One of West Virginia’s claim to fame is its timber; she’s the nation’s third most forested state. And every fall, millions of leaves burst with color and adorn the land.
The Mountain State lies right in the heart of Appalachia, so be prepared to hear some toe-tapping bluegrass music. Due to its mountainous location, the land is some of the most rugged you’ll encounter in the U.S. With rivers crisscrossing the state, whitewater rafters come from near and far to ride the rapids.
Movoto reports that West Virginia has the highest home ownership rate in the U.S. – almost 74%; the median home price is under $100,000. Washington, D.C. is the nearest metro city and many residents commute there to work. Let’s discover which cities make the top 10 safest list.
1. Wellsburg
- Population: 2,560
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 39.1
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 859.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
65% Below National Crime Rate
The safest city trophy in West Virginia goes to Wellsburg, located along the Ohio River. No need for the deadbolt lock here; only one violent crime was reported in 2018. If you like to fall asleep with the cool breeze blowing through the open windows, welcome home.
2. Weirton
- Population: 18,542
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 48.5
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 895.3
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
63% Below National Crime Rate
Coming in at a close second is Weirton. She’s not too small and is loaded with activities from bowling and boutiques to a country club. Here, the amenities score an A+. This community is beautifully nestled along the Ohio River and is a quick Uber ride to Pittsburgh.
3. Charles Town
- Population: 6,060
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 165.0
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 610.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
70% Below National Crime Rate
Taking the third-place trophy for safest city is Charles Town. If you want the crickets to sing you to sleep, we’ve found your diamond in a haystack. This safe and historical community sits where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet, close to Washington, DC. Nearby, you can visit legendary Civil War battle sites. And if you want to tour stately old homes, Charles Town owns original homes and farms once belonging to George Washington and his family.
4. Madison
- Population: 2,764
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,736.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
32% Below National Crime Rate
One positive factor that instantly captures a prospective homebuyer’s attention is the cost of living. Prepare to be amazed: Madison’s cost of living is 17.0% lower than the national average. If you want more incentives, keep reading. The median price tag for a home here is around $94,000. In the past decade, home appreciation has been on the uptick, rising 2.9%. And parents will be delighted to learn that the teacher/student ratio is an astounding 12.4 to 1.
5. Hinton
- Population: 2,417
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 41.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,572.2
- Most Common Crime: Property
37% Below National Crime Rate
Hinton owes its very existence to the Chesapeake & Oil Railroad Companies. The railroad tracks were nearly all destroyed during the Civil War, which were desperately needed if people were to reach the Ohio River. The town collaborated to not only rebuild the railroads, but they also began to build homes. The style in these old jewels reflects the tastes of homeowners of the day: the eclectic Victorian era. The town is rich in history and exudes a pleasant, down-home feeling.
6. Weston
- Population: 3,953
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 278.3
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 151.8
- Most Common Crime: Property
83% Below National Crime Rate
Founded in 1818, Weston has two employers: the Board of Education and the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. It has quite a checkered past; in the early days of the Civil War, Union soldiers broke into the Weston Bank. They made off with money that rightfully belonged to the State of Virginia. These funds were rerouted to Wheeling and were used to establish West Virginia. Residents are happy to report that bank robbers are no longer a nuisance. They also love to boast that their cost of living is 25.9% lower than national average.
7. Point Pleasant
- Population: 4,126
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 96.9
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,478.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
39% Below National Crime Rate
Located where the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers meet, Point Pleasant has been a vital transportation artery as far back as early colonial days. Legend has it that a mythical winged monster, Mothman, lived there, too. It’s a ghostly tale that attracts tourists, but residents aren’t spooked one bit. One rumor is actually true; in 1774 one of the first American Revolution conflicts was named “The Battle of Point Pleasant.” Life today is much calmer, so if you are looking for a quaint historical home to call your own, look no further.
8. Ranson
- Population: 5,292
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 283
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 510
- Most Common Crime: Property
40% Below National Crime Rate
Ranson has been voted #8 as the Best Place for Young Professionals in West Virginia. It’s a mere one-hour drive from the capital, Charleston, and only 40 minutes from Dulles International Airport. You can rewind and listen to stories about soldiers in the American Revolution and the Civil War who wandered through these parts.
9. Kenova
- Population: 2,979
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 201.4
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,275.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
42% Below National Crime Rate
Another city with historical roots, Kenova, emerged to be the largest town in the county. Three different railroads cross through the city, which was often referred to as the gateway to the West Virginia coalfields. At one point in time, settlers found it to be a refuge and squatted on the property.
10. Oak Hill
- Population: 8,264
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 157.3
- Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,778.8
- Most Common Crime: Property
25% Below National Crime Rate
Back in 1903, the community gathered to establish a city and named it in honor of a white oak tree on a hilltop. Their creativity broadened over the decades, and they created several festivals. Things kick off in August with the annual Railroad Festival / Depot Days, and culminates with the Oak Leaf Festival and Parade on Labor Day. Oak Hill residents want you to know that it’s a charming place to live, in every season. And with a median home price of around $94,000, it is affordable to most everyone.
All data taken from the FBI crime statistics.
Other West Virginia Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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