West Side Neighborhood, Charleston

Crime Rate & Statistics

Average crime levels — comparable to the national average

Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charleston

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 175 / 300 High

Violent Crime 147

47% above national avg

Property Crime 146

46% above national avg

City Ranking

13%

safer than other

Charleston neighborhoods

Is West Side Safe?

West Side in Charleston, WV has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average of 100. West Side is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charleston.

Compared to the Charleston average (crime index 143), West Side is 32% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 168, 68% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 117).

West Side has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.

Highest Risk

Murder · Index 168 (68% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Robbery · Index 117 (17% above avg)

West Side Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Charleston city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Charleston	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	168	+68%	+29%	High
Assault	166	+66%	+16%	High
Robbery	117	+17%	-5%	Moderate
Rape	136	+36%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	128	+28%	+8%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	154	+54%	+3%	High
Vehicle Theft	157	+57%	+8%	High

How West Side Compares

Crime index by category: West Side vs Charleston average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

West Side Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

West Side Demographics & Context

Population

5,268

Median Income

$35,583

Home Value

$58,173

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,460/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 7.7%

Graduate Degree 5.3%

Housing

36%

64%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 44.6%

Black 44.9%

Hispanic 1.6%

Asian 1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Edgewood Index: 132

A-

Downtown Index: 193

C-

North Charleston Index: 162

South Hills Index: 58

East End Index: 173

Oakridge / Greenbrier Index: 142

Kanawha City Index: 106

West Side Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Charleston Crime Statistics

View all Charleston neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in West Side, Charleston?

West Side in Charleston, WV has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average. Compared to the Charleston average, crime in West Side is 32% higher. West Side is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charleston.

Is West Side a safe neighborhood in Charleston?

West Side has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 168), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 117). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Charleston.

How does West Side compare to the rest of Charleston?

West Side's overall crime index is 175, compared to the Charleston average of 143. This means crime in West Side is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 147, and for property crime it is 146. 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 West Side?

The most prevalent crime type in West Side is Murder, with a crime index of 168 (68% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near West Side?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Edgewood, North Charleston, South Hills and East End. These areas are close to West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of West Side?

West Side has a population of approximately 5,268. The median household income is $35,583. The median home value is $58,173. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does West Side crime compare to the national average?

West Side's overall crime rate is 75% above the national average (index 175 vs 100). Within Charleston, it is safer than 13% 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.