| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Petersburg/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,130 | n/a (estimate) | 3,369 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 21 | n/a | 62.6 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 50.7 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 45 | n/a | 134.1 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 190 | n/a | 566.4 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 273 | n/a (estimate) | 814 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 88 | n/a | 262.3 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 682 | n/a | 2,033.0 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 87 | n/a | 259.3 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 857 | n/a (estimate) | 2,555 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Petersburg crime rate is higher than the national average by 44.9%. Specifically, there were 273 violent crimes in Petersburg, equivalent to 814 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 120.1%. Furthermore, Petersburg recorded 857 property crimes, amounting to 2555 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 30.7%.
Petersburg is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 814 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Petersburg is 1 in 123.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Petersburg is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 21 murders in Petersburg, which equates to 63 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Petersburg being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Petersburg residents. Out of the respondents (77 in total), 8% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Petersburg were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 92% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Petersburg a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Petersburg has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 45%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 3.1 daily incidents, encompassing 0.75 violent crimes and 2.35 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Petersburg as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Petersburg crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Petersburg has increased by 18.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 19.7% and property crime has increased by 18%.
In Petersburg, the current unemployment rate stands at 7.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Petersburg crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Petersburg, 73.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Petersburg, there are 4.56 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Petersburg | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 149 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Prince George, VA | 1,629 | 123 | 890 | 1,013 |
| Matoaca, VA | 2,725 | 127 | 921 | 1,048 |
| Enon, VA | 4,237 | 138 | 1,003 | 1,141 |
| Fort Lee, VA | 5,944 | 249 | 1,802 | 2,051 |
| Bellwood, VA | 7,808 | 280 | 2,029 | 2,309 |
| Chester, VA | 22,098 | 290 | 2,101 | 2,391 |
| Ettrick, VA | 5,024 | 290 | 2,104 | 2,394 |
| Petersburg, VA | 30,791 | 814 | 2,555 | 3,369 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Drexel Heights, AZ | 30,780 | 612 | 2,917 | 3,529 |
| Cleburne, TX | 30,812 | 183 | 1,054 | 1,237 |
| Winter Park, FL | 30,764 | 304 | 1,956 | 2,260 |
| Brooklyn Center, MN | 30,755 | 601 | 3,032 | 3,633 |
| Algonquin, IL | 30,848 | 50 | 970 | 1,019 |
| Petersburg, VA | 30,791 | 814 | 2,555 | 3,369 |
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