A+
75%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
64%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
77%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleClayton/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime52n/a (estimate)5771,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape1n/a11.116.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.047.666.1
Assault11n/a122.0135.4268.2
Violent crime12n/a (estimate)133203370
Burglary9n/a99.8148.0269.8
Theft27n/a299.41,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft4n/a44.4159.6282.7
Property crime40n/a (estimate)4441,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, NJ

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 75.2%. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes in Clayton, equivalent to 133 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 64%. Furthermore, Clayton recorded 40 property crimes, amounting to 444 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 77.3%.

Clayton enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 577, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. 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.

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 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Clayton maintains a property crime rate of 444 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Clayton as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Clayton?

AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Clayton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 64% of people answered that there was very little crime in Clayton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 36% 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?

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 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.14 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.11 daily property crimes) in Clayton.

Has Crime in Clayton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Clayton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Clayton has decreased by 41.6%. Violent crimes have decreased by 40%, while property crimes have decreased by 42%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clayton

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. Clayton currently has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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 0.37% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Clayton, there are 2.06 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Clayton crime map



The Clayton crime map 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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Compare Clayton, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Clayton crime rates are 75% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Clayton are 64% lower than the national average
      • In Clayton you have a 1 in 174 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Clayton is safer than 76% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Clayton has decreased by 43%

      Clayton, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Clayton

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        Daily Crime In Clayton (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Clayton, NJ per 100,000 people. In Clayton, the total number of daily crimes is 2.81 times less than the New Jersey average and 4.03 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Clayton is 1.52 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.78 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Clayton has a daily crime rate that is 3.19 times less than the New Jersey average and 4.41 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Clayton (higher is better)

        How safe is Clayton, New Jersey compared to other cities in New Jersey and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Clayton is safer than 56% of the cities in New Jersey and 76% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in New Jersey and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Clayton. Overall, Clayton is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Clayton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clayton is 1 in 752
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Clayton is 1 in 226
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Clayton is 1 in 174
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Clayton, New Jersey you have a 1 in 752 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 226 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 174 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Clayton.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Clayton, NJ is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Clayton has decreased by 42%, while the property crime rate in Clayton has decreased by 43% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Clayton has decreased by 43% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Clayton police department

        Item Clayton New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1714,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.15.73.3
        There are a total of 17 Clayton police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 63.5% less than the New Jersey average and 36.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Voorhees, NJ1,68652366419
        Richwood, NJ3,96770488557
        Greenwich, NJ2,74773511584
        Olivet, NJ1,32277536613
        Wenonah, NJ2,25578547625
        Alloway, NJ1,47485597682
        Woodstown, NJ3,445108596704
        Clayton, NJ8,688133444577

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Forestdale, AL8,6883741,5911,965
        North Madison, OH8,6853001,8212,121
        Sandpoint, ID8,692741,0501,124
        Franklin, NH8,695901,0731,164
        Midway City, CA8,6815372,5163,052
        Clayton, NJ8,688133444577
        Source: The Clayton, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.