Is Charleston or Fairmont Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairmont is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 45/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,843 per 100,000 versus 3,665 for Charleston — 50% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairmont has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 2.6x 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
Fairmont — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, WV
Fairmont, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Fairmont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,664.7 | 1,843.2 | +1,821.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 544.8 | 520.3 | +24.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.0 | 0.0 | +13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.4 | 99.6 | -41.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 54.1 | 16.6 | +37.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 417.3 | 404.1 | +13.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,119.9 | 1,322.9 | +1,796.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 655.1 | 171.6 | +483.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,281.0 | 1,073.8 | +1,207.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 183.8 | 77.5 | +106.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Fairmont safer?
Fairmont is safer with a total crime rate of 1,843 per 100K vs 3,665 for Charleston — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 544.8 per 100K while Fairmont has 520.3. Fairmont 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 Fairmont, WV
Fairmont, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is home to Prickett's Fort, a Revolutionary War site. This Marion County seat has a population of around 18,000 residents. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 18,066, Fairmont has a total crime rate of 1,843.2 per 100,000 residents.