Is Petersburg or Salisbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Petersburg is safer than Salisbury (Safety Score 9/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100,000 versus 3,960 for Salisbury — 1% lower. Petersburg has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salisbury has a 100% lower rate.
Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salisbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petersburg, VA
Salisbury, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petersburg | Salisbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,932.9 | 3,960.3 | -27.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,043.6 | 954.7 | +88.9 |
| Murder Rate | 44.7 | 0.0 | +44.7 |
| Rape Rate | 62.6 | 36.1 | +26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 98.4 | 150.6 | -52.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 837.9 | 768.0 | +69.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,889.3 | 3,005.6 | -116.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 286.2 | 548.1 | -261.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,185.6 | 2,267.7 | -82.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 417.4 | 189.7 | +227.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petersburg or Salisbury safer?
Petersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,933 per 100K vs 3,960 for Salisbury — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 1,043.6 per 100K while Salisbury has 954.7. Salisbury 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 Salisbury, MD
Salisbury, the "Crossroads of the Delmarva," is a historic city on the Wicomico River. It serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare, with a significant Black population. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,205, Salisbury has a total crime rate of 3,960.3 per 100,000 residents.