| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morgantown/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 19 | n/a (estimate) | 773 | 1,663 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 40.7 | 33.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 40.7 | 38.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 244.0 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 325 | 214 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 162.7 | 244.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 4 | n/a | 162.7 | 989.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 122.0 | 214.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 447 | 1,449 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Morgantown is 66.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Morgantown, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 325 per 100,000 individuals, 12% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 11 property crimes, amounting to 447 per 100,000 residents, 77.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Morgantown proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 773, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Morgantown as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
The violent crime rate in Morgantown closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 325 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Morgantown as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Morgantown experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In Morgantown, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 447, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Morgantown. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Morgantown and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Morgantown 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. Morgantown has a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.05 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Morgantown.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Morgantown. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Morgantown has increased by 58.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 300%, while property crime has increased by 10%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Morgantown.
Morgantown reports an unemployment rate of 6.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. 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 Morgantown crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Morgantown, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.06, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Morgantown stands at $86,800, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Morgantown | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kentucky /100K | National /100K |
| Kentucky | 9,099 | 222 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Caneyville, KY | 554 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Beaver Dam, KY | 3,566 | 28 | 594 | 622 |
| Rochester, KY | 164 | 252 | 1,704 | 1,955 |
| McHenry, KY | 312 | 317 | 2,146 | 2,463 |
| Morgantown, KY | 2,729 | 325 | 447 | 773 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Louisville, GA | 2,729 | 642 | 1,156 | 1,798 |
| East Tawas, MI | 2,729 | 215 | 716 | 930 |
| Swartzville, PA | 2,729 | 92 | 486 | 577 |
| Madison, WV | 2,728 | 324 | 792 | 1,116 |
| Cape Carteret, NC | 2,730 | 90 | 457 | 547 |
| Morgantown, KY | 2,729 | 325 | 447 | 773 |
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