Is Clarksburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Clarksburg is a small city in north-central West Virginia, filled with historic sites and surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Established in 1785 and named after General George Rogers Clark, the town grew as a hub for the region’s glass and coal industries in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One key benefit of visiting Clarksburg is how well the buildings have been preserved here.

The heritage spans from Indigenous people to Italian immigrants’ roots to the birthplace of General “Stonewall” Jackson.

Beyond the historical district, outdoor lovers get easy access to the scenic West Fork River Trail, perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Appalachian region.

Clarksburg’s downtown area is peppered with quaint shops, local eateries, and small museums.

While the charm of the city appeals to tourists, there’s so much more industry than you might notice at first glance.

The city is home to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which is one of the bureau’s largest divisions.

Clarksburg is also part of the larger I-79 High Technology Corridor, which spans several counties in North-Central West Virginia.

When you tie it all together, you get a city that offers a fascinating glimpse at history and a forward-looking future that is paving the way for high-tech economics and national safety.

Warnings & Dangers in Clarksburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a largely unknown risk in Clarksburg due to inconsistent crime data and a history of being ranked as a dangerous community. However, basic safety measures and sticking to the tourist districts are the most likely ways to keep the risk low.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation in Clarksburg is limited but includes bus services provided by the Central West Virginia Transit Authority (Centra). The service covers local routes within the city and connections to nearby towns. Taxis and rideshares are available, but most people prefer a rental car to do more exploring.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in Clarksburg over the past five years. That’s a low risk, but don’t let that be misleading - the potential is there. Don’t carry valuables or flashy items here.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Clarksburg is susceptible to natural disasters like flooding, severe storms, and occasional winter weather events, including heavy snow and ice. The area is also prone to thunderstorms, with a risk of high winds and hail. Earthquakes and tornadoes are rare but not impossible.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, with four or fewer robberies each year going back to 2020. Over the past five years, three muggings have been reported.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk of terrorism in Clarksburg is generally considered low. Even with the FBI and high-tech offices here, those will bring more security than safety risks. However, vigilance is important. The best thing you can do to help is report suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. You would more likely face a panhandler than a scammer, but be sure you know the latest scam tactics to keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests that women are at greater risk in Clarksburg. Use standard personal safety steps while visiting.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report for Clarksburg shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Clarksburg

“Come Home to Clarksburg” is the name of the tourism website.

The city’s website also has a map and legend of the downtown historic district and lists all the local parks.

While Bridgeport gets more visitors, Clarksburg is filled with historical stops to explore.

Even just walking around offers views of historical buildings going back to the mid-1800s.

Of course, there’s downtown, where the Clarksburg History Museum is located, but also Quality Hill, filled with residential gems, and Glen Elk, where the railroad and industrial footprint remains.

The latter is also where the center of the Italian immigrants started.

If you like live entertainment, Clarskburg has an amphitheater, a performing arts center, and several niche theaters.

Outdoor recreation options are expansive here, with Lowndes Hill Park offering one of the easiest ways to get a scenic view of the city.

You’ll find some Civil War history here too.

Clarksburg is also hoping to build an expansive network of rail trails for hiking or biking.

Check out the progress made on the Harrison Rail Trail, with versions going north or south.

I normally don’t go into detail about restaurants in these articles, but the Italian heritage in Clarksburg makes seeking out places like Minard’s Spaghetti Inn a priority.

Try The Caboose for a touch of bougie 1920s vibes and Italian specialties.

Places to Avoid in Clarksburg

Clarksburg is trying to figure out how to allocate Opioid Settlement Funds to address homelessness and drug addiction, which has taken over parts of the city.

It would be wise to ask the local police where the homeless camps are located before your visit, as those can often change when the homeless are moved due to safety issues.

The problem here is so bad that even the garbage utility had to pass out notices to homeless camps asking people to avoid sleeping in dumpsters.

Several people were almost crushed when they were picked up by the trash truck while sleeping in a dumpster.

Due to the number of news reports about violent crime connected to homeless people, avoid those camps and don’t interact with people who are panhandling.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Clarksburg

So... How Safe Is Clarksburg Really?

I started this article with a slight cringe, as I saw so many reports that Clarksburg was one of the most dangerous cities in the state and the country.

It’s a good thing I crunch crime data myself.

Otherwise, you might believe those exaggerated claims.

Here’s the thing – not much about the crime data in Clarksburg makes sense when you look at the year-to-year numbers and trends.

For example, the FBI crime data report shows five violent crimes in Clarksburg in 2018, 66 in 2020, and 12 in 2022.

Taking this data at face value would mean that violent crime rates have dropped by 89% since 2012.

This would also mean that in 2017, there were no violent crimes in Clarskburg.

Neither is likely.

Crime data is not required to be submitted to the FBI.

It’s also not clear when a full year is reported vs. a few months of a year.

Even considering the higher end of the crime rate, it’s worth noting that 80% of violent crimes are among people who know each other.

Assuming 2022 really had 12 violent crimes, that puts the violent crime rate 74% lower than the national average.

Now, let’s assume that there really were 66 violent crimes in 2020.

That would put the violent crime rate 46% higher than the state average and 8% higher than the national average.

Theft rates in 2022 were 8% higher than the national average, with 62% being shoplifting.

Without shoplifting, the theft rate would be 59% below the national average. Shoplifting also accounts for 80% of all thefts over the past five years.

As a final observation, none of the crime data listed above includes the several hundred thousand people who visit Clarksburg each year.

Crime rates are figured using the population.

Clarksburg might have challenges, like systemic poverty, but it’s not an unsafe city to visit.

That said, you’re much more likely to spend time in Bridgeport since that’s where there is more to do and where the hotels are located.

How Does Clarksburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Clarksburg experiences a mix of all four seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from highs around 85°F in July to lows near 22°F in January. The area receives about 38 inches of rain annually and averages 28 inches of snowfall.

Airports

The closest airport is North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB), just 4 miles away, offering limited regional flights. Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) is another nearby option, about 50 miles away. The closest major airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), 100 miles north.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Clarksburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City