| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Smithfield/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 695 | n/a (estimate) | 5,771 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 24.9 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 49.8 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 66 | n/a | 548.1 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 623 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 132 | n/a | 1,096.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 453 | n/a | 3,761.8 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 35 | n/a | 290.6 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 620 | n/a (estimate) | 5,149 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Smithfield is 148.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 75 violent crimes reported in Smithfield, equivalent to 623 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 68.4%. Additionally, Smithfield recorded 620 property crimes, amounting to 5149 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 163.4%.
Having a crime rate of 5771 per 100,000 residents, Smithfield experiences a crime rate that is 148.32% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Smithfield contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Smithfield reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Every year, one in 20 people fall victim to a property crime in Smithfield - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 5149 per 100,000 people, Smithfield has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
AreaVibes surveyed 12 local residents in Smithfield to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 33% of people answered that there was very little crime in Smithfield and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 67% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Smithfield is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Smithfield has an overall crime rate that is 148% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.9 daily occurrences, comprising 0.21 violent crimes and 1.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Smithfield as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Smithfield has increased by 23.7%. 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 15.4%, while property crime has increased by 24.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Smithfield is a safe place to live.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Smithfield, 72.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Smithfield, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.8, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In Smithfield, the median home price stands at $144,700, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Smithfield | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Princeton, NC | 1,396 | 190 | 970 | 1,160 |
| Pine Level, NC | 2,188 | 191 | 974 | 1,165 |
| Kenly, NC | 2,385 | 199 | 1,014 | 1,213 |
| Four Oaks, NC | 2,225 | 206 | 1,052 | 1,258 |
| Wilson's Mills, NC | 2,698 | 217 | 1,105 | 1,322 |
| Clayton, NC | 23,179 | 113 | 1,235 | 1,348 |
| Archer Lodge, NC | 5,037 | 273 | 1,392 | 1,665 |
| Smithfield, NC | 12,697 | 623 | 5,149 | 5,771 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fulton, MO | 12,696 | 203 | 1,915 | 2,119 |
| St. Ann, MO | 12,689 | 305 | 2,057 | 2,362 |
| Crowley, LA | 12,689 | 814 | 3,558 | 4,372 |
| Echelon, NJ | 12,687 | 242 | 1,692 | 1,935 |
| Meadville, PA | 12,684 | 357 | 1,889 | 2,245 |
| Smithfield, NC | 12,697 | 623 | 5,149 | 5,771 |
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