Is Weirton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Weirton is one of the cities at the “Top of West Virginia” along the Ohio River.

The sliver of the state that rises up above the rest provides a strategic spot connecting three states within a few miles.

While the location of Weirton dates back centuries, the city wasn’t formally founded as its current name until it became a company town of Weirton Steel Corporation.

A bonus of visiting Weirton and the Top of West Virginia is that you also get Steubenville, Ohio, on the other side of the river, and Pittsburgh, just 36 miles east.

You get the best of small, medium, and large cities, mixed with river trails, hiking adventures, and remote campsites galore.

Weirton also has a dash of Hollywood mixed in, as one of its major accolades is being the site of filming for J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg’s Super 8.

I just so happened to have watched that movie a few weeks ago, and the scenery is stunning long before the otherworldly action kicks in.

Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Daryl Hannah are other actors who have walked through this time in the name of blockbusters.

So, a visit to Weirton gives you all that, plus a ranking as one of the safest cities in the state.

How much more can you ask for in a small town of 17,000 people?

Warnings & Dangers in Weirton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Weirton with much lower than average crime rates, but not a lot to do if you're looking for lively activities.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation options in Weirton are limited, and no major bus services operate within the city. However, local taxi services are available to get around town. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but don't expect high demand in this remote region. A rental car is the best way to get around.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years. The biggest theft risk is shoplifting. The risk is low but never low enough to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Any city on the Ohio River will have a medium risk due to flooding risk, which can be flash flooding or aerial flooding. Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes can happen in spring and summer. Winter storms bring snow and ice, which generally aren't considered disastrous, but can make driving treacherous for a short time.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with no muggings reported in the past five years. The only caution is to not let the safe nature of the city cause you to let go of basic safety precautions.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, as it's a small town surrounded by nature and other small towns. You can find the latest terrorism information nationwide through the Department of Homeland Security's Terrorism Advisory Bulletin.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media, but the risk is low considering how many scams target residents, not tourists.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a safe city for solo travelers, moms, and all generations to visit. Of course, use personal safety steps as you would in any new town.

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 Water Quality Report for Weirton shows full compliance and no violations. I would also suggest looking up the East Palestine trail derailment and seeing how quickly Weirton worked to protect the tap water from pollution. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Weirton

You can find tourism information from the Weirton city website, the Weirton Chamber of Commerce site, or the Top of West Virginia (topofwv.com) website.

This region is remote and sparsely populated, leaving most things to do as outdoor activities.

To help you plan the trip, we’ll cover some more attractions near Weirton, too.

The Weirton Area Museum & Cultural Center showcases the town’s steel industry heritage with exhibits on local history and culture.

The first blast furnace west of the Allegheny Mountains is another quick photo op and historic site in Weirton.

Wellsburg also has the Brooke County Museum & Cultural Center just 10 miles south.

The Hancock County Historic Museum is in New Cumberland.

For nature lovers, the nearby Tomlinson Run State Park provides hiking, fishing, and camping.

The park is split into two sections, one for more adventure hikes and explorations; the other is better maintained with a traditional park setting.

Harmon Creek Canoe Rental offers outdoor adventures on the water.

Millsop Community Center hosts various recreational activities, while Starvaggi Memorial Park has a pool and picnic areas for family outings.

Those planning a fall trip should expect the colors to turn between late September and late October.

You can sign up for weekly updates through the West Virginia tourism site or check the live leaf map.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, located in Avella, Pennsylvania, is one of North America’s oldest human habitation sites, dating back 19,000 years.

It features a reconstructed 19th-century village and Monongahela Indian Village.

The site is about a 30-minute drive southeast of Weirton.

The Top of West Virginia is also lined with golf courses located along the Ohio River.

Be sure to ask if a golf club is members-only or open to the public.

The Mountaineer Casino Resort in New Cumberland offers Las Vegas-style gaming among the beauty of the Ohio River Valley.

It’s also in a much safer area than the casino on Wheeling Island.

One of the ways to enjoy the Top of West Virginia is by taking the Historic Wellsburg & Bethany Scenic Byway.

Places to Avoid in Weirton

You won’t need to worry about bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods in Weirton.

In fact, part of the reason it’s so safe is that there isn’t a lot to do.

Be sure you expand your search beyond Weirton and into Steubenville.

Most of the hotels are located in an area on the east side of town.

If you plan to go camping, please be sure to bring a NOAA battery-powered radio, as mobile service will be limited.

It’s also worth noting that not every city along the Ohio River in West Virginia has a bridge that crosses over to Ohio.

Weirton has a crossing, as does Wheeling to the south.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Weirton

So... How Safe Is Weirton Really?

In the past decade, Weirton hasn’t had a year with more than 25 violent crimes.

In 2022, that number was down to 17.

That brings the violent crime rate to 68% lower than the state average and 77% lower than the national average.

Making it even safer is the fact that 85% of violent crimes over the past five years happened between people who know each other.

Nearly two-thirds happened in private homes.

Since 2015, thefts have dropped 77%.

On top of that, 90% of thefts were shoplifting.

I could go on and on about reassuring crime data from Weirton, but the fact is that the city is consistently among the safest in the state, many times making the list of safest cities in West Virginia.

It is worth noting that West Virginia has long battled the opioid epidemic and that risk is present in every corner of the state.

While taking illegal drugs is never a good idea, the risk of an overdose or getting what looks like a prescription drug that contains lethal amounts of fentanyl brings the risk as more than a crime concern; it’s a health crisis.

Do not take part in any activities that involve drugs, and no matter how legitimate a medication appears, you should only get medication from a licensed pharmacy.

How Does Weirton 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

Weirton has warm, humid summers reaching the 80s° F. Winters are cold, averaging in the 20s° F, and receive around 32 inches of snow each year. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and some rain, creating a distinct four-season experience in the area. Bring bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Weirton is Pittsburgh International Airport, located about 25 miles northeast. It's a major hub offering numerous domestic and international flights. If you happen to be flying out of Cleveland, expect a two-hour drive.

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.

Weirton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City