Clayton, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, AL

The Clayton crime rates are 52.4% 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 8 violent crimes in Clayton (354 per 100,000 people), which is 4.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 17 property crimes (753 per 100,000 residents) which is 61.5% lower than average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Clayton has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 354 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Clayton reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Is Clayton a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Clayton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Clayton presents a total crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Clayton experiences an average of 0.07 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.05 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

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 13.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 32%. 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 Clayton, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. 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.

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 18.41% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 $581 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Clayton crime map