Is Dallas or Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Petersburg is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 2% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dallas has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 39.4x 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 MORE DANGEROUS than Dallas, TX?
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,932.9 | +79.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 1,043.6 | -383.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 44.7 | -31.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 62.6 | -26.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 98.4 | +70.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 837.9 | -397.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,889.3 | +462.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 286.2 | +177.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,185.6 | -398.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 417.4 | +683.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Petersburg safer?
Petersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Dallas has lower violent crime.
About Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 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.