Is Lewisburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a charming mountain town surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Founded in 1782, it played a significant role during the early settlement of the region and was a key site during the Civil War.

Its historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, filled with preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture that reflects its rich past.

Lewisburg has earned accolades as one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Budget Travel magazine, recognized for its lively arts community, eclectic shops, and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s hard to pick a favorite season in Lewisburg since each one brings a special view of this mountain retreat.

Spring bursts with wildflowers, summer opens the full footprint of the great outdoors, fall boasts stunning foliage, and winter comes to life with holiday celebrations and winter sports.

The town exudes a blend of old-world charm and contemporary appeal, with art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries that showcase the best of Appalachian culture and cuisine.

The Greenbrier Valley is particularly known for its natural beauty, with plenty of parks and trails to explore.

Plus, you get easy access to Monongahela National Forest.

If the activities above ground aren’t enough, this is a karst region, meaning there are several exquisite caves to explore.

For a small town of 4,000 people, there sure is a lot to do in and around Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Warnings & Dangers in Lewisburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Lewisburg from a crime and safety standpoint. The city is one of the most popular in Greenbrier County for its wealth of things to do, convenient location, and low crime rates.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation is limited, with rental cars being the best option. The Greenbrier County Public Transportation system offers fixed-route bus services and demand-response options, mainly serving local routes and nearby areas. Ride-sharing and taxi services are available, but options can be sparse, especially in off-peak hours.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in Lewisburg over the past five years, giving this a low risk. You should still use standard precautions protecting your purse or wallet.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Lewisburg faces moderate natural disaster risks, primarily from flooding, winter storms, and occasional severe thunderstorms. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains and its proximity to water bodies. Winter storms bring snow and ice, impacting travel and infrastructure. Tornadoes and earthquakes are rare but possible, requiring basic community preparedness.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, with no muggings reported since at least 2018 in Lewisburg. It is wise to still use safety precautions, like not walking around at night alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Lewisburg has a low terrorism risk, which is typical of small towns in rural areas. There are no significant threats or past incidents, and the town’s low population density and lack of high-profile targets contribute to this minimal risk.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Avoid buying tickets to an event or festival unless you’re using the official website for the activity. Scammers have been reported trying to sell tickets to the Chocolate Festival. Otherwise, spoofed phone calls are the biggest concern, which mostly impacts residents. The risk of a tourist being scammed is low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with nothing in the crime data or recent headlines that suggest women are at a greater risk than anyone else. The city is family-friendly and great for women of all ages. As a popular retirement community, even senior citizens will find a welcome spot.

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 Lewisburg shows a handful of violations, mostly connected to reporting issues. Otherwise, full compliance was reported, and the water is safe to drink.

Safest Places to Visit in Lewisburg

The local tourism website is visitlewsburgwv.com.

You can download a downtown map from that site, and you’ll get to see all the restaurants, hotels, and shops, as well as parking areas.

Another great resource is greenbrierwv.com, which covers the Greenbrier Valley, including Lewisburg.

A free visitor’s guide is available to download, with a special section for each valley city.

Lewisburg is well-known for its charming and historic downtown.

Take your time walking the sidewalks to soak in the scenery and community vibe.

Many museums of Greenbrier County are located in Lewisburg.

The Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum is a standout, housed in an 1820s brick building.

It offers exhibits on local history, including Civil War artifacts, period furniture, and rotating displays that highlight the area’s heritage.

The historical society also offers walking tours, including a basic history tour, black history walks, and cemetery walks.

Look for ghost tours in the fall.

Another notable spot is the Carnegie Hall Museum, which, while primarily an arts and performance venue, features exhibits that celebrate regional artists and the history of the building itself, one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world.

Go underground in caves at Lost World Caverns, a stunning underground wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites, perfect for a self-guided adventure.

Nearby, explore Organ Cave, one of the largest in the state and rich in Civil War history.

Hiking is popular in Greenbrier State Forest, where trails vary from easy walks to more challenging routes with rewarding views.

The forest also offers campsites, a swimming pool, and picnic areas for a full day of outdoor fun.

The Greenbrier River Trail, stretching 78 miles along the river, is perfect for biking, walking, and even horseback riding.

Kayaking and tubing on the Greenbrier River are great ways to cool off in the summer, with rentals available in nearby towns.

For something different, try zip-lining or guided ATV tours in the surrounding forests, adding a bit of adventure to your outdoor itinerary.

Places to Avoid in Lewisburg

You shouldn’t be worried about bad parts of towns or dangerous neighborhoods.

This is a safe city to explore as long as you are in tourist areas or public property.

There are three types of caves in this region.

Show caves are privately owned and have guided tours available.

Lost World Caverns is a show cave.

The West Virginia Cave Conservancy oversees several caves in the state, with the closest to Lewisburg being Lost Cave Preserve.

These caves are not easy to find even though they are open to the public.

The goal is to limit access to those within the caving community.

Visit wvcc.net if you have more questions.

There are also wild caves on public lands, which are all off-limits to visitors.

These caves will have warning signs and bars installed to keep unwelcome visitors out.

Do not try to sneak into a cave or bypass the bars.

Human interactions can spread a virus deadly to bats.

Also, wild caves aren’t mapped and a rescue would be nearly impossible.

Finally, avoid getting Lewisburg, West Virginia, confused with Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

The two are more than 350 miles apart.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Lewisburg

So... How Safe Is Lewisburg Really?

Since 2016, Lewisburg hasn’t had a year with more than six violent crimes, and most were closer to three.

In the past five years, only two of those crimes involved a stranger.

Theft is also low, with shoplifting accounting for 73% of all thefts in 2022 and 93% of all thefts since 2018.

Even looking through recent headlines, the only crime that wasn’t domestic was statue vandalism.

Crime rates come in low across Greenbrier County as well.

In 2022, there were just six violent crimes across the county.

Thefts averaged less than one per week.

The most frequent headlines and police reports involve drug busts, which are part of the opioid epidemic that started in West Virginia.

While it’s a problem, it’s not something the average person would notice unless they were looking for illegal drugs.

You also have to consider the outdoor safety tips and wilderness experience you have before visiting.

Trails, parks, and access are there for all skill levels.

Just don’t overexert yourself.

Lewisburg is consistently rated as one of the prettiest, safest, and most liveable cities in the country.

It’s also known as a great place to retire.

How Does Lewisburg 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

Lewisburg experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with an average snowfall of around 26 inches, mainly between December and February. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures reaching the low 80s. Spring and fall are mild, offering comfortable weather and vibrant seasonal changes.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Lewisburg is Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), just 5 miles away, offering limited regional flights. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Virginia is about 90 miles southeast, providing more flight options. Charleston's Yeager Airport (CRW), around 110 miles west, is another nearby choice for travelers.

Travel Insurance

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

Lewisburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City