Wheeling, WV Crime Rate & Safety

Wheeling, 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 426 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 75 chance for property crime. Wheeling has lower crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Wheeling is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 15 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Oglebay Park is one of the safest areas, while East Wheeling has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Wheeling is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Wheeling are Oglebay Park, Mozart, Warwood, Park View, and Woodsdale - Edgewood. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Wheeling include East Wheeling, North Wheeling, Wheeling Island, Fulton - Glenwood, and Center Wheeling. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Wheeling is 234.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 38% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 426 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.0 per 100K (40% below average); aggravated assault at 174.4 per 100K (35% below average); robbery at 37.1 per 100K (50% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Wheeling is 1,332.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 75 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 161.2 per 100K (40% below average); larceny/theft at 956.0 per 100K (32% below average); vehicle theft at 215.7 per 100K (32% below average).

Wheeling's overall crime rate is 39% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (32% below average), while robbery is 50% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Wheeling has lower crime than 75% of them.

Wheeling is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 27% 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 Oglebay Park, Mozart, Warwood.

West Virginia as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Wheeling's crime rate is 39% below the national average, making it safer the typical West Virginia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Wheeling, with an estimated rate of 956.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 32% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,333 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (235 per 100K) in Wheeling, which is consistent with national trends.