| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Clayton/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 457 | n/a (estimate) | 1,451 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 19.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 19.1 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 41 | n/a | 130.2 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 168 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 54.0 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 335 | n/a | 1,063.7 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 165.1 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 404 | n/a (estimate) | 1,283 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
The Clayton crime rates are 31.5% 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 53 violent crimes in Clayton (168 per 100,000 people), which is 53.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 404 property crimes (1283 per 100,000 residents) which is 27.1% lower than average.
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.
AreaVibes surveyed 51 local residents in Clayton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Clayton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Clayton 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, Clayton has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 32%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 1.11 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Clayton as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Clayton. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Clayton has decreased by 14.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 20.5%, while property crime has decreased by 17.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Clayton.
Clayton has a population density of 1623.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Clayton crime rates.
In Clayton, 87.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Clayton has an average rental rate of $1,632 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Clayton | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pine Level, NC | 2,234 | 0 | 340 | 340 |
| Four Oaks, NC | 2,278 | 152 | 572 | 724 |
| Archer Lodge, NC | 5,192 | 122 | 640 | 762 |
| Middlesex, NC | 1,128 | 0 | 1,164 | 1,164 |
| Wendell, NC | 8,195 | 135 | 1,075 | 1,210 |
| Wilson's Mills, NC | 2,798 | 755 | 1,098 | 1,852 |
| Zebulon, NC | 5,916 | 328 | 2,453 | 2,781 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Venice, FL | 24,063 | 112 | 596 | 709 |
| Moses Lake, WA | 24,055 | 394 | 4,237 | 4,631 |
| Carteret, NJ | 24,081 | 314 | 1,262 | 1,576 |
| Watertown, WI | 24,039 | 190 | 1,048 | 1,238 |
| Fairfax, VA | 24,037 | 92 | 659 | 751 |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 168 | 1,283 | 1,451 |
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