| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Smithfield/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 521 | n/a (estimate) | 4,054 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.8 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 7.8 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 62.2 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 53 | n/a | 412.4 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 63 | n/a (estimate) | 490 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 43 | n/a | 334.6 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 388 | n/a | 3,019.0 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 27 | n/a | 210.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 458 | n/a (estimate) | 3,564 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Smithfield crime rate is 91.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Smithfield, there were 63 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 490 per 100,000 individuals, 36.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Smithfield recorded 458 property crimes, amounting to 3564 per 100,000 residents, 102.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4054 crimes per 100,000 people, the Smithfield crime rates stand at 91.29 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Smithfield, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Smithfield faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3564 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Smithfield stands at 1 in 29, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
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.
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 higher than the national average by 91%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.43 daily incidents, encompassing 0.17 violent crimes and 1.25 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.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Smithfield. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Smithfield has decreased by 7.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 7.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Smithfield crime rates. Smithfield registers a population density of 1078.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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, 72.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Smithfield, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.8 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| 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 |
| Pine Level, NC | 2,234 | 0 | 340 | 340 |
| Four Oaks, NC | 2,278 | 152 | 572 | 724 |
| Archer Lodge, NC | 5,192 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Princeton, NC | 1,436 | 164 | 856 | 1,020 |
| Kenly, NC | 2,443 | 200 | 1,044 | 1,244 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| Wilson's Mills, NC | 2,798 | 755 | 1,098 | 1,852 |
| Smithfield, NC | 13,082 | 490 | 3,564 | 4,054 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richmond, TX | 13,080 | 249 | 2,741 | 2,990 |
| East Islip, NY | 13,085 | 198 | 898 | 1,096 |
| Woodland Park, NJ | 13,086 | 75 | 990 | 1,065 |
| Orangeburg, SC | 13,075 | 1,246 | 6,209 | 7,455 |
| Commerce, CA | 13,066 | 1,448 | 12,360 | 13,808 |
| Smithfield, NC | 13,082 | 490 | 3,564 | 4,054 |
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