Is Petersburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petersburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 9/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 28% lower. Petersburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Petersburg has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 46.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petersburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,932.9 | 5,458.5 | -1,525.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,043.6 | 910.3 | +133.3 |
| Murder Rate | 44.7 | 16.9 | +27.8 |
| Rape Rate | 62.6 | 46.1 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 98.4 | 273.2 | -174.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 837.9 | 572.5 | +265.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,889.3 | 4,548.2 | -1,658.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 286.2 | 319.0 | -32.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,185.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,038.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 417.4 | 1,005.6 | -588.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petersburg or Philadelphia safer?
Petersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 1,043.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
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.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.