| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clayton/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 577 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 11.1 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 122.0 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 133 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 99.8 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 27 | n/a | 299.4 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 44.4 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 40 | n/a (estimate) | 444 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Clayton crime rate is lower than the national average by 75.2%. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes in Clayton, equivalent to 133 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 64%. Furthermore, Clayton recorded 40 property crimes, amounting to 444 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 77.3%.
Clayton enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 577, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Clayton as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
During the most recently reported crime year, Clayton experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Clayton maintains a property crime rate of 444 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Clayton as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Clayton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 64% of people answered that there was very little crime in Clayton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 36% 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.
To determine if Clayton is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Clayton has a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.14 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.11 daily property crimes) in Clayton.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Clayton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Clayton has decreased by 41.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 40%, while property crimes have decreased by 42%. 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.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Clayton currently has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Clayton, the cost of living is 0.37% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Clayton, there are 2.06 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 | Clayton | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Voorhees, NJ | 1,686 | 52 | 366 | 419 |
| Richwood, NJ | 3,967 | 70 | 488 | 557 |
| Greenwich, NJ | 2,747 | 73 | 511 | 584 |
| Olivet, NJ | 1,322 | 77 | 536 | 613 |
| Wenonah, NJ | 2,255 | 78 | 547 | 625 |
| Alloway, NJ | 1,474 | 85 | 597 | 682 |
| Woodstown, NJ | 3,445 | 108 | 596 | 704 |
| Clayton, NJ | 8,688 | 133 | 444 | 577 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Forestdale, AL | 8,688 | 374 | 1,591 | 1,965 |
| North Madison, OH | 8,685 | 300 | 1,821 | 2,121 |
| Sandpoint, ID | 8,692 | 74 | 1,050 | 1,124 |
| Midway City, CA | 8,681 | 537 | 2,516 | 3,052 |
| Franklin, NH | 8,695 | 90 | 1,073 | 1,164 |
| Clayton, NJ | 8,688 | 133 | 444 | 577 |
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