Is Parkersburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is located in the northwestern part of the state, along the Ohio River, near the border with Ohio.

It serves as the county seat of Wood County and is part of the Mid-Ohio Valley region.

Historically, Parkersburg grew significantly in the 19th century due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, which made it a key transportation and industrial hub.

The city’s history is marked by its involvement in the early oil and gas industry, which brought economic growth and development to the area.

The economy then turned industrial, but not always for good reasons.

Parkersburg gained national attention as the setting for the real-life environmental scandal depicted in the Hollywood movie “Dark Waters” starring Mark Ruffalo in 2019.

The film chronicles the legal battle against the DuPont chemical company, which was found to have contaminated local water supplies with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8.

The real-life story came to make headlines in the late 1990s.

While Parkersburg moves past its darkest days, you’ll find plenty of interesting places to visit, including an island!

However, we have some safety tips to talk about before you go.

Warnings & Dangers in Parkersburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but some crime rate concerns should prompt you to use vigilant safety steps. There are safe places to visit, but going outside those parameters should be done with caution.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation in Parkersburg is primarily served by the Easy Rider bus system, offering fixed routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. The service operates Monday through Saturday. It's not the most robust system, but taxis and rideshares are also available. A rental car is a more flexible option.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Despite a theft rate almost twice the national average, only one pickpocket has been reported over the past five years. While the risk is low, the crime rate shows that people capable of theft are around you. Lock car doors, and don't leave personal items in plain view.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Parkersburg faces medium natural disaster risk, primarily from flooding, given its proximity to the Ohio River and its tributaries. Severe thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding and occasional tornado threats. Winter storms and heavy snowfall can disrupt daily life, while the area’s moderate seismic activity poses a low earthquake risk.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates have dropped significantly in the past few years, with about one mugging happening annually over five years. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Parkersburg has a low risk of terrorism, with no known high-profile targets that typically attract such threats. The city’s smaller size and lack of significant national infrastructure make it less vulnerable compared to larger urban areas.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Most scams here involve spoofed phone calls and targeting residents, leaving the risk low for tourists.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are just slightly more likely to be victims of violent crimes, but it's also worth noting that the majority of violent crimes are domestic situations. The risk is the same as for anyone else, but extra caution is needed when traveling alone or going out at night.

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. Despite the movie and decades of concern about water quality in Parkersburg, the 2022 report showed full compliance and no violations. Still, some people who live here insist on drinking only bottled water and using tap water for bathing and cooking. I would put this at medium risk, if for no other reason than to request a more recent report before your visit.

Safest Places to Visit in Parkersburg

You have several reliable and safe websites to use to learn more about Parkersburg.

There’s the city’s website, the “Visit Greater Parkersburg” tourism site, and the downtown Parkersburg site.

Feel free to search for the #VisitPKB hashtag to see other tourists showcasing highlights of their trip.

Downtown Parkersburg is a great place to start, with the typical collection of shops, eateries, businesses, and activities just a few blocks from the river.

Several signature events are held here annually, from a winter celebration to summer concerts to Halloween happenings.

You might not think of an island in West Virginia, but Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features a reconstructed Palladian mansion reminiscent of the late 18th century, along with beautifully landscaped grounds and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Guests can access the island via the Island Belle Sternwheeler, which takes 20 minutes to travel the Ohio River.

Guests can also kayak their way to the dock on the island.

The Blennerhassett Island Museum of Regional History is near the banks of the river in downtown PKB.

Exhibits ranging from prehistoric artifacts to the early American frontier, the museum sets the stage for understanding the region’s rich history, including the intriguing story of the island’s infamous mansion.

Take in more history at the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, which is filled with Victorian homes.

Self-guided tours are available, but be sure to check the schedule for home tours, especially around the holidays, for the ultimate experience.

If seeing homes like this really piques your interest, look at the Historic Mansion Trail on the tourism website, which will take you from Parkersburg to Marietta, Ohio.

The Oil and Gas Museum provides a detailed look into the history of the oil and gas industry, which played a significant role in shaping Parkersburg and the surrounding region.

The Smoot Theatre was once a vaudeville venue, and almost 100 years later, it’s one of the most exquisite movie houses in the country.

For a touch of art and culture, the Parkersburg Art Center showcases local and regional artists with rotating exhibits, classes, and community events.

They call it a “Taste of Soho.”

Throughout the city, look for dynamic murals.

They were all designed to be the ultimate selfie photo trail.

There are eight stops in total.

Head outdoors for a hike, bike, or boating adventure.

Fort Boreman is a scenic park atop a hill used in the Civil War.

The overgrown hilltop was cleared in the late 90s and is now one of the best views in the city.

For a more leisurely outdoor experience, Point Park along the Ohio River offers scenic riverfront views and a paved walking trail.

It’s an ideal spot for a morning jog, a peaceful stroll, or simply watching the boats pass by.

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides a natural escape with opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking.

Places to Avoid in Parkersburg

While there isn’t one or two particular parts of Parkersburg to avoid, it is worth noting that most unsavory neighborhoods here will stand out.

More than one in five people live in poverty, and the economic struggles are reflected in certain neighborhoods.

Stick to the main roads and tourist attractions listed above.

Most of the hotels are scattered throughout town, but the areas close to the interstate are in the lower crime areas.

However, they are also a few miles from the center of town.

It is best advised to visit Parkersburg attractions during the day and limit activity at night if it would require a lot of walking.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Parkersburg

So... How Safe Is Parkersburg Really?

Parkersburg is a safer city today than it was five years ago when violent crime rates were 44% higher, but it still has a way to go.

The violent crime average in 20220 was 55% higher than the state average and 10% higher than the national average.

About 16% of violent crimes happen against strangers, with 57% occurring in private homes.

That lowers the risk of a random act of violence against a stranger.

Theft is 98% higher than the national average, with shoplifting being one of the top categories, accounting for 35% over the past five years.

The Parkersburg Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force tackles drug distribution and organized crime throughout the region, and in 2023, 104 arrests were made.

Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure said most drugs make it to Parkersburg from Mexico through cities like Columbus or Chicago.

That also feeds street-level crimes that the local police department must handle.

“Whether it’s theft to try to get money for drugs or it’s violence related to someone being under the influence or someone trying to influence or to retaliate against others in the drug trade,” Lefebure said, adding that opioid lawsuit settlement money will help in 2024 and beyond.

“That’s where I think we’re going to see a lot more of that money flowing into education and rehabilitation so that we can help on those ends also.

And a good bit of that money also will be going to prevention through law enforcement efforts also.”

Parkersburg leaders are also working to eliminate blight that could lead to more drug houses or squatting.

Over five years leading up to 2023, the city tore down almost 200 buildings.

Between water contamination issues, high crime rates, and systemic poverty, Parkersburg is making progress despite challenges.

It’s not the safest or most tourism-centric city in West Virginia, but it is safe to visit as long as you use standard precautions.

How Does Parkersburg 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

Parkersburg has a humid climate with four robust seasons. Winters are cold, averaging 6 to 8 inches of snowfall per month from December to February. Summers are warm and sticky, with average temperatures in the 80s. Annual precipitation is around 40 inches, with occasional thunderstorms in warmer months. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Parkersburg is Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (MOV), located just 8 miles northeast, offering limited flights. The nearest major airports are Yeager Airport in Charleston (CRW), about 80 miles south, and John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, approximately 110 miles northwest, providing broader flight options.

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.

Parkersburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City