Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of West Virginia, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Within the diverse landscape of West Virginia, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in West Virginia. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is West Virginia Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 6,662 | 26,411 | 13,020 |
| Rate per 1000 | 4.23 | 16.77 | 8.27 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in West Virginia. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
West Virginia’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
West Virginia has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In West Virginia, the rate of violent crimes is 4.23 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: West Virginia vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rate in West Virginia compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in West Virginia in relation to the broader national landscape.
West Virginia’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 137 | 1,302 | 4,787 | 198 | 168 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.09 | 0.83 | 3.04 | 0.17 | 0.11 |
| Population | 1,575,083 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in West Virginia
- West Virginia’s murder crime rate is 0.09, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 29%.
- On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.83, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 89%.
- The assault crime rate of the state stands at 3.04, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 7%.
- Robbery is not a significant concern in West Virginia, with a crime rate of 0.17, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 73%.
- The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.11, which is lower than the national average of 0.11 by 0%.
West Virginia’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
West Virginia has a lower property crime rate compared to the national average. In West Virginia, the rate of property crimes is 16.77 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: West Virginia vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in West Virginia compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
West Virginia’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 3,344 | 237 | 5,807 | 13 | 15,198 | 1,797 | 15 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.12 | 0.15 | 3.69 | 0.01 | 9.65 | 1.14 | 0.01 |
| Population | 1,575,083 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in West Virginia
- West Virginia experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.12, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 22%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.15, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 88%.
- Vandalism is not a concern in West Virginia, with a crime rate of 3.69, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 6%.
- The blackmail crime rate is 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.04 by 75%.
- Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 9.65 in West Virginia, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 31%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.14, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 57%.
- West Virginia faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.01, which is 99% lower than the national average of 0.87.
West Virginia’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 11,512 | 1,434 | 49 | 25 |
| Rate per 1000 | 7.31 | 0.91 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Population | 1,575,083 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
West Virginia’s Other Crimes Data Insights
- Drug offenses are a concern in West Virginia, with a rate of 7.31, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 88%.
- Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 0.91, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 12%.
Conclusion
West Virginia has a murder crime rate on par with the national average, but its rape and assault crime rates are higher than the national averages. However, robbery and kidnapping are not significant concerns in the state. West Virginia has a lower burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and identity theft rates compared to the national averages, which is positive. However, the state faces challenges with higher rates of arson, drug offenses, and weapon law violations. Vandalism and blackmail are not significant concerns in West Virginia.