Is Clayton or Springfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than Springfield (Safety Score 78/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 897 per 100,000 versus 5,364 for Springfield — 83% 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: Springfield is 9.7x 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
Springfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clayton, MO
Springfield, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 897.1 | 5,364.0 | -4,466.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.9 | 1,179.3 | -1,076.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 5.9 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 11.4 | 104.4 | -93.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.9 | 123.7 | -100.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 68.6 | 944.1 | -875.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 794.2 | 4,184.7 | -3,390.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 102.9 | 726.6 | -623.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 542.8 | 3,001.3 | -2,458.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 148.6 | 456.8 | -308.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton or Springfield safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 897 per 100K vs 5,364 for Springfield — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 102.9 per 100K while Springfield has 1,179.3. 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 Springfield, MO
Springfield, MO, "Queen City of the Ozarks," is a regional hub in southwest Missouri. Home to Bass Pro Shops' first store, it's a growing metropolitan area with a population of over 169,000. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 170,527, Springfield has a total crime rate of 5,364.0 per 100,000 residents.