Morgantown, WV Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 74% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Morgantown Safe?
Yes — Morgantown has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Morgantown has a crime rate that is 39% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 415.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Greystone on the Cheat earn an A+ safety grade, while Evansdale rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Morgantown.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 415
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
37% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 67
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
18% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Morgantown Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
61 | -39% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Morgantown Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Morgantown?
Safety varies dramatically across Morgantown's 6+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 6Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 4Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 6 neighborhoods in Morgantown
All Morgantown Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greystone on the Cheat | A+ | 11 |
| 2 | First Ward | A | 65 |
| 3 | South Park | A | 92 |
| 4 | Sunnyside | A | 152 |
| 5 | Evansdale | A | 132 |
| 6 | Downtown Morgantown Historic District | A- | 178 |
Morgantown Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Morgantown zip codes.
Morgantown Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown, WV has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 39% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 415 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 67 chance for property crime. Morgantown has lower crime than 74% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Morgantown, WV safe to live in?
Morgantown is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 6 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Greystone on the Cheat is one of the safest areas, while Evansdale has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Morgantown is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Morgantown?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Morgantown are Greystone on the Cheat, First Ward, South Park, Sunnyside, and Evansdale. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Morgantown?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Morgantown include Evansdale, Sunnyside, South Park, and First Ward. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Morgantown?
The estimated violent crime rate in Morgantown is 240.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 37% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 415 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (33% below average); aggravated assault at 164.6 per 100K (39% below average); robbery at 51.2 per 100K (31% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Morgantown?
The estimated property crime rate in Morgantown is 1,494.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 18% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 67 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 154.3 per 100K (43% below average); larceny/theft at 1,095.9 per 100K (22% below average); vehicle theft at 244.2 per 100K (23% below average).
How does Morgantown crime compare to the national average?
Morgantown's overall crime rate is 39% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (22% below average), while burglary is 43% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Morgantown has lower crime than 74% of them.
Is Morgantown safe to visit?
Morgantown is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 18% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Greystone on the Cheat, First Ward, South Park.
How does Morgantown crime compare to the rest of West Virginia?
West Virginia as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Morgantown's crime rate is 39% below the national average, making it safer the typical West Virginia city.
What type of crime is most common in Morgantown?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Morgantown, with an estimated rate of 1,095.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 22% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,494 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (241 per 100K) in Morgantown, which is consistent with national trends.