West Virginia Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Texas, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
West Virginia faces unique challenges with gun violence that reflect its rural geography and socioeconomic landscape. For employers and facility managers in the Mountain State, traditional security approaches often fall short because many workplaces are spread across remote locations where law enforcement response can take significantly longer than in urban areas.
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems designed to work even in West Virginia’s challenging rural environments. Our technology helps organizations across the state prepare for worst-case scenarios—including active shooter events—by providing early threat detection and rapid communication capabilities that don’t depend on immediate law enforcement presence. We offer objective information about gun violence patterns specific to West Virginia’s communities and provide solutions that account for the limitations of traditional security systems in rural and mountainous settings, helping keep people safer regardless of their location.
Where Does West Virginia Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does West Virginia rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #36
315 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 36 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #19
16.8 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in West Virginia
- Beckley
- Charleston
- South Charleston
- Huntington
- Bluefield
Top 5 Safest Cities in West Virginia
- Grafton
- Keyser
- Ranson
- Buckhannon
- Bridgeport
West Virginia’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
West Virginia takes a permissive approach to gun rights, prioritizing Second Amendment freedoms over restrictive regulations. The state ranks in the “Weak Systems” tier for gun law strength after recently weakening its gun safety laws.
- Permitless carry: Since 2016, West Virginia repealed its law requiring a permit to carry a hidden, loaded weapon in public, allowing anyone 21 or older to carry concealed firearms without training or licensing requirements
- No universal background checks: Private gun sales do not require background checks, and there are no waiting periods or firearm registration requirements
- Campus carry mandate: A 2023 law effective July 2024 allows people with concealed carry licenses to bring handguns onto public colleges and universities, overriding institutional preferences
- Minimal purchase restrictions: The state has no bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, or requirements for safe storage, and does not allow extreme risk protection orders
- Limited prohibited locations: Guns are generally allowed in most public spaces, with exceptions primarily for schools, courthouses, and private property where owners prohibit them
West Virginia’s permissive gun laws have contributed to concerning outcomes. In 2023, the state had the nineteenth highest gun death rate among all states, with 315 people dying from gun violence annually—meaning someone dies from gun violence every 28 hours.
Why West Virginia Needs Help Why West Virginia Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Most security systems today operate with inherent limitations that make them less practical for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually preventing violence.
Limitations of traditional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
In other words, by the time traditional systems kick in, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Grade AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to facilities across the United States to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is confirmed at your West Virginia facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and complete emergency response. Facilities that use Omnilert initiate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere What Types of West Virginia Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in West Virginia. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About West Virginia Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in West Virginia each year?
In an average year, 314 people die from gun violence in West Virginia, meaning someone dies from gun violence every 28 hours.
What percentage of gun deaths in West Virginia are suicides versus homicides?
Seventy-one to seventy-seven percent of gun deaths in West Virginia are suicides, while approximately 25% are homicides.
How does West Virginia’s gun death rate compare to the national average?
West Virginia had the nineteenth highest gun death rate among all states in 2023, and West Virginia had the 8th highest gun suicide rate in the country in 2023.
What is the economic cost of gun violence in West Virginia?
Gun violence costs West Virginia $4.3 billion each year.
Which county in West Virginia has the highest rate of gun deaths?
In 2023, the highest rate of gun-related deaths in West Virginia occurred in Raleigh County (30.2 per 100,000 people), while the lowest rate was in Kanawha County (18.2 per 100,000).
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-west-virginia/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/most-dangerous-cities-in-west-virginia/
- https://www.crowebarlaw.com/blog/west-virginia-crime-rate-by-city/
- https://propertyclub.nyc/article/most-dangerous-cities-in-west-virginia
- https://www.southwestjournal.com/us/west-virginia/most-dangerous-cities-in-west-virginia/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/wv/
- https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/wv/crime
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_West_Virginia
- https://www.crowebarlaw.com/blog/west-virginia-crime-rate-by-city/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/west-virginia/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/wv/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions
- https://usafacts.org/answers/what-are-the-leading-causes-of-death-in-the-us/state/west-virginia/
