Is Austin or Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Petersburg (Safety Score 11/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 3,933 for Petersburg — 6% lower. Austin has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 29.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,932.9 | -223.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,043.6 | -576.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 44.7 | -38.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 62.6 | +5.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 98.4 | -13.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 837.9 | -530.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,889.3 | +352.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 286.2 | +158.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,185.6 | +12.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 417.4 | +181.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Petersburg safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 3,933 for Petersburg — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Austin has lower violent crime.
About Austin, TX
Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Petersburg, VA
Petersburg, a historic city on the Appomattox River, played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. Its population is predominantly African American, contributing to a rich cultural heritage. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,538, Petersburg has a total crime rate of 3,932.9 per 100,000 residents.