If you’ve ever tuned in to Morgantown’s News 12 at six or caught Parkersburg’s crimestoppers at ten, you probably know what many West Virginians have accepted: our state has some risky areas. Maybe it’s the toll of challenges pushing people to the edge—scarcity of jobs, meager wages, and more. It’s smart to check RoadSnacks’ list of the most dangerous spots in West Virginia for 2023 before making any life-altering decisions.
Photo from: OnlyInYourState
Navigating West Virginia’s Safety Challenges: From Arson Leadership to Hurdles in Smaller Cities
How did we figure this out? We dug into the data, analyzing 21 cities and examining the FBI’s recent crime report for areas with over 5,000 people. West Virginia’s numbers are intriguing compared to the national average. While leading in arson, it’s trailing in murder and aggravated assault. Surprisingly, the city with the most assaults and murders has fewer than 30,000 residents.
However, West Virginia isn’t all dark clouds. The state has its safest cities too, where the guardian angel seems to be watching closely. On the flip side, there’s a collection of hazardous cities, and they’re quite menacing.
If you thought most of West Virginia’s problems are in its biggest cities, you’re right. Cities like Huntington are struggling against crime. It’s a complex situation, but understanding these challenges helps us work towards safer communities. So, whether you’re in a bustling city or a smaller town, being aware and informed is the first step to addressing the issues West Virginia faces.
READ ALSO: 10 Most Dangerous Cities In West Virginia 2023: Risky Business
Here are the 10 most Dangerous Cities in WV:
1. Beckley
- Population: 15,762
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 869
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,741
2. Charleston
- Population: 46,038
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 920
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,609
3. South Charleston
- Population: 11,898
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 437
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,782
4. Huntington
- Population: 44,684
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 823
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,674
5. Wheeling
- Population: 26,222
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,258
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,219
6. Clarksburg
- Population: 15,092
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 437
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,843
7. Parkersburg
- Population: 29,096
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 364
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,361
8. Dunbar
- Population: 7,010
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 798
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,781
9. St. Albans
- Population: 9,802
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 336
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,285
10. Fairmont
- Population: 18,352
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 463
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,482
Having some extra money stored securely is a wise precaution for unexpected situations.
READ ALSO: 10 Most Dangerous Cities In West Virginia [2023];
