Clayton, IL
Population 597 · Illinois
About Clayton, IL
Clayton is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 597 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,438 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.8 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 $90,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clayton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $578, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 321 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (196 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (71 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.5% of Clayton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clayton, IL
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $63,438 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,000, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $578 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Clayton's income is 15% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Clayton, IL?
Clayton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $578/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,438) that falls below the national average. However, Clayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clayton has a population of 597 with a median age of 49.8 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton
What is the population of Clayton, IL?
The population of Clayton, IL is 597 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, IL is $63,438 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, IL is $90,000, which is 63% below 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, IL is $578, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, IL is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clayton, IL a good place to live?
Clayton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 597 and a median age of 49.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Clayton, IL?
5.5% of residents in Clayton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Clayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clayton, IL: median home value is $90,000 (63% below national), median rent is $578/month, and median household income is $63,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, IL is 11.5%, 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, IL?
Clayton's population is 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 10.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.