Is Petersburg or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Richmond is safer than Petersburg (Safety Score 12/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100,000 versus 3,933 for Petersburg — 11% lower. Petersburg has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Richmond has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Richmond 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.
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petersburg | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,932.9 | 3,516.3 | +416.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,043.6 | 336.9 | +706.7 |
| Murder Rate | 44.7 | 24.2 | +20.6 |
| Rape Rate | 62.6 | 18.6 | +44.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 98.4 | 94.5 | +3.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 837.9 | 199.7 | +638.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,889.3 | 3,179.4 | -290.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 286.2 | 265.3 | +20.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,185.6 | 2,386.9 | -201.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 417.4 | 527.2 | -109.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petersburg or Richmond safer?
Richmond is safer with a total crime rate of 3,516 per 100K vs 3,933 for Petersburg — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 1,043.6 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.