Is Morgantown or Vienna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morgantown is safer than Vienna (Safety Score 36/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100,000 versus 3,463 for Vienna — 37% lower. Morgantown has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Vienna has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Morgantown is 2.9x 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
Vienna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown, WV
Vienna, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Morgantown | Vienna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,173.1 | 3,462.5 | -1,289.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 213.0 | 153.9 | +59.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.1 | 9.6 | +3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 59.0 | 38.5 | +20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.7 | 0.0 | +19.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.0 | 105.8 | +12.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,960.0 | 3,308.7 | -1,348.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.7 | 105.8 | +8.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,809.2 | 3,183.6 | -1,374.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.1 | 19.2 | +16.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgantown or Vienna safer?
Morgantown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100K vs 3,463 for Vienna — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Morgantown has a violent crime rate of 213.0 per 100K while Vienna has 153.9. Vienna 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 Vienna, WV
Nestled along the Ohio River, Vienna, WV, is a small city in Wood County, home to the historic Jackson Memorial Fountain. It's a primarily residential community, reflecting the industrial legacy of the Mid-Ohio Valley. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 10,397, Vienna has a total crime rate of 3,462.5 per 100,000 residents.