Is Fairmont Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Fairmont, West Virginia, is a charming place known as the “Friendly City,” mixed with history, nature, and a strong sense of community.

Founded in 1820, Fairmont played a significant role in the coal mining and railroad industries, shaping the character of the town and the surrounding region.

It’s also famously recognized as the birthplace of the pepperoni roll, a local delicacy that you can still find at bakeries and shops throughout the area.

The Monongahela River cuts through the center of Fairmont, but the spot where the Tygart Valley River and West Fork River meet to create “The Mon” is on the south side of town.

Fairmont State University brings a college-town vibe to the small town, as is evident on any football game day in the fall.

The university is home to 3,500 students and is well-known for its scenic location perched on top of a hill.

The location is ideal, with easy access from I-79 and set midway between Morgantown and Bridgeport.

Plus, four seasons of outdoor fun can be found throughout Marion County.

Warnings & Dangers in Fairmont

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Fairmont. While it’s not the safest or most dangerous city in the state, it’s somewhere in the middle; a place where common sense and standard safety precautions go a long way.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The public transportation system in Fairmont and Marion County is designed more to get citizens around to doctor’s appointments or grocery store visits. Taxis and rideshares are easy to hail. You can also get a rental car, which allows more freedom to explore the outdoor options.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just one pickpocket and one purse snatching were reported over the past five years, giving this a low risk. However, the most common form of theft is shoplifting, which means there are people capable of theft around you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Fairmont faces natural disaster risks primarily from flooding due to its proximity to the Monongahela River and smaller creeks, especially after heavy rainfall. The area is also susceptible to winter storms, bringing ice and snow. Occasional landslides and minor seismic activity are other, though less frequent, risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, about half of the robberies were highway robberies, which is the same category as muggings. However, the raw data shows that it averages just three muggings a year. That’s a low risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Fairmont has a low risk of terrorism compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city is not a primary target for major terrorist activities, though like any place, it remains vigilant.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. All the information you need is on the Marion County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing stands out in the crime data or recent headlines that would cause the risk to be higher for women in Fairmont. About half of violent crime victims are women, but as we’ll dive into later in this article, most of those are domestic incidents.

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 city of Fairmont puts its water quality report behind a required log-in but then doesn’t allow me to create an account.

Safest Places to Visit in Fairmont

The city’s website and the Marion County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau websites are two of the best resources for planning a trip to Fairmont.

It’s also worth noting that the Marion County Visitor’s Center is just across the river in Pleasant Valley.

On the Fairmont website, look for the Entertainment & Activities tab.

This list covers everything from the farmer’s market to the historical society to local parks.

It’s a wealth of resources when looking for legitimate information.

Downtown Fairmont (mainstreetfairmont.org) is a blend of historic storefronts, grand stone buildings, brick businesses, and scenic views.

You can sign up for the monthly newsletter to learn more about upcoming events and new stores or restaurants.

The Marion County Historical Society Museum is appropriately located in the heart of downtown Fairmont.

As the name suggests, this museum showcases local history with exhibits dating back to Indigenous people, pioneers, and the area’s coal mining heritage.

Tours are free.

Take a stroll around the Fairmont State University campus, which often has events, art exhibits, and performances open to the public.

While you’re there, don’t miss the West Virginia Folklife Center, celebrating the heritage of Appalachia.

Situated along the Monongahela River, Palatine Park is a local favorite for its scenic walking trails, playgrounds, and riverfront views.

Look for summer concerts and community events.

Valley Falls State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls along the Tygart Valley River.

It offers hiking trails through scenic woodlands, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.

The West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center is open for scheduled tours, where you can see birds of prey that are being nursed back to health.

One of the most photogenic spots of this region is in nearby Barrackville, where a red-covered bridge built in 1853 still stands.

Places to Avoid in Fairmont

There might be some neighborhoods here that are a little more sketchy, but none are outright dangerous.

It’s still smart to stick to the main roads and interstates.

You’ll likely run into more petty crime or noise disturbances closer to the university.

However, the bulk of hotels are southwest of town, near the interstate.

That’s a perfectly safe place to stay, provided you’re using basic safety steps.

Finally, avoid the Fairmont Brine Site, which has notoriously been dubbed “Fairmont’s Chernobyl.”

The former fracking site is part of an EPA cleanup, which also was the sight of a fire in 2023.

The EPA has full safety updates posted on its website about the Fairmont Brine Site.

The site is more than four miles outside of town, and there’s nothing nearby that would cause you to accidentally end up in that neighborhood.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Fairmont

So... How Safe Is Fairmont Really?

Violent crime rates in Fairmont are just above the national average and 37% higher than the state average.

One in four violent crimes in 2022 were against a child, and 70% happened in a home.

Just 5% of crimes between 2018 and 2022 were against a stranger, lowering the risk of a visitor being the victim of a random act of violence.

The theft rate is 31% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, 47% of those were shoplifting.

Just 17% were car break-ins or car accessory thefts, a small risk that gets smaller when you consistently lock your car doors and remove valuables when parking.

I think it’s also worth mentioning that 55% of things stolen over the past five years had a value of $50 or less.

Keep that in mind when you determine what you consider valuable.

Like most West Virginia towns, there’s a drug problem in Fairmont, but if you don’t go looking for trouble, you likely won’t find it.

Aside from being around the university, this is a pretty laid-back town.

Morgantown, about twice the size, also has a violent crime rate about 30% lower but sees about twice as many thefts.

You should have no reservations about visiting Fairmont or Morgantown.

How Does Fairmont 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

Fairmont gets a nice mix of all four seasons, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Winters see average snowfall of around 24 inches, typically starting in late November and tapering off by early March. Temperatures often dip below freezing, with January being the coldest month. Humidity can make the summers feel uncomfortable and oppressive. Drink plenty of water as you explore the outdoors.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Fairmont is North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg, about 20 miles away. Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), about 25 miles east, has flights to Pittsburgh and Washington Dulles. The closest international airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), roughly 90 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.

Fairmont Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City