Is Claymont Safe, Pros and cons of living in Claymont
Claymont, Delaware, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. Nestled in New Castle County, this census-designated place provides a distinct community feel while remaining connected to the broader economic and cultural hubs of the region. Its location along the Delaware River provides a scenic backdrop, contributing to its appeal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The community’s history is rooted in its strategic location, with evidence of early settlement dating back centuries. This rich past is reflected in the area’s architecture and established neighborhoods. Today, Claymont continues to evolve, attracting residents with its blend of residential areas, local amenities, and proximity to major employment centers.
Is it Safe to Live in Claymont?
Claymont presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with varying crime rates depending on the specific area and type of crime. Overall crime rates in Claymont are reported to be higher than the national average when compared to all communities, but lower than the national average when considering total crime rates, and violent crimes are 8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other data indicates that Claymont’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities, with 17 crimes per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When comparing Claymont to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is significantly above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Claymont is approximately 1 in 430, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 69 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Demographics and Population
Claymont is home to a diverse population, with a projected population of 8,581 residents for 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Claymont is approximately 41.5 years (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, Point2Homes, and Census Reporter). The racial makeup of Claymont is predominantly White and Black or African American, with White residents comprising about 49% of the population and Black or African American residents making up around 27.7% (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Reporter, and NeighborhoodScout).
The community has a notable Asian population, accounting for approximately 10.1% of residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter). As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,895, with a median age of 36.7 years (as reported by Wikipedia). In 2024, 12.8% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Claymont was reported as $74,712 in 2024 (as reported by Census Reporter), with a poverty rate of 6.8% for families (as reported by Census Reporter).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Claymont is slightly higher than the national average. It is estimated to be 2% more expensive than the national average and 1% more expensive than the average city in Delaware (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Claymont are reported to be as affordable as the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), but other sources indicate housing costs are 17.0% lower than the national average at $996 per month for a single person and $1826 per month for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com).
Food expenses are less affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), though Salary.com states food expenses run 11.3% below average. Transportation and healthcare costs are generally more affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). These combined costs place Claymont as one of America’s more expensive cities according to Salary.com, with total monthly expenses of $2200 for a single person and $4893 for a family of four.
Housing Market
The Claymont housing market is described as very competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Claymont was $310,000, which was down 10.9% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Claymont typically sell in about 37 days, though some can sell much faster, indicating a dynamic market (as reported by Redfin).
The median listing price in Claymont, DE, was $347,500 in April 2026, positioning it as a seller’s market (as reported by Movoto). Redfin data suggests the median sale price per square foot is $191, down 15.7% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Realtor.com indicates a median listing home price of $344,999, with homes spending an average of 31 days on the market (as reported by Realtor.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Claymont’s job market is influenced by its proximity to larger employment centers, though local opportunities exist. The average salary in Claymont, Delaware, is around $71,723 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Another source reports the average annual pay for an hourly position in Claymont as $54,425, or approximately $26.17 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Major employers in the region contribute to the local economy, though specific large-scale employers within Claymont itself are not extensively detailed in general reports. However, the broader New Castle County area and nearby Wilmington host significant industries, including those in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and financial sectors. The unemployment rate in Claymont is reported to be 3% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Climate
Claymont experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 24°F to 88°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 86°F and lows of 69°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 40°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by Plantmaps and myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation averages about 46 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Plantmaps). July typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 11.3 wet days (as reported by NASA’s MERRA-2 data via Time and Date). Snowfall averages around 18 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education
The educational landscape in Claymont includes public schools within the Brandywine School District. Claymont Elementary School is a highly-rated public school, receiving an A grade from Niche and a 9 out of 10 GreatSchools rating (as reported by Niche and Homes.com). It consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Delaware, outperforming district and state averages in standardized test metrics (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Maple Lane Elementary School, also serving the area, has received lower ratings compared to Claymont Elementary (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Claymont generally show strong performance in math and reading proficiency compared to state averages (as reported by Niche). The Brandywine School District itself is ranked among the top districts in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Pros and Cons of Living in Claymont
Claymont offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to major cities like Wilmington and Philadelphia. The community provides a sense of belonging, with established neighborhoods and local amenities. Its location along the Delaware River adds to its scenic appeal, and residents benefit from the state’s lack of sales tax (as reported by Salary.com).
However, the cost of living is slightly above the national average, and crime rates, particularly property crime, are higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). While some sources indicate lower violent crime rates than the national average, others highlight that Claymont’s overall crime rate is higher than average for its size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org).