Kanawha City Neighborhood, Charleston
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 75% of neighborhoods in Charleston
Safety at a Glance
Is Kanawha City Safe?
Kanawha City in Charleston, WV has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average of 100. Kanawha City is safer than 75% of neighborhoods in Charleston.
Compared to the Charleston average (crime index 143), Kanawha City is 37% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Charleston as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 134, 34% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 84).
Overall, Kanawha City is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Kanawha City Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Charleston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Kanawha City Compares
Crime index by category: Kanawha City vs Charleston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kanawha City Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Kanawha City Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kanawha City, Charleston?
Kanawha City in Charleston, WV has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average. Compared to the Charleston average, crime in Kanawha City is 37% lower. Kanawha City is safer than 75% of neighborhoods in Charleston.
Is Kanawha City a safe neighborhood in Charleston?
Kanawha City is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Charleston, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 134), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 84). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Charleston.
How does Kanawha City compare to the rest of Charleston?
Kanawha City's overall crime index is 106, compared to the Charleston average of 143. This means crime in Kanawha City is 37% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 111, and for property crime it is 112. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Kanawha City?
The most prevalent crime type in Kanawha City is Assault, with a crime index of 134 (34% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Kanawha City?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East End, South Hills, Oakridge / Greenbrier and Edgewood. These areas are close to Kanawha City and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kanawha City?
Kanawha City has a population of approximately 8,015. The median household income is $77,726. The median home value is $235,160. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kanawha City crime compare to the national average?
Kanawha City's overall crime rate is 6% above the national average (index 106 vs 100). Within Charleston, it is safer than 75% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated March 2026.