F
148%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
68%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
163%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSmithfield/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime695n/a (estimate)5,7712,4692,324
Murder0n/a0.08.16.3
Rape3n/a24.930.540.0
Robbery6n/a49.854.966.1
Assault66n/a548.1311.6268.2
Violent crime75n/a (estimate)623405370
Burglary132n/a1,096.2370.8269.8
Theft453n/a3,761.81,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft35n/a290.6199.3282.7
Property crime620n/a (estimate)5,1492,0641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Smithfield, NC

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Smithfield?

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?

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.

Has Crime in Smithfield Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Smithfield

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.

Smithfield crime map



The Smithfield crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Smithfield as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Smithfield crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Smithfield crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Smithfield crime rates are 148% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Smithfield are 68% higher than the national average
      • In Smithfield you have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Smithfield is safer than 6% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Smithfield has increased by 39%

      Smithfield, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Smithfield (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Smithfield, NC per 100,000 people. In Smithfield, the total number of daily crimes is 2.34 times more than the North Carolina average and 2.48 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Smithfield is 1.54 times more than the North Carolina average and 1.68 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Smithfield has a daily crime rate that is 2.49 times more than the North Carolina average and 2.63 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Smithfield (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Smithfield in comparison to other North Carolina communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Smithfield safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Smithfield being safer than 14% of cities in North Carolina and 6% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking North Carolina cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Smithfield. In conclusion, Smithfield ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Smithfield

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Smithfield is 1 in 161
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Smithfield is 1 in 20
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Smithfield is 1 in 18
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Smithfield, North Carolina? If you reside in Smithfield, then there is a 1 in 161 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 20. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 18 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Smithfield.

        Year Over Year Crime In Smithfield (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Smithfield is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Smithfield has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 30% in Smithfield, while property crimes in Smithfield have increased by 41%. Total crime has increased by 39% year over year.

        Smithfield police department

        Item Smithfield North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4314,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.84.83.3
        There are a total of 43 Smithfield police officers. This results in 3.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 20.4% less than the North Carolina average and 17% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Princeton, NC1,3961909701,160
        Pine Level, NC2,1881919741,165
        Kenly, NC2,3851991,0141,213
        Four Oaks, NC2,2252061,0521,258
        Wilson's Mills, NC2,6982171,1051,322
        Clayton, NC23,1791131,2351,348
        Archer Lodge, NC5,0372731,3921,665
        Smithfield, NC12,6976235,1495,771

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fulton, MO12,6962031,9152,119
        Crowley, LA12,6898143,5584,372
        St. Ann, MO12,6893052,0572,362
        Echelon, NJ12,6872421,6921,935
        Meadville, PA12,6843571,8892,245
        Smithfield, NC12,6976235,1495,771
        Source: The Smithfield, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.