Is Chicago or Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Petersburg is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 2% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Petersburg has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 78.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Chicago, IL?
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 3,932.9 | +79.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,043.6 | -503.7 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 44.7 | -27.3 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 62.6 | -3.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 98.4 | +236.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 837.9 | -709.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 2,889.3 | +583.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 286.2 | +8.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,185.6 | +133.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 417.4 | +441.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Petersburg safer?
Petersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 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.