A+
71%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
69%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleClayton/100k peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime28n/a (estimate)6162,1072,119
Murder0n/a0.05.75.0
Rape1n/a22.015.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.047.060.6
Assault4n/a88.0292.4256.1
Violent crime5n/a (estimate)110361359
Burglary4n/a88.0175.1229.2
Theft17n/a374.01,361.91,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a44.0208.8258.8
Property crime23n/a (estimate)5061,7461,760

Clayton crime map

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The Clayton crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Clayton 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 Clayton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Clayton 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, DE

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 70.9%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes in Clayton, equivalent to 110 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 69.4%. Furthermore, Clayton recorded 23 property crimes, amounting to 506 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 71.3%.

Clayton enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 616, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. 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.

Clayton has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Clayton ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

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 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Clayton has a property crime rate of 506 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Clayton is a safe place to live.

Is Clayton a Safe Place to Live?

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 71% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.08 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.06 daily property crimes) in Clayton.

Has Crime in Clayton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Clayton has didn't change by 0% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Clayton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 28.6%, while property crime has didn't change by 9.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Clayton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clayton

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 14.08% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Clayton, the median home price stands at $448,782, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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.

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 $2,092 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Clayton, DE Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Clayton crime rates are 71% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Clayton are 69% lower than the national average
      • In Clayton you have a 1 in 163 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Clayton is safer than 72% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Clayton has decreased by 4%

      Clayton, DE Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Clayton (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Clayton (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Clayton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clayton is 1 in 910
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Clayton is 1 in 198
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Clayton is 1 in 163

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

        Clayton police department

        Item Clayton Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)8962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.75.43.3
        There are a total of 8 Clayton police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 50.3% less than the Delaware average and 18% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Delaware

        State Total offenders Delaware /100K National /100K
        Delaware4,039505266
        There are a total of 4,039 sex offenders in Delaware. This yields a total of 505 sex offenders in Delaware per 100,000 residents which is 90% 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
        Townsend, DE2,64235349384
        Kent Acres, DE1,901151729879
        Highland Acres, DE4,053156753909
        Rodney Village, DE1,2001768511,027
        Cheswold, DE1,7362949671,261
        Rising Sun-Lebanon, DE4,2642261,0941,320
        Wyoming, DE1,6585717791,350
        Clayton, DE3,485110506616

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fort Branch, IN3,484140616755
        Newcastle, WY3,484121814935
        New Hampton, IA3,4868888177
        Jewett City, CT3,48789892981
        Wolf Lake, MI3,4872638361,099
        Clayton, DE3,485110506616
        Source: The Clayton, DE crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.