| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Charleston/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 787 | n/a (estimate) | 6,009 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 22.9 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 22.9 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 58 | n/a | 442.8 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 64 | n/a (estimate) | 489 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 282.5 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 663 | n/a | 5,061.8 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 175.6 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 723 | n/a (estimate) | 5,520 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
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 South Charleston is 183.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 64 violent crimes reported in South Charleston, equivalent to 489 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 36.1%. Additionally, South Charleston recorded 723 property crimes, amounting to 5520 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 213.6%.
South Charleston has a crime rate of 6009 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 183.53%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of South Charleston. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, South Charleston reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Every year, one in 19 people fall victim to a property crime in South Charleston - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5520 per 100,000 people, South Charleston has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among South Charleston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% of South Charleston 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, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is South Charleston a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the South Charleston crime rate is 184% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.16 crimes per day - 0.18 violent crimes and 1.98 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in South Charleston has increased by 19.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not South Charleston is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 20.8%, while property crime has increased by 19.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in South Charleston.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In South Charleston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.21 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in South Charleston is $228,064, compared to a national average of $326,622.
South Charleston has an average rental rate of $1,048 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | South Charleston | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Cedar Grove, WV | 520 | 0 | 147 | 147 |
| Pinch, WV | 3,634 | 47 | 221 | 269 |
| Eleanor, WV | 1,519 | 51 | 238 | 289 |
| 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 |
| South Charleston, WV | 12,935 | 489 | 5,520 | 6,009 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wilmington, OH | 12,936 | 317 | 1,673 | 1,990 |
| Big Bear City, CA | 12,934 | 553 | 2,364 | 2,916 |
| Endicott, NY | 12,939 | 545 | 2,467 | 3,012 |
| Lakeland, TN | 12,926 | 226 | 774 | 1,000 |
| Justice, IL | 12,945 | 284 | 1,686 | 1,971 |
| South Charleston, WV | 12,935 | 489 | 5,520 | 6,009 |
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