Moving from Norfolk, VA to Petersburg, VA?
The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Norfolk, VA or Petersburg, VA Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Petersburg, VA is safer than Norfolk, VA (Safety Score 9/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — 7% lower. Norfolk has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norfolk has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Norfolk is 6.9x 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 Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norfolk, VA
Petersburg, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norfolk | Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,242.0 | 3,932.9 | +309.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 469.5 | 1,043.6 | -574.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.1 | 44.7 | -28.7 |
| Rape Rate | 40.4 | 62.6 | -22.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.2 | 98.4 | -21.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.9 | 837.9 | -502.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,772.5 | 2,889.3 | +883.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 254.3 | 286.2 | -32.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,122.9 | 2,185.6 | +937.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.3 | 417.4 | -22.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Petersburg, VA?
The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk or Petersburg safer?
Petersburg, VA is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 4,242 for Norfolk, VA — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 469.5 per 100K while Petersburg has 1,043.6. Norfolk has lower violent crime.
About Norfolk, VA
Norfolk, a historic port city in Southeast Virginia, is home to the world's largest naval base. Its waterfront location at the mouth of the Elizabeth River shapes its identity and economy, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 230,460, Norfolk has a total crime rate of 4,242.0 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.