| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clay Center/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 1,280 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 24.6 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 98.5 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 123 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 221.6 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 35 | n/a | 861.9 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 73.9 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 47 | n/a (estimate) | 1,157 | 1,956 | 1,760 |
The Clay Center crime rates are 39.6% 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 5 violent crimes in Clay Center (123 per 100,000 people), which is 65.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 47 property crimes (1157 per 100,000 residents) which is 34.3% lower than average.
Clay Center 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.
Is Clay Center 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, Clay Center has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 40%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.14 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Clay Center as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Clay Center. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Clay Center has decreased by 51.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 61.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 50%. 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. Clay Center currently has an unemployment rate of 1.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Clay Center has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.06 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Clay Center is $170,108, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Clay Center | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Milford, KS | 361 | 383 | 1,708 | 2,091 |
| Wakefield, KS | 990 | 402 | 1,793 | 2,195 |
| Clifton, KS | 405 | 510 | 2,274 | 2,784 |
| Leonardville, KS | 661 | 546 | 2,432 | 2,977 |
| Clyde, KS | 828 | 581 | 2,587 | 3,168 |
| Green, KS | 151 | 609 | 2,714 | 3,323 |
| Morganville, KS | 201 | 631 | 2,810 | 3,441 |
| Clay Center, KS | 4,118 | 123 | 1,157 | 1,280 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waynesburg, PA | 4,118 | 137 | 357 | 494 |
| Palmer Heights, PA | 4,117 | 123 | 719 | 842 |
| Springfield, GA | 4,119 | 171 | 656 | 827 |
| Planada, CA | 4,117 | 362 | 1,550 | 1,912 |
| Kimberly, ID | 4,119 | 53 | 356 | 409 |
| Clay Center, KS | 4,118 | 123 | 1,157 | 1,280 |
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