First Ward Neighborhood, Morgantown

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Morgantown

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low
Low 65 / 300 High
Violent Crime 71
29% below national avg
Property Crime 103
3% above national avg
City Ranking
67%
safer than other
Morgantown neighborhoods

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in Morgantown

Is First Ward Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. First Ward in Morgantown, WV has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 65, which is 35% below the national average of 100. First Ward is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Morgantown.

Compared to the Morgantown average (crime index 105), First Ward is 40% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Morgantown as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 109, 9% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 43). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 109 (9% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 43 (57% below avg)

First Ward Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
79 -21% Low
Assault
90 -10% Average
Robbery
73 -27% Low
Rape
43 -57% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
92 -8% Average
Larceny / Theft
108 +8% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
109 +9% Moderate

How First Ward Compares

Crime index by category: First Ward vs Morgantown average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

First Ward Crime Map

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

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Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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First Ward Demographics & Context

Population
1,170
Median Income
$70,649
Home Value
$230,954
Median Age
37
Pop. Density
3,440/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.9%
Graduate Degree 28.2%

Housing

64%
36%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 86.5%
Black 7%
Hispanic 2.3%
Asian 2.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

South Park Index: 92
A
Downtown Morgantown Historic District Index: 178
A-
Sunnyside Index: 152
A
Evansdale Index: 132
A
Greystone on the Cheat Index: 11
A+
First Ward Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Morgantown Crime Statistics
View all Morgantown neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in First Ward, Morgantown?

First Ward in Morgantown, WV has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 65, which is 35% below the national average. Compared to the Morgantown average, crime in First Ward is 40% lower. First Ward is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Morgantown.

Is First Ward a safe neighborhood in Morgantown?

First Ward is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Morgantown, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 109), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 43). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Morgantown.

How does First Ward compare to the rest of Morgantown?

First Ward's overall crime index is 65, compared to the Morgantown average of 105. This means crime in First Ward is 40% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 71, and for property crime it is 103. 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 First Ward?

The most prevalent crime type in First Ward is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 109 (9% 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 First Ward?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South Park, Downtown Morgantown Historic District, Sunnyside and Evansdale. These areas are close to First Ward and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of First Ward?

First Ward has a population of approximately 1,170. The median household income is $70,649. The median home value is $230,954. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does First Ward crime compare to the national average?

First Ward's overall crime rate is 35% below the national average (index 65 vs 100). Within Morgantown, it is safer than 67% 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 April 2026.