West Virginia, Violent Crime Spike, 2013

In 2013, West Virginia saw a significant spike in violent crime, with the state ranking 15th in the nation for the highest violent crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. This trend was part of a larger national pattern of increasing violence that year.

Nationwide, violent crime rates were on the rise, with the overall rate increasing by 0.7% from 2012 to 2013. This uptick was largely driven by a surge in aggravated assaults and robberies. In West Virginia, the number of aggravated assaults climbed by 10.6% from 2012 to 2013, while robberies increased by 6.1%. These increases were particularly concerning in rural areas, where resources and law enforcement presence can be limited.

The economic downturn of the late 2000s was still being felt in 2013, with many West Virginians struggling to make ends meet. Poverty rates were higher in the state than in many other parts of the country, and unemployment remained a significant issue. This economic strain can contribute to an increase in property and violent crime, as individuals may turn to illicit means to support themselves or their families.

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates in West Virginia were also higher than the national average in 2013. While the number of murders remained relatively low, the rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 5.8, compared to 4.6 nationwide. This suggests that a smaller number of violent incidents can have a disproportionately large impact on a state’s overall crime rate.

Property crime rates in West Virginia were also a concern in 2013, with burglary and larceny-theft rates above the national average. These types of crimes often go unreported, but the FBI’s UCR program relies on voluntary reporting from law enforcement agencies to paint a comprehensive picture of crime trends. As the state continues to grapple with its crime issues, law enforcement and policymakers will need to work together to develop effective strategies for addressing the root causes of crime and reducing violence.

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