| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clayton/100k people | New Mexico/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 252 | 3,765 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 110.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 143.9 | 603.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 144 | 781 | 370 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 36.0 | 604.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 72.0 | 1,838.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 541.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 108 | 2,984 | 1,954 |
The Clayton crime rates are 89.2% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 4 violent crimes in Clayton (144 per 100,000 people), which is 61.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 3 property crimes (108 per 100,000 residents) which is 94.5% lower than average.
With a crime rate of 252, significantly below the national average of 2324, Clayton stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Clayton showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1954 property crimes. In Clayton, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 108, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Clayton was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
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 89% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.02 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.01 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 41.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 33.3%, while property crimes have decreased by 66.7%. 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 1.6%, 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.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Clayton crime rates. The population density in Clayton is 396.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Clayton, the average rental rates are $505 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Clayton | New Mexico | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 3,705 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.1 | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Mexico /100K | National /100K |
| New Mexico | 3,129 | 155 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Texline, TX | 315 | 579 | 3,082 | 3,660 |
| Clayton, NM | 3,079 | 144 | 108 | 252 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greenwood Lake, NY | 3,080 | 181 | 728 | 910 |
| Holiday Shores, IL | 3,080 | 102 | 597 | 699 |
| Hampton, SC | 3,077 | 477 | 4,034 | 4,510 |
| Brazoria, TX | 3,077 | 177 | 1,913 | 2,090 |
| Kaunakakai, HI | 3,076 | 169 | 1,583 | 1,752 |
| Clayton, NM | 3,079 | 144 | 108 | 252 |
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