Is Clawson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clawson

Clawson, Michigan, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Oakland County, this charming city provides a comfortable living environment for its residents. With a strong sense of community and a variety of local attractions, Clawson presents an appealing option for those seeking a well-rounded place to call home.

The city boasts a population of approximately 11,479 residents as of 2026, experiencing modest growth at a rate of 0.17% annually (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Clawson’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a significant portion of residents identifying as Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Asian and multiracial populations (according to U.S. Census Bureau data). The median age in Clawson is around 39.4 years, indicating a balanced mix of age groups within the community (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Is it Safe to Live in Clawson?

Clawson generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than national averages. The city experiences a crime rate of approximately 756 per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,119 (as per AreaVibes). Violent crime incidents in Clawson are reported at a rate of 198 per 100,000 individuals, which is 44.9% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

Property crime rates in Clawson are also considerably lower than the national figures. There were 62 property crimes reported, equating to 558 per 100,000 residents, a rate that is 68.3% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout data indicates that while violent crime in Clawson occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes, the overall crime rate is near the average for all cities and towns in America, and noticeably lower than average when compared to similarly sized cities (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data).

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Clawson, Michigan, is approximately 1% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable place to reside (according to AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant factor in this affordability, with Clawson’s housing costs being 41% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home value in Clawson was $267,100 in 2024, showing a 6.5% increase from the previous year (according to the U.S. Census Bureau).

For renters, the median rental price in Clawson is around $1,775 per month, which is 9% lower than the national average (as per Zumper). Other living expenses, such as utility prices, are 5% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). However, transportation expenses, including gas prices, are about 3% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are also slightly higher, by 1% compared to the national average.

Housing Market Trends

Clawson’s housing market is characterized by steady demand and relatively low inventory, with most homes built between the 1940s and 1970s, featuring common styles like ranch homes, bungalows, and smaller colonials (according to Niche.com). The median listing price for homes in Clawson is $320,000, with a median price per square foot of $276 (as reported by realtor.com®). The homeownership rate in Clawson is 75.4%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (according to the U.S. Census Bureau).

Year-over-year price growth in Clawson’s housing market stands at 5.80%, indicating appreciation and favorable conditions for sellers (as reported by realtor.com®). The average rent for an apartment in Clawson is approximately $1,228 per month, a 5.52% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe.com). Most rental properties in Clawson fall within the $1,001-$1,500 per month range.

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Clawson, MI, employs approximately 6,500 residents (as of 2024). The most common industries for employment in Clawson are manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The highest paying industries in the city include utilities, construction, and finance and insurance. The average annual salary in Clawson is around $44,080, with most salaries ranging between $32,586 and $53,100.

The unemployment rate in Clawson is reported at 4.9% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is considered typical for the area. In Michigan, the overall unemployment rate was 5% in March 2026, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). The most common job groups for Clawson residents include business and financial operations, office and administrative support, and management occupations.

Major Employers

Several companies operate within Clawson, MI, contributing to its employment landscape. Notable employers include ALDI, UPS, United States Postal Service, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Dollar Tree, CVS Health, and Burger King (as listed on Indeed.com). In the manufacturing sector, companies like AMETEK, Hoya Group, Inteva Products, and ND Industries have a presence in the area. Other companies offering employment opportunities include Huffmaster, Creative Solutions Group, and Telegration.

The professional and technical services sector also provides significant employment opportunities, with businesses such as RCB Industries, Inc., and S4 Connect Marketing & Consulting being part of the local business community. The healthcare sector is also a key employer, with entities like Clawson Care Pharmacy and Michigan Massage and Wellness serving the community.

Climate and Weather

Clawson, Michigan, experiences a climate with significant seasonal temperature variations. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 17°F to 84°F. The average annual precipitation is around 33 inches, with a comparable amount of snowfall.

Summers in Clawson are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F and a low of 63°F. Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with January experiencing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 32°F and a low of 18°F. The city receives moderate precipitation, with May being the wettest month and February the driest. July is generally the sunniest month, with an average of 10.6 hours of sunshine per day.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

The warm season in Clawson lasts approximately 3.7 months, from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures typically exceeding 74°F. Conversely, the cold season spans about 3.4 months, from late November to mid-March, during which daily high temperatures remain below 43°F. The chance of precipitation varies throughout the year, with a wetter season from late March to early October.

May is noted as the wettest month, with an average of 4 inches of precipitation. January is the driest month, receiving an average of 0.8 inches of rain. Snowfall is common during the winter months, with the snowiest periods often occurring in November, December, January, and March.

Education and Schools

Clawson, MI, is served by the Clawson Public Schools district, which includes three public schools: Clawson Middle School, Kenwood Elementary School, and Clawson High School. The district educates approximately 788 students across these institutions. Overall, public schools in Clawson have an average testing ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Michigan public schools (according to Niche).

Clawson Middle School is recognized as the highest-performing school in the district, consistently ranking in the top 25% of Michigan middle schools and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The district’s average math proficiency score is 34%, and the reading proficiency score is 53%, slightly below the Michigan state average for math but above the state average for reading (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Clawson public schools is 25% of the student body.

School Performance and Demographics

Kenwood Elementary School also demonstrates strong academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts and Math for its upper grades. However, the district faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates, with figures ranging from 29.5% in 2023-2024. Clawson High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 82.8% and a dropout rate of 7.6%, which are areas for potential improvement.

The Clawson Public Schools district serves a notable percentage of economically disadvantaged students, with free/reduced lunch rates varying between 35.71% and 41.67% across its schools. The student-teacher ratio in the district is 16:1, which is consistent with the Michigan state average.

Demographics and Community

Clawson, Michigan, is home to a diverse population with a median age of approximately 39.4 years (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The racial composition is primarily White, followed by Black or African American, with smaller proportions of Asian and multiracial residents (as per U.S. Census Bureau data). The city has a population of about 11,479 residents, with a nearly even gender distribution, though slightly more females than males.

A significant majority of Clawson residents are U.S. citizens, with the percentage of citizenship being higher than the national average. The foreign-born population is approximately 5.37%, which is close to the national average. The community is described as family-oriented, with a portion of households including children under 18.

Community Lifestyle

The median household income in Clawson was reported as $88,636 in 2024, showing a slight increase from the previous year (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The average commute time for residents is 22.3 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Car ownership is also typical, with an average of two cars per household.

Clawson offers a blend of residential living with access to local amenities and proximity to larger metropolitan areas. The city’s compact layout and mid-20th-century housing stock contribute to its established suburban feel. Residents generally consider the west part of the city to be the safest, with varying safety levels across different neighborhoods.