| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morgantown/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 662 | n/a (estimate) | 2,170 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 13.1 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 18 | n/a | 59.0 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 19.7 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 118.0 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 64 | n/a (estimate) | 210 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 35 | n/a | 114.7 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 552 | n/a | 1,809.2 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 36.1 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 598 | n/a (estimate) | 1,960 | 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 Morgantown crime rate is higher than the national average by 2.4%. Specifically, there were 64 violent crimes in Morgantown, equivalent to 210 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 41.6%. Furthermore, Morgantown recorded 598 property crimes, amounting to 1960 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 11.4%.
When evaluating the Morgantown crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Morgantown crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Morgantown ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Morgantown, there were a total of 4 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.
In the most recent release, Morgantown reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Morgantown, there were 1960 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Morgantown residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 35 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 69% of Morgantown residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 31% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about 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 2% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.81 daily crimes (0.18 violent daily crimes and 1.64 daily property crimes) in Morgantown.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Morgantown has decreased by 20.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Morgantown, 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 28.1%, while property crime has decreased by 19.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Morgantown is a safe place to live.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Morgantown crime rates. For instance, in Morgantown, the population density stands at 3170.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Morgantown, the cost of living is 0.38% higher than the national average.
In Morgantown, the average rental rates are $1,243 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Morgantown | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 77 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Star City, WV | 2,148 | 40 | 187 | 228 |
| Cassville, WV | 1,072 | 47 | 218 | 264 |
| Pleasant Valley, WV | 3,241 | 66 | 306 | 371 |
| Barrackville, WV | 1,332 | 71 | 332 | 403 |
| Cheat Lake, WV | 9,896 | 87 | 408 | 495 |
| Brookhaven, WV | 6,522 | 91 | 424 | 515 |
| Kingwood, WV | 3,163 | 96 | 448 | 543 |
| Morgantown, WV | 31,653 | 210 | 1,960 | 2,170 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brooklyn Center, MN | 31,682 | 679 | 2,689 | 3,368 |
| Danville, IL | 31,689 | 1,684 | 5,676 | 7,361 |
| Sahuarita, AZ | 31,695 | 92 | 977 | 1,069 |
| Bel Air North, MD | 31,605 | 351 | 1,712 | 2,063 |
| Los Altos, CA | 31,735 | 78 | 1,211 | 1,289 |
| Morgantown, WV | 31,653 | 210 | 1,960 | 2,170 |
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