Is Clayton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clayton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 58/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 54% 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 52.8x 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, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,451.1 | 3,125.4 | -1,674.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 168.3 | 800.0 | -631.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 64.3 | -45.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.1 | 181.6 | -162.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 130.2 | 545.3 | -415.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,282.8 | 2,325.3 | -1,042.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 54.0 | 317.2 | -263.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,063.7 | 1,582.1 | -518.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 165.1 | 426.0 | -260.9 |
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 1,451 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 168.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Clayton has lower violent crime.
About Clayton, NC
Clayton, NC, a town in Johnston County, has grown significantly from its agricultural roots, still evident in its annual Harvest Festival. It's now a rapidly developing suburb, home to many commuting to Research Triangle Park. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 31,494, Clayton has a total crime rate of 1,451.1 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.