| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clayton/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 157 | n/a (estimate) | 897 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 11.4 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 22.9 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 68.6 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 103 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 18 | n/a | 102.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 95 | n/a | 542.8 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 148.6 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 139 | n/a (estimate) | 794 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Clayton is 57.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 18 violent crimes reported in Clayton, equivalent to 103 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 71.4%. Additionally, Clayton recorded 139 property crimes, amounting to 794 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 54.9%.
With only 103 incidents per 100,000 people, Clayton boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Clayton has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Clayton recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Clayton residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 43 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Clayton residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Clayton a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Clayton crime rate is 58% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.43 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.38 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Clayton crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Clayton has decreased by 27.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 50% and property crime has decreased by 32.2%.
In Clayton, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Clayton crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Clayton crime rates. For instance, in Clayton, the population density stands at 6856.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Clayton, 95.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
| Item | Clayton | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 61 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Millstadt, IL | 3,967 | 0 | 179 | 179 |
| Oakland, MO | 1,587 | 65 | 272 | 337 |
| Clarkson Valley, MO | 2,697 | 72 | 304 | 377 |
| Glendale, MO | 6,004 | 17 | 366 | 383 |
| Pasadena Hills, MO | 1,159 | 84 | 354 | 438 |
| Warson Woods, MO | 2,457 | 0 | 457 | 457 |
| Ballwin, MO | 31,123 | 56 | 484 | 540 |
| Clayton, MO | 17,205 | 103 | 794 | 897 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cohoes, NY | 17,198 | 186 | 1,102 | 1,288 |
| Danville, KY | 17,223 | 109 | 1,046 | 1,155 |
| Dallas, OR | 17,229 | 263 | 2,082 | 2,345 |
| Easton, MD | 17,240 | 400 | 1,981 | 2,380 |
| Sikeston, MO | 17,170 | 1,030 | 3,625 | 4,655 |
| Clayton, MO | 17,205 | 103 | 794 | 897 |