| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Smithfield/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 116 | n/a (estimate) | 1,314 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 79.3 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 147.3 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 227 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 22.7 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 89 | n/a | 1,008.3 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 56.6 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 96 | n/a (estimate) | 1,088 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
The Smithfield crime rates are 43.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 20 violent crimes in Smithfield (227 per 100,000 people), which is 38.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 96 property crimes (1088 per 100,000 residents) which is 44.4% lower than average.
Smithfield showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Is Smithfield a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Smithfield has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 43%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.32 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Smithfield as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Smithfield has decreased by 8.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Smithfield, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has decreased by 18%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Smithfield is a safe place to live.
Smithfield has a poverty rate of 12.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Smithfield, 84.7% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Smithfield, there are 3.05 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Smithfield | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Poquoson, VA | 12,121 | 165 | 479 | 644 |
| Windsor, VA | 2,748 | 382 | 974 | 1,356 |
| Carrollton, VA | 6,340 | 179 | 1,297 | 1,476 |
| Surry, VA | 326 | 292 | 2,117 | 2,410 |
| Rushmere, VA | 1,001 | 295 | 2,139 | 2,434 |
| Newport News, VA | 179,582 | 610 | 2,302 | 2,911 |
| Hampton, VA | 135,169 | 270 | 2,906 | 3,176 |
| Smithfield, VA | 8,492 | 227 | 1,088 | 1,314 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Kensington, MD | 8,494 | 140 | 574 | 713 |
| Los Altos Hills, CA | 8,496 | 25 | 952 | 977 |
| Conover, NC | 8,488 | 387 | 3,988 | 4,375 |
| Harrison, TN | 8,485 | 486 | 1,799 | 2,286 |
| Perryville, MO | 8,500 | 319 | 1,383 | 1,703 |
| Smithfield, VA | 8,492 | 227 | 1,088 | 1,314 |
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