Petersburg city Crime & Safety

Petersburg city, Virginia

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3460.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

832.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2627.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

State avg 39/100

State Safety Rank

#119

of 131 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Petersburg city, Virginia

Public Safety Challenges in Petersburg

Petersburg city reports a safety score of 94.5, which falls below the national benchmark. Its total crime rate of 3,460.5 per 100K is higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

City Rates vs Virginia Averages

The city’s total crime rate is double the Virginia state average of 1,728.8 per 100K. Because a single agency reports this data, residents should interpret these numbers as a focused snapshot of city activity.

Comparing Petersburg to Nearby Counties

Petersburg's crime rates are significantly higher than nearby Powhatan County, which reports only 1,331.0 crimes per 100K. This contrast highlights the safety differences between dense urban centers and suburban counties.

High Violent Crime Affects Local Scores

Violent crime is high at 832.8 per 100K, more than triple the state average of 229.7. Property crimes represent 2,627.7 per 100K, which also exceeds national averages.

Prioritizing Security for Petersburg Residents

In high-activity urban areas, visible security measures are vital for effective home protection. Installing reinforced entry points and alarm systems can significantly reduce the risk of property theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Petersburg city, VA?

Petersburg city has a total crime rate of 3460.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (832.8 per 100K) and property crimes (2627.7 per 100K).

Is Petersburg city, VA safe?

Petersburg city has a safety score of 5/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #119 out of 131 counties in Virginia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Petersburg city crime compare to the Virginia average?

What types of crime are most common in Petersburg city?

Violent crime is high at 832.8 per 100K, more than triple the state average of 229.7. Property crimes represent 2,627.7 per 100K, which also exceeds national averages.

How is crime data measured and reported for Petersburg city?

Crime data for Petersburg city comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Petersburg city?

Petersburg city has a safety score of 5/100, which is below the Virginia average of 39/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.