Charleston, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Charleston, WV

The Charleston crime rates are 104% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 302 violent crimes in Charleston (638 per 100,000 people), which is 72.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1943 property crimes (4103 per 100,000 residents) which is 110% higher than average.

With a crime rate of 4741 per 100,000 residents, Charleston has a crime rate that is 104% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Charleston that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Charleston ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Charleston, there were a total of 10 murders, translating to 21 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

With a property crime rate of 4103 crimes per 100,000 people, Charleston 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 Charleston is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 25, 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 Charleston?

What do the local residents think about crime in Charleston? Well, based on a recent survey of 88 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 16% of Charleston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 84% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Charleston a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Charleston 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 Charleston crime rate is 104% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 6.15 crimes per day - 0.83 violent crimes and 5.32 property crimes.

Has Crime in Charleston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Charleston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Charleston has increased by 18.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 5.2%, while property crimes have increased by 20.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Charleston

Charleston has a poverty rate of 19.8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Charleston, the cost of living is 5.22% lower than the national average.

In Charleston, the average rental rates are $751 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Charleston crime map