Is Martinsburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Martinsburg, West Virginia, is in the Eastern Panhandle of the state near the border with Maryland.

As a small town of 19,000 people, it affords easy access to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., several historical sites, and the Potomac River.

Established in 1778 by General Adam Stephen, Martinsburg’s past includes significant roles in both the Civil War and the expansion of the railroad industry.

However, many businesses that fueled Martinsburg’s economy were shuttered after World War II.

It’s an economic blow the city hasn’t fully recovered from yet.

Martinsburg faces some challenges, like historically high crime rates, one in five people living in poverty, and drug issues, including addictions and distribution.

However, there are more than sour headlines about this historical spot near the Potomac.

Martinsburg also serves as a gateway to exploring the broader Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding natural beauty of West Virginia.

Visitors might come to enjoy the slower pace, explore the local farmers market, or take a historical walking tour through the city’s streets.

It’s also worth noting that a visit to Martinsburg means the many outdoor activities of Berkeley County are at your fingertips, from the Potomac River to a section of the Washington Heritage Trail.

Warnings & Dangers in Martinsburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Martinsburg, but in some ways, it comes close to being medium. We've gathered the safest spots to visit and the best safety advice throughout this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Martinsburg offers public transportation options through Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) buses. The MARC train also provides commuter service to Washington, D.C., and Amtrak serves Martinsburg. Rideshares, taxis, and scooter rentals are available in town. Rental cars are another great option. All risks are low.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low if you're using smart personal safety steps, like limiting what you carry and putting your wallet in your front pants pockets instead of the back. Don't carry around valuables or leave your purse unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Martinsburg faces medium risk from natural disasters, with flooding being the most common due to the area's proximity to rivers and streams. Occasional severe storms, including winter weather, can also impact the region. Be sure to check the forecast several times a day.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

While the risk is low, there is trouble to be found in Martinsburg if you go off the beaten path. Keep the risk low by not flaunting valuables or carrying a lot of cash. Stay out of unknown areas at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Martinsburg, like most small towns, has a low risk of terrorism. While Washington, D.C., has a higher risk, that's a good 77 miles away.  At the same time, the city has a drug problem fueled by the opioid crisis and Mexican drug cartels have a presence in town.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media, but most scams here target residents. The risk is low, but keep it that way by knowing the common tactics of scammers and a list of the most recent fraudulent activities.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing from recent headlines suggests women are more likely to be victims of violent crime, and across West Virginia, most violent crimes are domestic. The risk is as low as for anyone else, but personal safety should be paramount.

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 Martinsburg report shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Martinsburg

Travelwv.com is the Berkeley County tourism website.

You can also use the Martinsburg city website to get tourism information.

Downtown Martinsburg’s website is mainstreetmartinsburg.com.

Downtown is a great place to start your visit.

The main part of downtown spans four blocks along Queen Street.

On the east side of downtown, there are three great museums to explore.

The Belle Boyd House and Museum focuses on the life of Belle Boyd, a Confederate spy during the Civil War.

The house showcases period artifacts, Civil War exhibits, and local history.

At the Martinsburg Roundhouse, explore a 19th-century roundhouse and railroad yard.

The museum houses old locomotives, tools, and exhibits detailing the role of the railroad in Martinsburg’s development.

Located within the Caperton Train Station, For the Kids, By George Children’s Museum combines history and play with exhibits focused on the town’s history and the importance of the railroad.

While it is geared toward kids, adults will have fun, too.

Another historical spot is the home of town founder & Revolutionary War general Adam Stephen.

The limestone house, now a museum, was built around 1771.

Across the street is the Triple Brick Museum, once used for railroad workers to have a place to stay.

For outdoor activities, look for options through the Potomac Conservancy.

There are plenty of paddling, biking, hiking, and geocaching trails.

The Dillon Farm Museum blends the best of nature and history with antique farm gear and tour guides that show what it was like to live off the land in the formative years of Berkeley County.

Places to Avoid in Martinsburg

It has been a few years since we were given reliable crime data for Martinsburg, but the best advice is to avoid any part of town that isn’t designed for tourists or community gatherings.

Martinsburg has a problem with drugs and gangs, some tied back to Mexican cartels.

Most neighborhoods that are sketchy will be easy to spot.

The city has strong enforcement codes for drug houses and blight, but it’s a project that takes time.

Also, while some people feel that Martinsburg is the outermost suburb of Washington, D.C., it’s still a 90-minute drive.

You might want to consider Leesburg to be closer to D.C. without such a long drive back and forth.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Martinsburg

So... How Safe Is Martinsburg Really?

Martinsburg has a reputation of being one of the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in West Virginia.

However, the 2022 crime data doesn’t look reliable, so I can’t answer the questions with any confidence.

Here’s why. Since 2015, Martinsburg has had anywhere from 50 to 91 violent crimes a year.

When there were 91 crimes in a year, that was 73% higher than the state average.

When there were 50 in a year, that was 6% lower than the state average.

In 2020, the FBI released a new system for tabulating crimes.

On top of the fact that reporting crime statistics isn’t mandatory, the new system’s learning curve and work requirements in the middle of a pandemic led to many agencies not reporting crimes.

Then, when we look at the official data reported to the FBI in 2022 from Martinsburg, the violent crime raw number was 20.

That seems like an impossible drop in crime rates (61% year-to-year) for a city still admittedly dealing with a lot of crime.

In September 2024, a shooting outside a high school football game led to several people in the stands being injured.

The mayor released a statement that read, in part, “In recent months, our community has experienced an unsettling increase in incidents of targeted gun violence.

While, thankfully, none of these events have been random, widespread or mass in nature, they show that our community is not immune to the epidemic of gun violence.”

Thefts have also been as high as 800 in Martinsburg, but just 47 were reported in 2022.

In addition, the FBI list of reporting cities doesn’t include Martinsburg.

The police department doesn’t offer crime statistics either.

West Virginia has a crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average, and it would take a lot for any city in the state to be considered very dangerous.

Martinsburg hasn’t ever reached that threshold.

There are drug and gang problems, but by sticking to basic safety precautions and visiting the areas recommended above, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

How Does Martinsburg 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

You'll enjoy the best of the season in Martinsburg, with warm summers, including average highs in the 80s F. Expect high levels of humidity. Winters are cold, with highs in the 40s. The area gets about 20 inches of snow annually, mostly from December to February, and receives around 40 inches of rain yearly. Bring bug spray and comfortable walking shoes. Hiking boots are recommended for the wilderness.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Martinsburg is Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) in Maryland, about 25 miles away. For more options, Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., is approximately 60 miles away, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is around 75 miles from Martinsburg.

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.

Martinsburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City