Is Morgantown or Parkersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morgantown is safer than Parkersburg (Safety Score 36/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100,000 versus 3,481 for Parkersburg — 38% lower. Morgantown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Parkersburg has a 100% lower rate.
Morgantown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Parkersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Morgantown | Parkersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,173.1 | 3,480.8 | -1,307.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 213.0 | 263.8 | -50.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.1 | 0.0 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 59.0 | 65.9 | -6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.7 | 20.8 | -1.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.0 | 173.5 | -55.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,960.0 | 3,217.1 | -1,257.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.7 | 315.8 | -201.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,809.2 | 2,720.8 | -911.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.1 | 180.5 | -144.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgantown or Parkersburg safer?
Morgantown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100K vs 3,481 for Parkersburg — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Morgantown has a violent crime rate of 213.0 per 100K while Parkersburg has 263.8. Morgantown has lower violent crime.
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.
About Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg, a city in Wood County, sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. Once a key stop on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, it has a dwindling population of just under 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 28,815, Parkersburg has a total crime rate of 3,480.8 per 100,000 residents.