Johnston County is in the 89th percentile for safety, outperforming 89% of other counties. In Johnston County, there are 2.513 serious crimes for every 1,000 people who live there each year. When it comes to this kind of crime, most people in Johnston County think the northern part of the county is the best. But it’s important to remember that not every area of Johnston County is as safe as another. Crime statistics show that some areas of Johnston County are thought to be safer than others.
| Neighborhood | Population | Total Crimes | Violent Crimes | Crime Rate |
| Smithfield | 12,000 | 321 | 106 | 26.8 |
| Selma | 6,000 | 156 | 54 | 26 |
| Clayton | 22,000 | 421 | 67 | 19.1 |
| Benson | 3,500 | 63 | 18 | 18 |
| Four Oaks | 2,000 | 35 | 10 | 18 |
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1. Smithfield: A Concerning Hub
As the principal town and largest in Johnston County, Smithfield, with its population of approximately 12,000, has witnessed a worrying trend in crime rates. In the previous year alone, SpotCrime reported a total of 321 crimes, including 106 violent incidents such as assaults, robberies, and shootings. The crime rate here, calculated at 26.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, alarmingly exceeds both the county and state averages, positioning Smithfield as a focal point for potential safety concerns.
2. Selma’s Struggle with Crime
Selma, a smaller town of about 6,000 residents, also exhibits a higher crime rate than the state average. The town recorded 156 crimes in the past year, with 54 categorized as violent. The crime rate in Selma stands at 26.0 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the state’s average of 24.9, indicating a significant issue with crime in this area.
3. Clayton: Comparatively Safer, Yet Cautious
Clayton, with a larger population of around 22,000, presents a somewhat mixed picture. The town reported 421 crimes last year, including 67 violent offenses. Its crime rate of 19.1 per 1,000 residents, though lower than the state average, is still higher compared to other towns in Johnston County, suggesting a need for continued vigilance.
4. Benson’s Balancing Act
In the town of Benson, home to roughly 3,500 people, there were 63 reported crimes last year, including 18 violent ones. The crime rate here is 18.0 per 1,000 residents, which is below the state average but still a concern when compared to other areas within the county.
5. Four Oaks: Smaller Scale, Persistent Issues
Four Oaks, a smaller community with about 2,000 residents, saw 35 crimes last year, with 10 being violent. The crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents, while below the state average, underscores ongoing safety challenges even in smaller towns.
How Does Johnston County Compare to Other Counties in North Carolina?
Ranking in the 89th percentile, Johnston County is a pretty safe place to live. It’s better than 11% of counties, but not as safe as 89% of them. In a normal year, there are 2.513 serious crimes for every 1,000 people living in Johnston County.
For this kind of crime, many people who live in Johnston County think the northern part is the best. However, the safety situation in each North Carolina county is different. Crime statistics show that some areas are safer than Johnston County.
Wake County: About 1.4 million people are living in this area, and the crime rate is 2.057 per 1,000 people, with 0.9 of those crimes being serious. Out of all crimes, Wake County is about 10% safer than Johnston County. It is also about 20% safer when it comes to serious crimes.
Harnett County: About 300,000 people are living in this area, and the crime rate is 2.057 per 1,000 people, with 0.9 of those acts being violent. In terms of all crimes, Harnett County is about 10% better than Johnston County. In terms of violent crimes, the difference is 20%.
Durham County: About 800,000 people are living in this county, and the crime rate is 2.057 per 1,000 people, with 0.9 of those crimes being serious. When it comes to crime, Durham County is about 10% safer than Johnston County. When it comes to serious crime, it is about 20% safer.
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Summary
As a whole, Johnston County, North Carolina is a lively and interesting place, but it does have some problems with crime and violence. Smithfield, Selma, Clayton, Benson, and Four Oaks are some of the areas with the highest crime rates. They are higher than both the state and county averages. This is why it’s important for people who live or visit these places to know about the crime and take steps to stay safe.
Even with these problems, it’s important to remember that not all of Johnston County is dangerous. Despite its high crime rate, the county has many good things and chances. Instead of just crime, Johnston County should be known for its people, culture, and history.