Is Wheeling Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wheeling, West Virginia, is a historic city along the Ohio River in the Northern Panhandle, offering rich heritage and modern revitalization.

Founded in 1769, Wheeling was once a booming industrial hub, serving as a gateway to the West and a pivotal point during the Civil War, even briefly acting as the state capital.

As with most successful pioneer cities, its location on the river made it an essential transportation and manufacturing center.

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a Virginia and West Virginia, you’ll learn more about that in the city where the decision was made during the Wheeling Convention of 1861.

Today, Wheeling faces challenges typical of many Rust Belt cities, such as economic shifts and population decline.

However, recent efforts to rejuvenate the city are breathing new life into its historic streets.

Renovation projects focus on preserving the city’s architectural gems, like the Capitol Theatre and the historic Centre Market, while also encouraging new businesses and developments.

The Wheeling Heritage Port is a revitalized riverfront area that hosts festivals, concerts, and other events, showcasing the city’s commitment to creating vibrant community spaces.

Wheeling’s neighborhoods include an island in the middle of the river.

Wheeling Island is home to the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, a popular attraction for gaming and entertainment.

The city’s unique blend of Victorian-era architecture, scenic river views, and a growing arts scene provide a compelling backdrop for first-time visitors.

At the same time, the city has seen more than its fair share of struggles and is rebuilding and reimaging the Wheeling of the future.

Also, let me be the first to warn you about asking where the name “Wheeling” came from.

It has nothing to do with a wheel or an influential person of that name.

As it translates from the Indigenous language, it means “place of the skull.”

That is believed to come from a colonist who didn’t live to verify the story, but his head was placed on a pole overlooking the river.

Warnings & Dangers in Wheeling

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Wheeling due to habitually high crime rates. While it's not a risk that should stop your travel plans, it's worth knowing some of the risks and rewards we'll discuss in this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation is primarily served by the Ohio Valley Regional Transportation Authority (OVRTA), which operates a network of buses covering the city and surrounding areas. Taxis, rideshares and rental cars are also widely available.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years in Wheeling, giving this a rare low risk. I would still recommend using extra caution.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Wheeling's biggest risk is flooding, particularly from the Ohio River and its tributaries during heavy rains. The Island is known to flood often. Occasional severe thunderstorms and winter storms can also impact the area. The risk is medium, and you should check the forecast several times a day, especially in the spring.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

About one-third of robberies over the past five years have been muggings, with a robbery rate in 2022 that was 35% lower than the national average. The risk is low, but with other high crime rates, I would treat it as a medium risk.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Wheeling has a low risk of terrorism compared to major urban centers. The bigger threat than terrorism is the drug trade and the opioid epidemic. You can always check the latest terrorism level on the Ohio County Emergency Management website.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. Most scams here will impact residents mostly, giving it a low risk for visitors. However, with a large homeless population, be prepared to see panhandlers.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Wheeling is generally safe for women travelers, but like any city, it’s important to practice basic safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding walking alone late at night, and being mindful of personal belongings. Avoid homeless camps, even during the day.

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. I would suggest looking closely at the latest report from Wheeling, as the 2023 report shows a dozen screening issues. We also know the pipelines across the city are outdated and in need of repair. Progress is ongoing, but the concerns might make you want to only use tap water for bathing and cooking.

Safest Places to Visit in Wheeling

The Wheeling Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website (wheelingcvb.com) is the place to go for a list of all the hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the region.

You can also watch a video there about the restoration process of the restoration.

Downtown Wheeling is, as you’d expect, the focal point of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and events.

The Wheeling Artisans Center blends history, creativity, and modern appeal.

As far as museums go, there’s the Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum and Glass Museum, providing insights into the region’s past with artifacts, glass collections, and exhibits on local heritage.

You might be surprised how much of West Virginia is tied to the glass industry.

The Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum is a nostalgic spot featuring vintage toys, model trains, and hands-on exhibits for all ages.

Kids will also love the SMART (Science, Mathematics, Art, Research, and Technology) Centre Market, which has hands-on activities and fun learning games.

Take a trip back in time to the West Virginia Independence Hall Museum, a historic Civil War landmark with exhibits on statehood and the state’s role in the conflict.

Oglebay Good Zoo is a family-friendly zoo featuring over 50 species, including rare and endangered animals like red pandas and African wild dogs.

It offers interactive exhibits, a Discovery Lab, train rides, and seasonal events.

Wheeling Heritage Port is a vibrant waterfront area along the Ohio River, known for its scenic views and lively events.

This is a great place to catch the sunset.

The Wheeling Heritage Trail goes through the port park and spans 18 miles along the Ohio River’s eastern bank.

There’s also a paddle trail along Wheeling Creek.

With all the construction and renovation happening, be sure to sign up for the tourism newsletters to see new attractions available during your visit.

Places to Avoid in Wheeling

You’ll need some patience with Wheeling as it cleans up and rehabilitates various sections of town, including downtown.

The hyperbole around Wheeling Island claims it is infamous for drug crimes and shootings, but in a city with high crime rates, it’s more important to find places you want to visit that are safe and then use precautions.

The places to avoid are the spots where there isn’t much to do for a tourist, and the crime rate is high.

That does include the island unless you want to go to the casino on the south end.

The saddest part about the island is how much potential there is for a beautiful neighborhood.

However, you’ll see more blight than beauty.

Finally, avoid getting your search parameters mixed up with Wheeling, Illinois, which is a very different vibe than Wheeling, West Virginia.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Wheeling

So... How Safe Is Wheeling Really?

Wheeling’s violent crime rates are 326% higher than the state average and 214% higher than the national average, according to 2022 crime data.

No matter how you look at it, having an average of 27 violent crimes a month (on average) doesn’t bode well for a good safety rating.

There are a few things to consider, such as the connection that drugs and gangs have to many violent crimes.

Also, the crime rate doesn’t account for the thousands or up to 3.5 million that reportedly visit the city each year.

At least, that’s what Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Frank O’Brien told WTOV in 2021.

In addition, 89% of violent crimes were among people who knew each other.

There isn’t an abundance of random acts of violence.

More than half of violent crimes happen in private homes.

The theft rate is 7% higher than the national average.

About one in five thefts is related to a car break-in or car accessory theft.

Another 54% fall into the “other” category, which can be items stolen from yards, construction equipment theft, or stolen ATMs.

The drug problem in Wheeling is evidenced by the fact that in 2023, there was almost one drug crime arrest every day of the year.

However, that number was down 24% from the previous year.

At the same time, drug overdoses increased by 11%, and deaths related to drug overdoses were up 136%.

While many locals are quick to point out that Wheeling isn’t “as bad as places like Chicago or Washington, D.C.,” that’s certainly not a tourism slogan.

Stick to the areas where tourists are encouraged to visit and avoid the rest in the name of safety.

How Does Wheeling 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

The four seasons in Wheeling largely go as expected, with cold winters and warm summers. Humidity can make summers feel especially hot. Winters see about 30 inches of snow, mostly in January and February. This is a casual, working-class town, so don't feel inclined to pack dressy clothes.

Airports

The closest major airports to Wheeling, West Virginia, are Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 60 miles to the northeast, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), around 120 miles to the northwest. There is no passenger service out of Wheeling Ohio County Airport.

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.

Wheeling Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City