Clay County Crime & Safety

Clay County, Kansas

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1520.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

408.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1112.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

35/100

Higher = safer

State avg 52/100

State Safety Rank

#72

of 105 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Clay County, Kansas

Lower Crime Than National Norms

Clay County earns a safety score of 97.6, indicating a solid level of public safety. The total crime rate of 1,520.8 per 100,000 is about 36% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here live in an area notably safer than the average American community.

Comparing Clay to Kansas Benchmarks

Clay County’s safety score of 97.6 sits just below the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,520.8 is higher than the state average of 1,282.2. Three reporting agencies coordinate to manage crime and safety across the county's jurisdictions.

Safe Haven Next to Cloud County

Clay County is significantly safer than neighboring Cloud County, which sees a much higher rate of 2,597.6 crimes per 100,000. While Clay has more crime than ultra-low areas like Chase, it maintains a stable middle-ground for the region. This makes it a relatively attractive option for those seeking a balance of safety and activity.

Higher Violent Crime Relative to State

Violent crime in Clay County occurs at 408.0 per 100,000, which is higher than both the state average (235.9) and national average (369.8). Property crime accounts for 1,112.8 incidents, which is about half the national average for such offenses. The data suggests that while theft is low, serious incidents require more attention.

Enhancing Personal and Property Security

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, residents should prioritize personal safety habits alongside home security. Installing alarm systems and staying aware of surroundings in public areas are wise choices. Strong community ties and fast reporting to local agencies help keep these numbers in check.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Clay County, KS?

Clay County has a total crime rate of 1520.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (408.0 per 100K) and property crimes (1112.8 per 100K).

Is Clay County, KS safe?

Clay County has a safety score of 35/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #72 out of 105 counties in Kansas for safety (1 = safest).

How does Clay County crime compare to the Kansas average?

What types of crime are most common in Clay County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Clay County?

Crime data for Clay County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Clay County?

Clay County has a safety score of 35/100, which is below the Kansas average of 52/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.