Clayton, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Clayton, MO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Clayton crime rate is 36.9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Clayton, there were 12 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 71 per 100,000 individuals, 80.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Clayton recorded 235 property crimes, amounting to 1395 per 100,000 residents, 28.6% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 71 incidents per 100,000 people, Clayton boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Clayton has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

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.

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 43 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 23% of Clayton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 77% 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?

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 37% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.68 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.64 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 increased by 13.8%. Violent crimes have didn't change by 0%, while property crimes have increased by 14.6%. 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

Clayton has a poverty rate of 8, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Clayton crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Clayton has an unemployment rate of 1.2%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

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 $1,334, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Clayton crime map