Is Los Angeles or Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Petersburg (Safety Score 35/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 3,933 for Petersburg — 44% lower. Los Angeles has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Angeles has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 113.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Angeles, CA
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Angeles | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,212.5 | 3,932.9 | -1,720.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 728.5 | 1,043.6 | -315.1 |
| Murder Rate | 7.0 | 44.7 | -37.8 |
| Rape Rate | 40.3 | 62.6 | -22.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 209.9 | 98.4 | +111.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 471.4 | 837.9 | -366.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,483.9 | 2,889.3 | -1,405.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.8 | 286.2 | +86.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.5 | 2,185.6 | -1,334.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 259.6 | 417.4 | -157.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Petersburg safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 3,933 for Petersburg — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 728.5 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Los Angeles has lower violent crime.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 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.