Beckley, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Beckley, WV

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Beckley is 263.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Beckley, there were 125 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 742 per 100,000 individuals, 100.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1297 property crimes, amounting to 7701 per 100,000 residents, 294% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 8443 crimes per 100,000 people, the Beckley crime rates stand at 263.25 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Beckley, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Beckley ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 742 per 100,000 people, Beckley is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Beckley, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

With a property crime rate of 7701 crimes per 100,000 people, Beckley unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Beckley is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 13, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Beckley?

What do the local residents think about crime in Beckley? Well, based on a recent survey of 59 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 17% of Beckley residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 83% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Beckley a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Beckley 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 Beckley crime rate is 263% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.9 crimes per day - 0.34 violent crimes and 3.55 property crimes.

Has Crime in Beckley Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Beckley has increased by 33% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Beckley 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 5%, while property crime has increased by 36.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Beckley.

Potential Causes for Crime in Beckley

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Beckley, 80.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Beckley, the cost of living is 9.52% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Beckley, there are 3.68 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Beckley crime map