Clayton, CA
Population 10,962 · California
About Clayton, CA
Clayton is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,962 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $172,226 per year, which is 129% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clayton features a median home value of $1,017,300, which is 315% above the national median of $244,900. This places Clayton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,975 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (3,582 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (385 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 39 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
58.8% of Clayton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clayton, CA
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $172,226 (129% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,017,300, which is 315% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Clayton's income is 76% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 56% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Clayton, CA?
Clayton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $172,226, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,017,300. However, Clayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clayton has a population of 10,962 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz Hill | 10,968 | $104,017 | $455,500 | Compare |
| Sun Village | 11,009 | $68,284 | $348,100 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 11,012 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Sierra Madre | 11,020 | $141,094 | $1,172,200 | Compare |
| Canyon Lake | 11,107 | $124,948 | $647,300 | Compare |
| Citrus | 10,813 | $101,179 | $614,200 | Compare |
| Del Aire | 11,115 | $142,566 | $878,800 | Compare |
| Hillsborough | 11,122 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Clayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton
What is the population of Clayton, CA?
The population of Clayton, CA is 10,962 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, CA is $172,226 per year, which is 129% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, CA is $1,017,300, which is 315% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clayton?
The median monthly rent in Clayton, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, CA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clayton, CA a good place to live?
Clayton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,962 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clayton, CA?
58.8% of residents in Clayton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Clayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clayton, CA: median home value is $1,017,300 (315% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $172,226. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, CA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clayton, CA?
Clayton's population is 5.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.