| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clayton/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 616 | 2,107 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 22.0 | 15.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 88.0 | 292.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 110 | 361 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 88.0 | 175.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 17 | n/a | 374.0 | 1,361.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 44.0 | 208.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 23 | n/a (estimate) | 506 | 1,746 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Clayton | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Townsend, DE | 2,642 | 35 | 349 | 384 |
| Kent Acres, DE | 1,901 | 151 | 729 | 879 |
| Highland Acres, DE | 4,053 | 156 | 753 | 909 |
| Rodney Village, DE | 1,200 | 176 | 851 | 1,027 |
| Cheswold, DE | 1,736 | 294 | 967 | 1,261 |
| Rising Sun-Lebanon, DE | 4,264 | 226 | 1,094 | 1,320 |
| Wyoming, DE | 1,658 | 571 | 779 | 1,350 |
| Clayton, DE | 3,485 | 110 | 506 | 616 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Branch, IN | 3,484 | 140 | 616 | 755 |
| Newcastle, WY | 3,484 | 121 | 814 | 935 |
| New Hampton, IA | 3,486 | 88 | 88 | 177 |
| Jewett City, CT | 3,487 | 89 | 892 | 981 |
| Wolf Lake, MI | 3,487 | 263 | 836 | 1,099 |
| Clayton, DE | 3,485 | 110 | 506 | 616 |