Is Clayton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 78/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 897 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 71% lower. Clayton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clayton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 95.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Clayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clayton, MO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 897.1 | 3,125.4 | -2,228.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.9 | 800.0 | -697.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 11.4 | 64.3 | -52.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.9 | 181.6 | -158.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.6 | 545.3 | -476.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 794.2 | 2,325.3 | -1,531.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 102.9 | 317.2 | -214.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 542.8 | 1,582.1 | -1,039.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 148.6 | 426.0 | -277.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton or Phoenix safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 897 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 102.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Clayton has lower violent crime.
About Clayton, MO
Clayton, Missouri, the seat of St. Louis County, is an affluent suburb known for its business district and upscale boutiques. It is home to Washington University School of Law and consistently ranks among the most educated cities in the U.S. With a safety score of 78/100 and a population coverage of 17,501, Clayton has a total crime rate of 897.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.