Is Chicago Heights or Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petersburg is safer than Chicago Heights (Safety Score 9/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 3,965 for Chicago Heights — 1% lower. Chicago Heights has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Petersburg has a 63% lower rate.
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights, IL
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago Heights | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,964.8 | 3,932.9 | +32.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,232.5 | 1,043.6 | +188.9 |
| Murder Rate | 19.4 | 44.7 | -25.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.5 | 62.6 | -16.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 263.6 | 98.4 | +165.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 903.0 | 837.9 | +65.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,732.4 | 2,889.3 | -156.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 674.4 | 286.2 | +388.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,465.0 | 2,185.6 | -720.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 593.0 | 417.4 | +175.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago Heights or Petersburg safer?
Petersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 3,965 for Chicago Heights — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago Heights has a violent crime rate of 1,232.5 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Petersburg has lower violent crime.
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 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.