| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Petersburg/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,319 | n/a (estimate) | 3,933 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 44.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 62.6 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 33 | n/a | 98.4 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 281 | n/a | 837.9 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 350 | n/a (estimate) | 1,044 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 96 | n/a | 286.2 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 733 | n/a | 2,185.6 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 140 | n/a | 417.4 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 969 | n/a (estimate) | 2,889 | 1,570 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Petersburg crime rate is 85.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Petersburg, there were 350 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1044 per 100,000 individuals, 190.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Petersburg recorded 969 property crimes, amounting to 2889 per 100,000 residents, 64.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Petersburg is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1044 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 96.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Petersburg has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 15 murders in Petersburg, which is 45 murders per 100,000 people.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Petersburg faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 140 vehicle thefts, translating to 417 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Petersburg in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 240.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Petersburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 79 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 9% of Petersburg residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 91% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Petersburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Petersburg presents a total crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Petersburg experiences an average of 3.61 daily crimes, comprising 0.96 violent incidents and 2.65 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 increased by 38.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 53.5%, while property crime has increased by 33.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Petersburg.
Petersburg has a poverty rate that stands at 22.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Petersburg crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The median home price in Petersburg is $196,131, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
In Petersburg, the average rental rates are $1,436 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| 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 | 1,686 | 74 | 530 | 604 |
| Matoaca, VA | 2,802 | 107 | 770 | 877 |
| Enon, VA | 4,373 | 165 | 1,187 | 1,351 |
| Chester, VA | 22,686 | 233 | 1,678 | 1,910 |
| Ettrick, VA | 5,172 | 257 | 1,854 | 2,112 |
| Bellwood, VA | 8,080 | 272 | 1,960 | 2,233 |
| Hopewell, VA | 23,190 | 381 | 2,040 | 2,421 |
| Petersburg, VA | 31,836 | 1,044 | 2,889 | 3,933 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Algonquin, IL | 31,826 | 59 | 1,179 | 1,238 |
| Sterling, VA | 31,816 | 165 | 1,187 | 1,352 |
| Centereach, NY | 31,808 | 322 | 1,457 | 1,778 |
| Winter Park, FL | 31,768 | 204 | 1,976 | 2,181 |
| Sherwood, AR | 31,910 | 635 | 1,935 | 2,571 |
| Petersburg, VA | 31,836 | 1,044 | 2,889 | 3,933 |
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