Crime and Pollution in Wheeling

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Wheeling are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 13 user contributions.

This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Wheeling.

Crime Data in Wheeling

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Wheeling, WV faces significant challenges regarding crime. Residents exhibit high levels of concern due to increasing crime rates, particularly in property and drug-related offenses.

Safety concerns are prevalent, with a notable fear of venturing outdoors at night. This highlights the pressing need for effective crime prevention strategies.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes, including car thefts and home break-ins, are a considerable source of anxiety for Wheeling residents. This issue demands urgent attention to enhance community safety.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related offenses are a major problem in Wheeling, with the community deeply concerned about their prevalence. This ongoing issue has severe implications for public safety and requires comprehensive interventions.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes also cause significant fear among residents. The threat of assault and similar offenses severely impacts the overall perception of safety within the community.
  • Public SafetyPublic safety in Wheeling is a major concern, especially during nighttime. Residents feel unsafe when alone at night, indicating a substantial need for increased police presence and community vigilance.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsWheeling is experiencing a notable rise in crime perception, with property crimes and drug activity cited as leading contributors to this growing concern.
  • Specific FearsSpecific fears among residents include the likelihood of being mugged or insulted, along with anxieties about potential violent encounters. There are also concerns about discrimination based on skin color, ethnicity, or religion.
Worldwide
United States

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Crime Rankings

Pollution Data in Wheeling

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Wheeling's air quality presents challenges in 2024, with moderate pollution levels affecting public health. Urban and industrial activities contribute to these issues.

While air quality is relatively neutral, the pollution index highlights the need for more effective environmental policies to safeguard residents' health.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)The PM2.5 level in Wheeling is a concern, as it poses health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Efforts are needed to mitigate these risks.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)Wheeling's PM10 levels indicate moderate air pollution, affecting air quality and necessitating strategies to improve urban air standards.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a significant issue in Wheeling, particularly in areas with high traffic and industrial activity.

Waste management is notably inadequate, as evidenced by low satisfaction rates with garbage disposal and cleanliness, contributing to residents' negative perception of living conditions.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionWheeling's garbage disposal is a prominent concern, with many residents dissatisfied with current practices, suggesting a need for improved waste management systems.
  • Noise and Light PollutionNoise and light pollution levels are high enough to disrupt daily life, particularly in heavily populated or industrial areas, undermining residents' quality of life.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

While Wheeling lacks adequate green spaces, which are crucial for environmental health and recreation, its drinking water quality is of particular concern, necessitating urgent improvements.

The city’s green and recreational spaces are severely lacking, impacting residents' opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

  • Green and Parks QualityResidents express dissatisfaction with the quality and availability of green spaces, indicating a pressing need for urban greening initiatives.
  • Drinking Water QualityThe drinking water quality in Wheeling is alarmingly low, raising significant health concerns and demanding immediate intervention to ensure safe and accessible drinking water.
Worldwide
United States

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Pollution Rankings