Is Petersburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Petersburg, Virginia, is a city steeped in American history, particularly known for its crucial role during the Civil War.

Located along the Appomattox River, it was established in 1748 and became a significant commercial hub in the 19th century due to its strategic location and transportation networks.

The city’s rich history is most notably marked by the Siege of Petersburg, a series of battles from June 1864 to April 1865 that played a vital role in the Union’s victory.

Visiting Petersburg offers a unique blend of historical exploration and modern-day attractions.

The Petersburg National Battlefield is a key highlight, where visitors can walk the same grounds where soldiers once fought, and a staggering 70,000 people died over almost 10 months.

The city also boasts a slew of well-preserved antebellum architecture, with Centre Hill Mansion being a prime example.

Petersburg has a vibrant cultural scene.

Old Towne Petersburg features a charming collection of businesses, performance venues, and restaurants.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic Appomattox River Trail, perfect for walking and biking, while the city’s parks and green spaces offer additional recreational opportunities.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

There’s an underbelly of crime that can’t be ignored in Petersburg.

I hope to help you explore this important city in the safest way possible.

Warnings & Dangers in Petersburg

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There’s a medium risk in Petersburg, which is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. You can find safe places to visit and fun things to do, but you need to tread carefully, and we’ll help with that.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Petersburg Area Transit is the fixed route service here, but I would think twice about using the fare-free system if you don’t know which neighborhoods the route goes through.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

About two pickpockets or purse snatchings happen each year, putting this as a low risk. However, the risk goes up when it comes to leaving things in your car. Taxis and rideshares are available. Having a rental car would be the safest route if you can commit to always locking your vehicle and removing personal items from inside.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Petersburg, VA, faces natural disaster risks, particularly from hurricanes and flooding, due to its proximity to the Appomattox River and coastline. Severe storms can cause significant damage, leading to power outages and property loss. Additionally, winter storms occasionally bring heavy snowfall and ice, impacting transportation and daily life. Treat it as a medium risk and stay weather-aware.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is one violent crime category that is far below the national average. That said, about one in four robberies is considered a highway robbery. The risk is low, but with the other violent crime numbers being so high, it’s worth strongly reconsidering walking around at night or in an unknown neighborhood.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The terrorism risk in Petersburg, VA, is considered low. As a smaller city, it lacks high-profile targets that typically attract terrorist activity. Local law enforcement and security agencies remain vigilant, focusing on maintaining public safety and preparedness for any potential threats. Quite frankly, the real terrorists in Petersburg are the violent criminals who live there.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. The risk of a tourist scam is low, as most reported scams here target residents.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women should take standard precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas at night, keeping an eye on belongings, and being aware of their surroundings. I would definitely treat the city as a medium risk. Don’t walk around alone day or night unless you’re in a space designated for entertainment or tourism.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 Water Quality Report for Petersburg shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Petersburg

Despite the crime rates, the tourism website for this region is called “The Best Part of Virginia.”

That includes Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, and Prince George.

VisitPetersburgVA.com just focuses on this city.

Several visitor’s guides are available on that website.

One is just for a general overview, and the others focus on things like history and locally owned businesses.

Old Towne Petersburg is a vibrant historic district known for its charming 18th and 19th-century architecture.

Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping, unique dining experiences, and antique stores.

The area also hosts various events and festivals.

Try to attend one at the Appomattox Iron Works building if you can.

Centre Hill Mansion is a beautifully preserved 19th-century Greek Revival home offering a glimpse into Petersburg’s rich history.

Visitors can explore its grand rooms through guided tours and walk in the footsteps of two former presidents.

To that end, look for the brochure that touts you can “Walk in Lincoln’s Final Footsteps.”

There are half a dozen historical stops along the way.

Visiting Battersea offers a journey through history at this 18th-century plantation home.

Enjoy guided tours of the beautifully preserved mansion, stroll through the scenic gardens, and experience historical reenactments.

NOTE:

To find more information about historical sites in Petersburg, visit historicpetersburg.org.

Several renovation projects are underway at the time of this publication. 

Pocahontas Island is one of the oldest free African American communities in the United States.

Visitors can explore its rich history through guided tours, visit the Pocahontas Island Black History Museum, and view historical landmarks.

Petersburg National Battlefield commemorates the pivotal Civil War siege.

Visitors can explore well-preserved trenches, historic battle sites, and informative exhibits.

The park offers guided tours, walking trails, and reenactments, providing a deep dive into the history and strategies of the Siege of Petersburg.

This is part of the National Park Service.

The Appomattox River Trail in Petersburg offers scenic views along the river, perfect for walking, biking, and birdwatching.

This serene trail winds through lush landscapes and provides access to historical sites.

Places to Avoid in Petersburg

Petersburg has more dangerous neighborhoods than safe ones for the most part.

The best advice I can give is to look at the Ward map provided by the city and then call the police station.

Ask what wards have the highest crime rates.

Since crime hot spots can change based on local policing efforts, the more dangerous central and south/southwest city sections could improve by the time you visit.

However, most neighborhoods are easy to eyeball that they aren’t safe.

I quickly tried to map all the violent crimes that made headlines, and Ward 1 consistently came up with more than its fair share.

At the same time, most of the hotels aren’t in the neighborhoods I would suggest you avoid.

Old Towne and Walnut Hill are two of the safer places to visit or stay.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Petersburg

So... How Safe Is Petersburg Really?

Yikes. That was my first thought when I started crunching crime data in Petersburg.

Then I thought, maybe I had gotten confused – was I looking at St. Petersburg in Florida instead?

Nope.

Petersburg ranked as the second most dangerous city in America for cities under 100,000 residents.

The violent crime rate is 248% higher than the Virginia state average and 106% higher than the national average.

One of the only positive things I can say about the crime rate for this article is that just 8% of violent crimes involved strangers over the past five years.

What is particularly concerning is the homicide rate, ranking as the highest per capita in the state for nearly five years.

2023 had 23 homicides, a record-breaking yet tragic year.

By comparison, the average homicide rate in America is seven per 100,000 people.

In 2023, Petersburg was at 69 per 100,000, nearly 10 times higher than the national average.

Even police are stumped as to why the crime rate has surged.

“So our gun violence has escalated.

We don’t know what the cause of the escalation is, but it has increased.

It’s concerning to us.

It’s concerning to our citizens,”  Deputy Petersburg Police Chief Emanuel Chambliss said during an interview in 2022.

One big challenge the community faces is a lack of people willing to come forward when they have information about a crime.

They are scared or don’t want to be the neighborhood snitch.

That is one reason the department created the police app, offering a place to report information without having to go to the police station.

The theft rates come in just shy of double the national average.

Over the past five years, half of those were car break-ins or accessory thefts, like pricey catalytic converters.

However, keep in mind that car break-ins are usually a crime of opportunity caused by cars being left unlocked or valuables left in plain sight.

It’s an easy risk to mitigate with basic safety steps.

You need big city street smarts and vigilance when visiting Petersburg, but it’s not dangerous enough that you need to reconsider the trip.

How Does Petersburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Petersburg gets hot, humid summers and somewhat mild winters, even though the lows will get near freezing. Fall and spring are the best times to visit when the weather is warm enough to enjoy time outside but not so humid that it feels oppressive outdoors. Bring bug spray. May is the wettest month.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Petersburg, VA, is Richmond International Airport (RIC), located approximately 25 miles north of the city. You’ll also be about 85 miles from Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. It’s especially important to protect your travel investment during the hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

Petersburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Virginia - Safety by City