| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Parkersburg/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,002 | n/a (estimate) | 3,477 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 65.9 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 20.8 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 50 | n/a | 173.5 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 260 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 91 | n/a | 315.8 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 784 | n/a | 2,720.8 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 180.5 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 927 | n/a (estimate) | 3,217 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Parkersburg is 64.1% higher 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 Parkersburg, there were 75 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 260 per 100,000 individuals, 27.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 927 property crimes, amounting to 3217 per 100,000 residents, 82.8% higher than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Parkersburg recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes surveyed 41 local residents in Parkersburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 22% of people answered that there was very little crime in Parkersburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 78% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Parkersburg is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Parkersburg has an overall crime rate that is 64% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.75 daily occurrences, comprising 0.21 violent crimes and 2.54 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Parkersburg as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Parkersburg has decreased by 21.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Parkersburg, 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 42.8%, while property crime has decreased by 18.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Parkersburg is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Parkersburg crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Parkersburg has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Parkersburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.22, 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Parkersburg, the average rental rates are $996 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
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 | Parkersburg | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 70 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Williamstown, WV | 3,015 | 0 | 170 | 170 |
| Lubeck, WV | 1,135 | 35 | 163 | 198 |
| Boaz, WV | 1,697 | 51 | 236 | 287 |
| Mineralwells, WV | 2,231 | 72 | 335 | 407 |
| Blennerhassett, WV | 4,084 | 87 | 405 | 492 |
| Devola, OH | 2,674 | 79 | 417 | 496 |
| North Hills, WV | 981 | 101 | 469 | 570 |
| Parkersburg, WV | 30,536 | 260 | 3,217 | 3,477 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chicago Heights, IL | 30,540 | 1,232 | 2,732 | 3,965 |
| East Palo Alto, CA | 30,529 | 607 | 1,920 | 2,527 |
| Suisun City, CA | 30,544 | 389 | 1,477 | 1,867 |
| Walnut, CA | 30,544 | 127 | 1,891 | 2,019 |
| Highland Park, IL | 30,564 | 49 | 812 | 861 |
| Parkersburg, WV | 30,536 | 260 | 3,217 | 3,477 |
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