West Virginians feel the Mountain State contains hazardous spots, as seen on Morgantown’s News 12 at six and Parkersburg’s CrimeStoppers at ten.
West Virginia (Photo: Getty)
Breaking Down West Virginia’s Economic and City Safety Issues
The article blames West Virginians’ troubles on high tolls, joblessness, and poor earnings. Before making big life choices, read RoadSnacks’ 2023 list of West Virginia’s most dangerous cities.
A comprehensive assessment of 21 cities’ violent and property crime statistics from the FBI’s newest crime dossier in cities above 5,000 was prepared. Arson was highest in West Virginia, whereas murder and violent assault were lower. Unsurprisingly, the state’s most dangerous city had under 30,000 residents.
READ ALSO: 2023 Report Reveals Mexico’s 10 Most Dangerous Cities
10 Riskiest Places 2023
The research says West Virginia has safe and risky cities. It highlights Huntington’s crime issue by saying most of the state’s troubles occur in its greatest cities.
1. Beckley (population: 15,762): A historic mining town struggling economically, burglary and theft are escalating. 4th highest state violent crime rate.
2. Charleston (population: 46,038): state capital with high burglary rates and 424 violent crimes, including 11 killings.
3. South Charleston (population: 11,898): West Virginia’s third-most deadly city. Car theft and larceny are common.
4. Huntington (population: 44,684): second-largest city with a big crime issue, fifth-most violent in the state, and fifth-highest rape rate.
5. Wheeling (population: 26,222): historical capital of West Virginia, in economic decline and with 31 rapes and 330 violent offenses.
6. Clarksburg (15,092): A former candidate for state capital that is now rife with theft and arson. Known for dubious VA Medical Center fatalities.
7. Parkersburg (29,096): Former industrial and commercial center with a declining population. Residents have worrisome sexual assault and arson rates.
8. Dunbar (population: 7,010): On the Kanawha River, this town has West Virginia’s highest robbery rate.
9. St. Albans (population: 9,802): Ninth most hazardous location for property crime. Famous for its high rape and sixth-highest murder rates.
10. Fairmont (population: 18,352), the “pepperoni roll capital,” is the 10th most dangerous town with 85 violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault.
READ ALSO: Navigating Peril: The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Massachusetts 2023
