While living in Morgantown, I had the opportunity to look closely at crime statistics.

Contrary to the image of a college town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the numbers tell a more specific story than expected. As of 2024, the overall crime rate in Morgantown has decreased by 27% compared to the previous year. This is certainly a positive sign.

However, examining the details reveals a more nuanced picture. Simply saying things have improved lacks important context. Living in Morgantown for a long time makes it clear that these numbers are not just statistics but the backdrop of real life.

In 2024, there were a total of 4 homicides. This translates to 13 incidents per 100,000 people, which is an increase of 1 from 2023. The total number of violent crimes was 64, corresponding to 210 per 100,000 people, which is 41.6% lower than the national average.

In other words, in terms of violent crime, Morgantown can be considered a significantly safer city than the national average. The 28.1% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year is also encouraging. The likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 455, which is relatively low compared to many large cities. Being a college town, Morgantown likely pays more attention to managing violent crime. The characteristics of a college town in the Appalachian Mountains are one of the factors that make these numbers possible.

Property crime tells a different story. In 2024, there were a total of 598 property crimes, translating to 1,960 per 100,000 people, which is 11.4% higher than the national average. The probability of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 51, which is something residents should be mindful of. The fact that vehicle theft is 244.2 per 100,000 people, which is 23% lower than the national average, is a small consolation. Overall, property crime shows a trend of decreasing by 19.8%, indicating improvement. Given the high student population in the college area, incidents of bicycle theft or items left in cars are frequent, which is something many are aware of. It's important to develop the habit of not leaving belongings in the car even for a moment. In fact, during the WVU semester, there tends to be a higher frequency of bicycle theft.

Looking at the trends over the past five years, violent crime was on the rise but has recently turned to a decrease in 2024, while property crime has been steadily declining. Recently, both types of crime seem to be decreasing together. From my experience living in Morgantown for a long time, I feel similarly. The outskirts are quieter than the city center, leaving items in cars is risky anywhere, and it's best to avoid walking alone late at night in the downtown area.

While statistics don't tell the whole story, they clearly indicate the direction in which things are heading. The direction is not bad. The crime trends in Morgantown suggest a steady improvement. I believe that the identity of being a college town in the Appalachian region positively influences community safety. The way to live safely in this city is to be aware of the data and develop habits accordingly.

I also want to highlight how to act specifically. Never leave items in your vehicle, and stick to well-lit paths at night. During the semester, bicycle theft near the WVU campus increases, so always secure your locks. The fact that the property crime rate is higher than the national average should be seen as a signal not to be complacent. While violent crime is below the national average, caution is needed regarding property crime.

By distinguishing and understanding these two aspects, you can design your life in Morgantown much more comfortably. If you prepare according to the direction indicated by the data, Morgantown is not a bad city to live in. Like the peaks of the morning, the safety of this city shines when you know the direction.