Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in West Virginia
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in West Virginia