Is Charleston or Morgantown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morgantown is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 36/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100,000 versus 3,665 for Charleston — 41% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Morgantown has a 64% lower rate.
Charleston — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Morgantown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,664.7 | 2,173.1 | +1,491.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 544.8 | 213.0 | +331.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.0 | 13.1 | -0.1 |
| Rape Rate | 58.4 | 59.0 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 54.1 | 19.7 | +34.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 417.3 | 118.0 | +299.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,119.9 | 1,960.0 | +1,159.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 655.1 | 114.7 | +540.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,281.0 | 1,809.2 | +471.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 183.8 | 36.1 | +147.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Morgantown safer?
Morgantown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100K vs 3,665 for Charleston — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 544.8 per 100K while Morgantown has 213.0. Morgantown 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 Morgantown, WV
Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, is a city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains along the Monongahela River. Its population of roughly 30,000 is significantly boosted by its large student body, shaping a vibrant yet often transient community. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 30,510, Morgantown has a total crime rate of 2,173.1 per 100,000 residents.