Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petersburg, VA
Thinking of moving to Petersburg, VA? With a population of 33,458, Petersburg offers affordable living, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $1,080. Commute times are short at just 23.5 minutes, and the city enjoys mild winters and 62% sunny days annually. While property and violent crime rates are higher than average, Petersburg's historic charm, access to major hospitals, and proximity to higher education like Virginia State University make it a unique choice for those seeking value in central Virginia.
Demographics - Petersburg, VA
Demographics - Petersburg, VA
Petersburg, VA is home to about 33,458 residents, with a strong African American majority making up 76% of the population. The median age is 39.8, indicating a balanced mix of working adults and families in this moderately dense city.
Population:
33,458
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.7%
Black:
76.0%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petersburg, VA?
Living in Petersburg is quite affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.3 and median home values around $145,000. Everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, and utilities are generally below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.3
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
100.4
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Petersburg, VA a safe place to live?
Petersburg experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 144 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 33 chance of property crime. While safety can be a concern, being informed about neighborhoods and taking precautions is important for new residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
696
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,058
Crime Index:
3,754
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 144
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Petersburg, VA year-round?
The city enjoys a mild climate, with winter highs near 48°F and summer peaks around 89°F, plus 62% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall averages 44.3 inches, providing a pleasant mix of sunshine and precipitation throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Petersburg typically have a median household income of $43,200, with a relatively high poverty rate of 25.9%. The community is diverse, with most adults having completed high school and average commute times of 23.5 minutes, contributing to a close-knit, working-class atmosphere.
Median Income:
$18,200
Household Income:
$43,200
Family Income:
$52,600
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$28,800
Income Female:
$23,100
Poverty Rate:
25.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.7%
Bachelors or More:
12.9%
Education
How are the schools in Petersburg, VA?
Petersburg supports local education with public schools like Petersburg High School and Vernon Johns Middle School, alongside private options and nearby colleges such as Virginia State University just three miles away. The majority of residents have finished high school, offering educational opportunities for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Petersburg High School
Street:
3101 Johnson Road
Phone:
804-862-7096
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Vernon Johns Middle School
Street:
3101 Homestead Dr
Phone:
804-862-7012
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Blandford Manor Academy
Street:
1217 West Washington St
Phone:
804-732-4606
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Virginia State University
City:
Ettrick
State:
VA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
4,300
Name:
Richard Bland College
City:
South Prince George
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Petersburg offers accessible healthcare services, anchored by Southside Regional Medical Center and a physician rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most families can receive the care they need.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southside Regional Medical Center
Address:
200 Medical Park Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Phone:
(804) 765-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petersburg, VA?
The housing market in Petersburg is affordable, with median home prices at $145,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,080. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and the area is seeing modest appreciation, making it attractive for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Petersburg residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at 1968 Wakefield St, providing convenient access to licensing and vehicle services locally.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1968 Wakefield St, Petersburg, VA 23805
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.