Clayton, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, NC

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 42% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 34 violent crimes reported in Clayton, equivalent to 113 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 69.4%. Additionally, Clayton recorded 371 property crimes, amounting to 1235 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 36.8%.

Clayton distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 113 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Clayton among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Clayton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Clayton? Well, based on a recent survey of 47 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 66% of Clayton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 34% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

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 42% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.11 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 1.02 property crimes.

Has Crime in Clayton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Clayton has decreased by 24.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Clayton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 22.7%, while property crime has decreased by 24.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Clayton is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clayton

Clayton has a population density of 1518.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Clayton crime rates.

In Clayton, 87.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community 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.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Clayton, the average monthly rent stands at $1,060, while the national average is $949 per month.

Clayton crime map