Is Shepherdstown Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is a charming, historic town located along the Potomac River in the Eastern Panhandle of the state, just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C.

Known as the oldest town in West Virginia, it was founded in 1762 by Thomas Shepherd.

The city played a significant role during the Civil War, particularly after the Battle of Antietam, when it served as a field hospital for wounded soldiers.

Today, Shepherdstown wears its history proudly, with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and the presence of Shepherd University, which infuses a youthful vibe into the community.

Shepherdstown has been recognized in various publications for its charm and quality of life.

It has been listed among the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by publications like Budget Travel.

It’s worth noting that Shepherdstown is also known for being a paranormal sanctuary, or “one of the most haunted towns in America,” in simple terms.

You apparently don’t even need to go to the battlefield cemetery to get goosebumps; some say the bakery is one of the most haunted spots in town.

The town’s blend of rich history, vibrant community life, and natural beauty make it a beloved destination for those seeking a quaint yet invigorating getaway.

Whether exploring the historic streets, enjoying a riverside hike, or attending a festival, Shepherdstown offers a unique blend of past and present.

Warnings & Dangers in Shepherdstown

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Shepherdstown as it’s among the safest in the state. Plus, for a small town, there’s a lot to do.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Shepherdstown offers limited public transportation, mainly relying on local buses like the PanTran service for nearby towns. Most people use cars to get around. The city is pedestrian-friendly, especially around the historic district, and cycling is popular on nearby trails like the C&O Canal Towpath.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

You can count on two hands how many thefts have happened across this community each year for the past five years, and none of those were pickpockets or purse snatchings. The risk is low.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Shepherdstown has a low to moderate risk of natural disasters. Flooding is the most significant threat due to its proximity to the Potomac River. The area experiences occasional severe thunderstorms and winter snowstorms, and hurricanes that move inland can cause additional hazard risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is low, with the most recent one I can find being back in 2020 when someone broke into a resort during the pandemic and stole wine. You shouldn’t let that low risk cause you to be lax with personal safety steps.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Shepherdstown, a small and historically rich town, has a low terrorism risk. Its distance from major urban centers and lack of high-profile targets contribute to its overall safety. While no area is completely without risk, the town’s profile makes it an unlikely target for terrorist activities.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. While the common spoofed phone call scams happen here, those are largely focused on residents. Keep the risk low by knowing common scamming tactics. 

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Shepherdstown is generally safe for women travelers. The town has a welcoming atmosphere, with low crime rates and a tight-knit community. Standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, are important, especially at night. Overall, it’s a comfortable and secure destination for solo female travelers and women of all ages.

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. In 2023, no violations were reported, no health effects concerns were issued, and full compliance was achieved.

Safest Places to Visit in Shepherdstown

There is a tourism website for Shepherdstown (shepherdstown.info), though it’s not that robust.

You can also explore the Jefferson County tourism page (wherealmostheavenbegins.com), which covers Shepherdstown and other nearby communities.

For places like the battlefield in Maryland and Harper’s Ferry, use the National Park Service website.

Downtown Shepherdstown is a great place to start.

Stroll through the historic district, where you’ll find well-preserved buildings dating back to the 18th century, including the iconic Shepherdstown Opera House, which hosts live music, films, and other performances.

The Historic Shepherdstown Museum provides insights into the town’s rich past.

Three stories of exploration await, with artifacts, legends, and furnishings dating back to before the United States was established.

Other historic spots in town are the Rumsey Monument, Tobacco Warehouse, and Peter Burr House, built in the mid-1700s.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the C&O Canal Towpath offers scenic walking and biking trails along the Potomac River.

It’s a perfect spot for bird-watching, picnicking, or simply enjoying nature.

The full path runs nearly 185 miles, and there’s a mobile app you can download to get information about the different sections.

Just a short drive away, visit the Antietam National Battlefield, the site of one of the Civil War’s most significant and bloodiest battles.

It’s a poignant and educational experience, with guided tours and a museum.

Harper’s Ferry is just 20 minutes down the road, and it’s one of the most stunning spots in West Virginia, especially in the fall.

Explore the preserved 19th-century town, a key site in pre-Civil War America, and hike the Appalachian Trail or visit Jefferson Rock for sweeping views.

The meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers offers great rafting, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

Shepherdstown also has a mix of art galleries, performance venues, wineries and distilleries within an hour or so drive.

The tourism website lists each one, with options in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Locally, I would recommend getting a seat for a show at the Shepherdstown Opera House.

It has been entertaining the community since 1910!

Places to Avoid in Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown has a small footprint, and that doesn’t allow for bad neighborhoods or dangerous districts.

The good news is that the town is very safe, so you don’t need to worry about avoiding certain areas due to crime rates.

If the idea of being in America’s Most Haunted Town makes you want to avoid the trip, you can rest assured that you likely wouldn’t even know that fact if I hadn’t told you.

The city doesn’t make a huge deal about the alleged hauntings.

To get a better idea of what to expect, you can watch the Ghosts of Shepherdstown series from 2016.

Then, follow up with searching for reports that parts of the series were staged.

Even if you take one of the ghost tours, they are safe for kids, and you’ll be with a group of people.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Shepherdstown

So... How Safe Is Shepherdstown Really?

Shepherdstown is a safe city with only a handful of violent crimes each year, generally two or fewer.

Even theft rates are low, with seven or fewer each year going back to 2017.

In fact, this town of 1,500 often ranks among the safest cities in West Virginia and one of the best places to retire.

However, home prices could spill over into more expensive amenities and hotels than you’d expect in a small West Virginia town.

Even trying to find headlines about crime in Shepherdstown isn’t easy, but it is noteworthy that even this historic hamlet can’t escape the drug problems West Virginia has faced for decades.

A major bust with ties to a Mexican drug cartel in the summer of 2024 was based in Martinsville and included two Shepherdstown residents.

Even with the illegal drug activity, it’s largely known that if you aren’t involved with drugs, you likely won’t end up even noticing the issue exists.

While nothing should give you pause about visiting Shepherdstown, you don’t want to let the safe reputation cause you to let your guard down.

Common sense and basic crime prevention steps go a long way here and in any town in West Virginia.

How Does Shepherdstown 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

Shepherdstown experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with highs around 85°F, while winters are cold, with lows dipping to about 25°F. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, with October being the peak foliage season. The area sees an average of 20 inches of snowfall annually, mostly from December to February.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Shepherdstown are Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), about 50 miles southeast, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), approximately 75 miles east. Both offer a range of domestic and international flights, making them convenient gateways for travel to and from the region.

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.

Shepherdstown Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City