Parkersburg, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Parkersburg, WV

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Parkersburg is 68% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 129 violent crimes reported in Parkersburg, equivalent to 442 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 19.5%. Additionally, Parkersburg recorded 1011 property crimes, amounting to 3464 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 77.2%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Parkersburg stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Parkersburg, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Parkersburg?

What do the local residents think about crime in Parkersburg? Well, based on a recent survey of 41 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 22% of Parkersburg residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 78% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Parkersburg a Safe Place to Live?

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 68% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.12 daily occurrences, comprising 0.35 violent crimes and 2.77 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.

Has Crime in Parkersburg Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Parkersburg has decreased by 10.5%. 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 1.5%, while property crime has decreased by 11.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Parkersburg is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Parkersburg

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Parkersburg currently has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Parkersburg, the cost of living is 13.4% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Parkersburg has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.22 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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