Is Huntington Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Huntington, West Virginia, is a city with a rich history rooted in the development of the American railroad industry.

It’s located in the northwest corner of the state, at the borders of Ohio and Kentucky.

Founded in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington, the city served as a pivotal rail hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, helping to drive economic growth in the region.

The Ohio River enabled the movement of goods, particularly coal, lumber, and other raw materials, which were vital to the region’s economy.

The city’s early prosperity is reflected in its historic architecture, particularly in areas like Old Central City.

Marshall University is a major cornerstone of the city, an institution that has profoundly impacted Huntington.

The university is not only a center of higher education but also a source of pride for the community.

In 1970, tragedy struck when Southern Airways Flight 932, carrying the university’s football team, coaches, and supporters, crashed, killing all 75 on board.

The story was later immortalized in the 2006 Matthew McConaughey film We Are Marshall, which brought renewed attention to the university’s resilience and the community’s spirit.

While brimming with natural beauty, Huntington also brings an urban vibe with entertainment districts throughout the city.

Some celebrate history; others bring a youthful, trending vibe.

Huntington has seen its share of issues, from high poverty issues to drug addiction challenges to economic disparity, but it remains committed to reinventing itself.

Keep reading to learn why you should give Huntington a chance before you make any assumptions.

Warnings & Dangers in Huntington

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Crime statistics here might put this into a medium-risk category, but if you’re used to big-city problems, even in a small town, you won’t notice much of a difference here. If it’s not a medium risk, it’s the high end of the low-risk category.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Huntington offers several public transportation options, including the Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) buses, which serve the city and surrounding areas with multiple routes. There's also an Amtrak station for regional rail service. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are plentiful.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in at least the past five years, giving this a low risk. However, theft rates are much higher than the national average, so don’t let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Huntington faces moderate natural disaster risks, including flooding, particularly near the Ohio River, and landslides due to its hilly terrain. Severe thunderstorms, some capable of producing tornadoes, are also possible. Snowstorms aren’t too common, but they are possible in winter.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate sits near the national average, with 40% of those falling into the category that includes mugging. The risk is low, but use standard safety precautions like not carrying valuables or walking around unknown areas at night alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Huntington has a low terrorism risk, with no significant history of such incidents. The city’s size and regional importance make it an unlikely target. The biggest threat to the community and the state is the opioid epidemic.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Many different scams have been reported in Huntington, from spoofed phone calls to ATM skimmers to more elaborate fraud schemes. Stay informed about common tactics to keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

A 2023 WalletHub report stated that Huntington was one of the worst cities in America for women. You should know that the information was based on living in Huntington, not just visiting. The risk is low but bordering on medium, provided you use standard personal safety steps during your visit.

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 Huntington shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Huntington

The Visit Huntington website (visithuntingtonwv.org) is a great place to start when planning a trip.

You can download a free travel guide without having to give personal information.

The site has a great layout, with itinerary suggestions and discounts available for certain attractions.

Downtown Huntington serves as the city’s main entertainment district.

It’s where you’ll find many of the city’s bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

The district is home to Pullman Square, a popular shopping and dining destination with a movie theater and several eateries.

Heritage Station is a historic train station downtown that has been transformed into a hub for local businesses, including shops, cafes, and galleries.

Stop by the downtown visitor’s center to grab a self-guided tour of the We Are Marshall movie tour, which will take you to notable spots from the movie.

If you want to pay respects to the plane crash site, it’s located about 11 miles outside of town on Old Route 2.

The GPS location is 38° 22.386′ N, 82° 34.8′ W.

There is a viewing platform and a memorial marker there.

Near the campus of Marshall University, this area is lively with student-oriented entertainment, including bars, cafes, and restaurants.

On campus, the Touma Museum of Medicine showcases medical instruments, artifacts, and documents, offering a look into the history of medicine in the region.

Located on Huntington’s west end, Old Central City is often referred to as the “Antique Capital of West Virginia.”

This historic district is known for its antique shops, vintage stores, and the Central City Gazebo, where various community events take place.

The Museum of Radio and Technology is in Old Central City.

This museum is dedicated to the history of radio and electronics.

It features exhibits on early radios, vintage televisions, and broadcasting equipment.

A great family-friendly option is the Huntington Children’s Museum, also in the West End.

The museum features hands-on exhibits to explore your imagination and tap your inner child.

The Huntington Museum of Art is the largest art museum in West Virginia, featuring a diverse collection that includes American and European paintings, glass art, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Situated just outside of Huntington, the Heritage Farm Museum and Village offers a glimpse into Appalachian history and culture.

The complex includes several historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop, log homes, and a general store.

Ritter Park is one of the most popular outdoor spots in Huntington, with a rose garden, walking trails, playgrounds, and a dog park.

For more park options in the city, visit www.ghprd.org.

Places to Avoid in Huntington

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

Huntington is indeed nicknamed the Overdose Capital of America.

It’s too easy to let that moniker influence your total perception of Huntington.

The opioid crisis’s origins are a complex maze of greed, manipulation, and pain management gone awry.

West Virginia, particularly Huntington, was hit hard due to a combination of factors, including economic decline, high rates of poverty, and a large population of workers in physically demanding jobs prone to injury.

The medication was said to be non-habit forming, which was the exact opposite of the truth.

Overprescribing of the “safe” drug led to addictions that soon took over the nation.

As ground zero of the opioid crisis, Huntington has taken large steps to break the stereotype, but it will take a while.

As for the safest parts of town, it’s mostly the opposite of what you’d expect.

The downtown core and entertainment districts are among the safest, while some fringe communities are more sketchy.

For example, Marcum Terrance isn’t an area you want to visit unless you know someone there.

By and large, impoverished neighborhoods in Huntington will stand out.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Huntington

So... How Safe Is Huntington Really?

The 2022 violent crime rate was 120% higher than the state average and 62% higher than the national average.

Between 2018 and 2022, only one-third of violent crimes were against strangers.

About 45% happened in private homes, further lowering the risk of a random act of violence against a visitor.

In addition, violent crime rates are down 38% since 2018.

Theft rates were 33% higher than the national average but were also down 53% compared to a decade earlier.

More than half (54%) were in a category called “Other,” which covers thefts that don’t fall into other specific categories like pickpockets or shoplifting.

For example, it could be lawn equipment or construction site supplies.

Just under one in five thefts were related to car break-ins in 2022.

That’s an easy risk to fix if you lock your car and remove personal items before you park.

About three cars are stolen each week.

While Huntington does have crime statistics that might make first-timer visitors nervous, the numbers are definitely moving in the right direction.

Common sense and situational awareness will go a long way to enjoying your time in Huntington.

How Does Huntington 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

Huntington, WV, experiences hot, humid summers with highs around 85-90°F and cold winters with lows dipping to 20-30°F. Spring and fall are mild. Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and warm layers, including a heavy coat for winter. An umbrella and waterproof shoes are useful year-round. Bug spray is also needed when temperatures are above freezing.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Huntington is Tri-State Airport (HTS), just 15 minutes away. Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV, is about an hour's drive. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Columbus' John Glenn Airport (CMH) are options, each around 2-3 hours away by car.

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.

Huntington Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City