Is Leesburg or St. Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Leesburg is safer than St. Petersburg (Safety Score 27/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,557 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for St. Petersburg — 17% lower. Leesburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where St. Petersburg has a 43% lower rate.
Note: St. Petersburg is 7.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Leesburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Leesburg, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Leesburg | St. Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,557.2 | 3,080.8 | -523.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 379.8 | 621.9 | -242.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 6.8 | +5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 41.9 | 43.4 | -1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.8 | 81.5 | -24.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 269.2 | 487.9 | -218.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,177.4 | 2,458.9 | -281.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 284.1 | 209.4 | +74.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,737.7 | 2,029.8 | -292.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 155.5 | 219.6 | -64.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leesburg or St. Petersburg safer?
Leesburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,557 per 100K vs 3,081 for St. Petersburg — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Leesburg has a violent crime rate of 379.8 per 100K while St. Petersburg has 621.9. Leesburg has lower violent crime.
About Leesburg, FL
Leesburg, FL, nestled between Lake Griffin and Lake Harris, was founded in 1857. This Central Florida city is known for its annual Leesburg Bikefest, drawing thousands of visitors. The population is diverse, with a notable retired community. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 33,435, Leesburg has a total crime rate of 2,557.2 per 100,000 residents.
About St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, Florida, known as the "Sunshine City," boasts a vibrant arts scene and beautiful waterfront parks along Tampa Bay. It is part of the Tampa Bay Area, a major metropolitan region on Florida's Gulf Coast. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 264,999, St. Petersburg has a total crime rate of 3,080.8 per 100,000 residents.