Is Morgantown or South Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morgantown is safer than South Charleston (Safety Score 36/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100,000 versus 6,009 for South Charleston — 64% lower. Morgantown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Charleston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Morgantown is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Morgantown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Morgantown | South Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,173.1 | 6,008.6 | -3,835.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 213.0 | 488.6 | -275.6 |
| Murder Rate | 13.1 | 0.0 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 59.0 | 22.9 | +36.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.7 | 22.9 | -3.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.0 | 442.8 | -324.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,960.0 | 5,519.9 | -3,559.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.7 | 282.5 | -167.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,809.2 | 5,061.8 | -3,252.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.1 | 175.6 | -139.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgantown or South Charleston safer?
Morgantown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100K vs 6,009 for South Charleston — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Morgantown has a violent crime rate of 213.0 per 100K while South Charleston has 488.6. 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 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.