Is Huntington or South Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntington is safer than South Charleston (Safety Score 6/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 4,405 per 100,000 versus 6,009 for South Charleston — 27% lower. Huntington has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Charleston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Huntington is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Huntington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntington, WV
South Charleston, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Huntington | South Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,404.8 | 6,008.6 | -1,603.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 802.5 | 488.6 | +313.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.4 | 0.0 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 102.5 | 22.9 | +79.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 104.8 | 22.9 | +81.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.6 | 442.8 | +136.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,602.3 | 5,519.9 | -1,917.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 606.3 | 282.5 | +323.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,661.6 | 5,061.8 | -2,400.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 334.4 | 175.6 | +158.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntington or South Charleston safer?
Huntington is safer with a total crime rate of 4,405 per 100K vs 6,009 for South Charleston — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Huntington has a violent crime rate of 802.5 per 100K while South Charleston has 488.6. South Charleston has lower violent crime.
About Huntington, WV
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills at the confluence of the Ohio and Guyandotte Rivers, Huntington, West Virginia, is a former railway hub and home to Marshall University. The city's rich industrial past shaped its landscape and community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 44,860, Huntington has a total crime rate of 4,404.8 per 100,000 residents.
About South Charleston, WV
South Charleston, a Kanawha Valley city, is home to the Mound, an ancient Adena burial site. Situated along the Kanawha River, it has historically been a hub for chemical manufacturing. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 13,098, South Charleston has a total crime rate of 6,008.6 per 100,000 residents.