Is Clayton or Raleigh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Clayton is safer than Raleigh (Safety Score 59/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100,000 versus 3,308 for Raleigh — 56% 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: Raleigh is 15.5x 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
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Clayton, NC
Raleigh, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Clayton | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,451.1 | 3,308.0 | -1,857.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 168.3 | 488.9 | -320.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 5.1 | -5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 36.1 | -17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.1 | 86.7 | -67.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 130.2 | 361.0 | -230.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,282.8 | 2,819.2 | -1,536.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 54.0 | 279.1 | -225.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,063.7 | 2,058.9 | -995.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 165.1 | 481.3 | -316.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clayton or Raleigh safer?
Clayton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,451 per 100K vs 3,308 for Raleigh — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 168.3 per 100K while Raleigh has 488.9. 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 59/100 and a population coverage of 31,494, Clayton has a total crime rate of 1,451.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital, anchors the Research Triangle Park technology hub. Founded in 1792, it's known as the "City of Oaks" for its tree-lined streets and boasts a population exceeding 470,000. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 488,085, Raleigh has a total crime rate of 3,308.0 per 100,000 residents.