COVID-19 Pandemic Sparks Increase in Gun Violence and Murders Across U.S.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant rise in gun violence and murders in many U.S. cities, according to 24/7 Wall St. Nationwide, murders increased by nearly 15% in the first half of 2020. The FBI monitored 59 cities and reported a 28% jump in murders from January to July 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Violent Crime Rates Had Been Decreasing for Four Years Before 2020
This rise in crime is surprising given that violent crime rates had been on a steady decline for the previous four years. In 2019, there were 367 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the U.S., the lowest rate since 2014. This is significantly lower than the early 1990s, when violent crime rates exceeded 750 per 100,000 people.
Petersburgβs Violent Crime Rate More Than Double the National Average
Violent crime, which includes murder, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault, occurs more than twice as often in Petersburg, Virginia, compared to the national average. In 2019, Petersburg reported 234 violent crimes, equating to 748 per 100,000 people. This places Petersburg among the top 10% most violent cities in the U.S., ranking 323rd out of 4,473 cities.
Can Missouri Police Search Your Phone During a Traffic Stop? Hereβs What the Law Says
Virginia is Generally Safer Than the National Average, Except for Petersburg
Overall, Virginia is safer than the national average, with 208 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2019, making it the 6th lowest in the country. However, Petersburg stands out within Virginia as a hot spot for violent crime, ranking second among cities with at least 5,000 people.
High Murder Rate Sets Petersburg Apart From National Averages
Murder, the most serious violent crime, is particularly prevalent in Petersburg. In 2019, the city, with a population of about 31,300, reported 19 murders. This translates to a murder rate of 61 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of five per 100,000 people.
Petersburgβs Crime Rate Doesnβt Align With Its Lower Poverty Rate
Typically, higher crime rates correlate with higher poverty rates. However, Petersburg’s high violent crime rate contrasts with its poverty rate. Approximately 10.9% of people in Petersburg live in poverty, which is lower than the national rate of 14.1%.
Detailed Crime Reports Shed Light on Petersburgβs High Crime Rates
To better understand the high crime rates in Petersburg, it is essential to consider detailed crime reports. 24/7 Wall St. has compiled comprehensive data for over 4,000 cities and all 50 states. These reports provide insights into why cities like Petersburg experience high crime rates.
Birmingham has the highest crime cost per person at $11,392 β High Crime City List
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
