| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Petersburg/100k people | Alaska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 808 | 2,435 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 115.4 | 122.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 82.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 86.6 | 513.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 202 | 724 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 28.9 | 238.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 20 | n/a | 577.2 | 1,227.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 245.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 606 | 1,711 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Petersburg is 61.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 7 violent crimes reported in Petersburg, equivalent to 202 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 43.7%. Additionally, Petersburg recorded 21 property crimes, amounting to 606 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 65.6%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Petersburg experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Petersburg, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 606, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Petersburg was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.
AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Petersburg to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 89% of people answered that there was very little crime in Petersburg and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 11% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Petersburg is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Petersburg has an overall crime rate that is 62% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.08 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.06 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Petersburg as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Petersburg. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Petersburg has decreased by 56.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 22.2%, while property crime has decreased by 61.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Petersburg.
Petersburg has a poverty rate of 4.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Petersburg, 88.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Petersburg, the median home price stands at $405,614, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Petersburg | Alaska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 1,171 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.0 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alaska /100K | National /100K |
| Alaska | 3,433 | 490 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Petersburg, AK | 3,279 | 202 | 606 | 808 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mannford, OK | 3,279 | 119 | 268 | 387 |
| Emmitsburg, MD | 3,278 | 219 | 1,071 | 1,290 |
| South Blooming Grove, NY | 3,280 | 158 | 717 | 875 |
| Millersburg, OH | 3,280 | 162 | 853 | 1,014 |
| Brownstown, PA | 3,278 | 78 | 455 | 533 |
| Petersburg, AK | 3,279 | 202 | 606 | 808 |