10 Most Dangerous Cities in West Virginia in 2023. (photo: Southwest Journal)
According to the Southwest Journal, West Virginia seems peaceful, but many places struggle with more crime due to high costs and few jobs. RoadSnacks listed the ten riskiest cities in 2023, showing a mix of crime data. West Virginia leads in setting fires but is below average in murder and big fights, which is good news. Even in the city with the most fights and killings, there are fewer than 30,000 people. So, danger doesn’t care about city size. Huntington has more crime problems, while some cities are safe. West Virginia’s story is complex.
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Beckley
The once-thriving coal sector has seen a spike in burglaries and thefts due to economic woes, raising serious concerns about violence.
Charleston
As a state capital, Charleston has a high incidence of break-ins and a high number of serious crimes, including eleven homicides. Situated to the south of Charleston, South Charleston is a highly hazardous metropolitan region with high rates of auto theft and larceny. It is ranked third overall.
Huntington
The second-largest city in West Virginia struggles with being the fifth-most dangerous area due to issues with burglaries and rape charges.
Wheeling
During the Civil War, Wheeling served as the state capital. As its population declined, it saw a rise in crime, especially sexual assaults.
Clarksburg
Currently ranked sixth, Clarksburg is concerned about arson and theft.
Parkersburg
Economic shifts have resulted in an increase in car theft, burglaries, arson, and sexual assaults in Parkersburg.
Dunbar
Robberies are a problem in this rural community outside of Charleston, and a violent home invasion has sparked calls for more police presence.
St. Albans
It is advised that visitors and locals in St. Albans, the ninth-most dangerous city, exercise caution due to issues with rape cases, property crime, and murder rates.
Fairmont
Sometimes referred to as the “pepperoni roll capital,” it is really the ninth-most dangerous city in the nation, with a history of violent crimes, including mass shootings.
The West Virginia Crime That Is The Most Terrifying
Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero, two ladies who were headed to a Rainbow Family Gathering in 1980, were brutally killed; this led to the notorious “Rainbow Murders” that rocked West Virginia. Years passed without a resolution to the case before local farmer Jacob Beard was found guilty in 1993. The confession of serial murderer Joseph Paul Franklin in 1997 was a startling turn of events. Beard was freed in 2000 after serving 10 years in jail despite Franklin’s admission, leaving the Rainbow Murders as a terrifying reminder of the consequences of evil and the pursuit of justice.
Safe travel advice for West Virginia
Don’t forget to look at your travel alternatives. There aren’t many ride-sharing or taxi options available in West Virginia, so take caution to prevent
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