City Profile
Petersburg, Virginia
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Petersburg, Virginia, an independent city steeped in history, is located at the fall line of the Appomattox River, approximately 21 miles south of Richmond. Founded in 1748, the city played a significant role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, earning it the nickname 'The Cockade City'. Today, Petersburg is focused on economic growth and community transformation, aiming to leverage its rich past while building a future with diverse economic opportunities and a close-knit community feel. Its strategic location at the intersection of major interstates I-85 and I-95 provides excellent connectivity, making it an appealing option for those seeking an affordable, historically rich location with convenient access to larger urban centers.
Virginia, a Mid-Atlantic state, offers a diverse character ranging from its historic eastern regions to the Appalachian Mountains in the west. Its economy is well-balanced and diverse, with major industries including professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, retail trade, and a significant defense and government contracting sector, particularly in Northern Virginia. While the cost of living can be high in areas like Northern Virginia, it is generally considered moderate statewide, with more affordable options in other regions. The state experiences all four distinct seasons, with warm summers and generally mild winters, and offers a lifestyle that blends urban amenities with abundant outdoor activities and rich historical sites.
How this 54/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 25 / 100 | 25.0 | 30% | 7.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 80.0 | 68.8 | 25% | 17.2 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $50,698 Income needed to live here: $33,300 Unemployment rate: 5% | 76.4 | 20% | 15.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.47% Job growth rate: 2.36% | 52.0 | 15% | 7.8 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 60 / 100 | 60.0 | 10% | 6.0 |
| Overall score | 53.8 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=85), last refreshed
20 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Petersburg, VA, is notably more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 80.2 as of 2025. This affordability is a significant draw, particularly for housing, where expenses are estimated to be 45% lower than the national average. Utility prices are also about 4% lower, and transportation expenses are 1% lower than the national average, contributing to a generally lower overall expenditure for residents. While the median household income of $50,698 in 2024 is below the national average, the reduced cost of living allows residents' income to stretch further, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial ease.
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Petersburg's economy is undergoing transformation, with an expanding business sector and a focus on attracting new industries. The city has emerged as an Advanced Manufacturing Pharmaceutical cluster, with companies like AMPAC Fine Chemicals, CivicaRx, and Phlow establishing operations, aiming to bring essential medicine ingredient manufacturing back to the U.S.. The employed population saw a 2.36% growth rate from 2023 to 2024. Major employment sectors in 2024 included Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing. Despite these positive developments, the city has faced renewed financial instability in 2025, and some residents note limited job opportunities outside specific sectors, contributing to a higher poverty rate compared to the national average.
The average salary in Petersburg is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $33,300 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Petersburg is primarily car-dependent, with 82.2% of residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting. The average commute time for workers is 25.7 minutes, which is slightly less than the national average. Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) provides bus services within the city and connects to neighboring areas like Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Ettrick, as well as offering express service to Downtown Richmond through a partnership with GRTC. As of September 2026, PAT is providing fare-free service, which can be a significant benefit for residents. Despite the public transit options, the low percentage of residents who walk or use public transit suggests a need for improved walkability and broader transit adoption.
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