Is Charleston or Clarksburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clarksburg is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 27/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,592 per 100,000 versus 3,665 for Charleston — 29% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clarksburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charleston — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clarksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, WV
Clarksburg, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Clarksburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,664.7 | 2,592.1 | +1,072.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 544.8 | 372.2 | +172.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.0 | 0.0 | +13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.4 | 91.4 | -33.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 54.1 | 13.1 | +41.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 417.3 | 267.7 | +149.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,119.9 | 2,219.9 | +900.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 655.1 | 163.2 | +491.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,281.0 | 1,971.8 | +309.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 183.8 | 84.9 | +98.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Clarksburg safer?
Clarksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,592 per 100K vs 3,665 for Charleston — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 544.8 per 100K while Clarksburg has 372.2. Clarksburg has lower violent crime.
About Charleston, WV
Charleston, WV, the state capital, sits at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers. Once a major hub for the salt and coal industries, its population is around 47,000. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 46,252, Charleston has a total crime rate of 3,664.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Clarksburg, WV
Clarksburg, a city in north-central West Virginia, is known as the birthplace of Civil War General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Situated along the West Fork River, it serves as the county seat of Harrison County. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 15,316, Clarksburg has a total crime rate of 2,592.1 per 100,000 residents.