A+
65%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
80%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
62%
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 peopleDelaware/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime33n/a (estimate)8242,3482,324
Murder0n/a0.04.86.3
Rape1n/a25.022.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.057.066.1
Assault2n/a50.0299.8268.2
Violent crime3n/a (estimate)75384370
Burglary5n/a124.9203.1269.8
Theft25n/a624.51,591.11,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0169.9282.7
Property crime30n/a (estimate)7491,9641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, DE

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 64.5%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Clayton, equivalent to 75 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 79.7%. Furthermore, Clayton recorded 30 property crimes, amounting to 749 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 61.7%.

Clayton has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 75 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.

In the most recently reported crime year, Clayton registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Clayton was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

Is Clayton a Safe Place to Live?

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 65% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.09 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes.

Has Crime in Clayton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Clayton has increased by 17.9% 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 57.1%, while property crime has increased by 42.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Clayton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clayton

In Clayton, 82.4% 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 a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.67 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Clayton are $1,381, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

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, DE Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Clayton crime rates are 65% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Clayton are 80% lower than the national average
      • In Clayton you have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Clayton is safer than 80% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Clayton has increased by 9%

      Clayton, DE Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Clayton (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Clayton (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Clayton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clayton is 1 in 1335
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Clayton is 1 in 134
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Clayton is 1 in 122

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

        Clayton police department

        Item Clayton Delaware National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)8962558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.75.43.3
        There are a total of 8 Clayton police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 50.3% less than the Delaware average and 18% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Delaware

        State Total offenders Delaware /100K National /100K
        Delaware4,039505266
        There are a total of 4,039 sex offenders in Delaware. This yields a total of 505 sex offenders in Delaware per 100,000 residents which is 90% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Townsend, DE2,546135691827
        Cecilton, MD9012018261,027
        Highland Acres, DE3,9131718731,044
        Kent Acres, DE1,8321779041,081
        Rodney Village, DE1,1651909711,161
        Rising Sun-Lebanon, DE4,1701939891,182
        Woodside East, DE2,1672261,1561,382
        Clayton, DE3,39375749824

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kenedy, TX3,3943622,4802,842
        Newcastle, WY3,39563913976
        West Sand Lake, NY3,391189757946
        Tipton, CA3,3913141,4701,784
        North Great River, NY3,3962419681,209
        Clayton, DE3,39375749824
        Source: The Clayton, DE 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.