Is Clanton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clanton

Clanton, Alabama, offers a glimpse into small-town living with a growing population and a community focused on local industry. Nestled in Chilton County, this city provides a blend of Southern charm and developing economic opportunities. As the county seat, Clanton serves as a hub for its surrounding areas, attracting residents with its more affordable cost of living and a slower pace of life.

The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a significant African American population, reflecting the broader Southern landscape. Clanton is experiencing steady growth, with its population increasing over the past decade and projections indicating continued expansion. This growth suggests a town that is evolving while striving to maintain its community-oriented atmosphere. Understanding the nuances of Clanton’s safety, economic landscape, and daily living conditions is essential for anyone considering a move to this Alabama city.

Is it Safe to Live in Clanton?

Clanton’s overall crime rate is a point of consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, Clanton has a crime rate of 34.74 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Clanton varies by neighborhood, with some areas being considerably safer than others (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent crime in Clanton occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Clanton is 1 in 318, which equates to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 33 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The central parts of Clanton see the most incidents annually, while the eastern parts have the fewest (as reported by AreaVibes).

Crime Statistics Breakdown

When examining crime statistics, it’s important to note the distinction between violent and property crimes. In Clanton, the violent crime rate per 100,000 people is close to the national average for all cities that reported crime (as reported by AreaVibes). For instance, Clanton reported 314 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while the average of all cities was 359 (as reported by AreaVibes). The city has registered zero reported homicides in the most recently reported crime year, which contributes to a sense of safety in that regard (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, property crimes in Clanton are significantly higher than the national average. There were a total of 306 property crimes (3308 per 100,000 residents), which is 88% higher than the average (as reported by AreaVibes). The property crime rate in Clanton is 15.32 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 31 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Clanton

Clanton presents a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages for prospective residents, largely influenced by its cost of living, job market, and overall community feel. The city’s affordability is a significant draw, offering a lower cost of living compared to national averages. This economic advantage can make it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking to stretch their budgets further.

However, the job market and certain aspects of daily life present challenges. While there are major employers in the area, the average salary might not align with higher cost-of-living areas, and the unemployment rate, though near the national average, still represents a segment of the population seeking work. Understanding these factors is crucial for a balanced perspective on life in Clanton.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Clanton is notably lower than the national average. Clanton’s housing expenses are 19% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Overall, Clanton’s cost of living is 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and it is 16% less expensive than the national average according to another calculator (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life.

Transportation expenses in Clanton are also below the national average, with bus fares and gas prices being 11% lower (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are also more affordable, being 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Food costs are reported to be 0% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), indicating that grocery expenses are comparable to the national figures.

Housing Market

The housing market in Clanton offers relatively affordable options, with median home values and rental costs being lower than many other parts of the country. The median house value in Clanton is $131,700 (as reported by Demographics | Clanton, AL), and the median listing price is $269.9K (as reported by Clanton, AL Housing Market & Rental trends). This suggests a stable entry point for potential homebuyers.

Median monthly rent in Clanton is approximately $657 (as reported by Livability.com), with other sources indicating an average rent of $827 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). In ZIP code 35045, the median listing price stands at $257K (as reported by 35045 Housing Market Data). Clanton, AL is considered a buyer’s market as of March 2026, meaning the supply of homes is greater than the demand (as reported by Clanton, AL Housing Market & Rental trends).

Job Market and Major Employers

Clanton’s economy is supported by a mix of industries, with key employers contributing to its employment landscape. The automotive industry plays a significant role, with Adient being the county’s largest employer, employing 950 people and supplying automotive seating (as reported by Business and Industry – Chilton County Chamber of Commerce). Kumi Manufacturing of Alabama (KMA) is another substantial employer, specializing in plastic injection molding parts (as reported by Business and Industry – Chilton County Chamber of Commerce).

Other notable industries in the area include metalworking, with companies like Franklin Iron Works and O-Flex Metal Finishing. The wood products sector also contributes, with Boise Cascade Co. and West Fraser Lumber operating in the vicinity. Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton is a key healthcare provider and employer in the community (as reported by Business and Industry – Chilton County Chamber of Commerce).

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Clanton is around $38,000, or $18.27 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources cite a higher average salary of $64,650 per year or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Clanton is $72,072 (as reported by Demographics | Clanton, AL), though another source states the median household income is $47,520 (as reported by Spotlight on Chilton County: Economic Engines). The unemployment rate in Clanton is reported to be 94.59% employment rate (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), meaning the unemployment rate is 5.41%.

The employment in Clanton has seen a slight decline of -1.56% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). Job groups that are most common for residents include Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Production Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Clanton experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature in Clanton is around 62.1°F (as reported by Clanton, Alabama Climate). Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 34°F to a high of 91°F (as reported by Clanton, Alabama Climate).

The city receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually, averaging 57 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The month with the most rainfall is typically February, while October sees the least (as reported by Clanton Climate). Summers in Clanton can be uncomfortably humid, particularly from June to August (as reported by Clanton, Alabama Climate).

Seasonal Temperature and Rainfall

During the summer months, July is the hottest month in Clanton, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 72°F (as reported by Clanton Climate). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 55°F and lows of 34°F (as reported by Clanton Climate). The city experiences a wet season that lasts for about 7.3 months, from late January to late August, with a greater than 32% chance of a day being wet (as reported by Clanton Climate).

The drier season spans approximately 4.7 months, from late August to late January. October has the fewest wet days, averaging about 6.2 days with precipitation (as reported by Clanton Climate). The average annual precipitation is 57.86 inches, with a minor amount of snowfall, about 1 inch per year (as reported by Clanton, Alabama Climate).

Education in Clanton

Clanton is served by the Chilton County School District, which includes several public schools catering to students from pre-kindergarten through high school. The district’s average testing ranking is 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama (as reported by Chilton County School District). This ranking is based on combined math and reading proficiency data.

Clanton Elementary School, serving grades PK-3, has received a B- rating on Niche and an 8/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Clanton Elementary School). At Clanton Elementary, 48% of students are proficient in math and 67% in reading (as reported by Clanton Elementary School). The student-teacher ratio at Clanton Elementary is 15:1 (as reported by Clanton Elementary School).

School District Performance

The Chilton County School District’s average math proficiency score is 19%, which is below the Alabama public school average of 30% (as reported by Chilton County School District). Reading proficiency scores are also lower, with an average of 37% compared to the statewide average of 47% (as reported by Chilton County School District). The district’s graduation rate is 86%, which has seen a slight decrease over the past five school years (as reported by Chilton County School District).

Clanton Elementary School is ranked #284 out of 779 for diversity in Alabama (as reported by Clanton Elementary School). It is also ranked #419 out of 697 for having the best public elementary school teachers in Alabama (as reported by Clanton Elementary School). The overall Niche Grade for Clanton Elementary School is a B- (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Clanton’s population is approximately 8,958 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019-2023 American Community Survey estimates (as reported by Demographics). The city has experienced a population increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Clanton is currently growing at a rate of 1.35% annually, and its population has increased by 4.81% since the 2010 census (as reported by Demographics | Clanton, AL).

The racial makeup of Clanton is predominantly White, at 71.39%, followed by African American at 21.22% (as reported by Demographics | Clanton, AL). Other races constitute smaller percentages of the population. As of 2024, 97.2% of Clanton residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2% (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Clanton is 39.9 years, with males at 39.1 years and females at 41.2 years (as reported by Demographics | Clanton, AL). The population distribution shows approximately 18.6% are children under 15, 14.5% are between 15 and 24, 23.9% are between 25 and 44, 21.7% are between 45 and 64, and 21.3% are 65 or older (as reported by Demographics). Gender-wise, 40.4% of Clanton locals are male, and 59.6% are female (as reported by Demographics).

There are 3,774 households in Clanton, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by Demographics). Of these households, 55.9% are families, while 44.1% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Demographics). For every 100 females, there are 67.7 males in Clanton (as reported by Spotlight on Chilton County: Economic Engines).