Is Fairmont or Morgantown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairmont is safer than Morgantown (Safety Score 45/100 vs 36/100), with a total crime rate of 1,843 per 100,000 versus 2,173 for Morgantown — 15% lower. Fairmont has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairmont has a 100% lower rate.
Fairmont — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairmont, WV
Morgantown, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairmont | Morgantown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,843.2 | 2,173.1 | -329.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 520.3 | 213.0 | +307.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.1 | -13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 99.6 | 59.0 | +40.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.6 | 19.7 | -3.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 404.1 | 118.0 | +286.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,322.9 | 1,960.0 | -637.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 171.6 | 114.7 | +56.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,073.8 | 1,809.2 | -735.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 77.5 | 36.1 | +41.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairmont or Morgantown safer?
Fairmont is safer with a total crime rate of 1,843 per 100K vs 2,173 for Morgantown — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairmont has a violent crime rate of 520.3 per 100K while Morgantown has 213.0. Morgantown has lower violent crime.
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.
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.