Clayton, MO
Population 17,282 · Missouri
About Clayton, MO
Clayton is a mid-sized city in Missouri with a population of 17,282 residents. The median household income is $128,898 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Clayton is 28.7 years.
Housing in Clayton has a median home value of $799,200 and median monthly rent of $1,648. Of the 6,497 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,261 owner-occupied and 2,703 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Clayton is 2.5% and the poverty rate is 8.1%. 83.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.3 minutes.
How Clayton Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Clayton, MO
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $128,898 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $799,200, which is 226% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,648 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Clayton's income is 111% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 430% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Clayton, MO?
Clayton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,898, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 83.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $799,200. However, Clayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clayton has a population of 17,282 with a median age of 28.7 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirksville | 17,493 | $48,063 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Lake St. Louis | 17,538 | $123,427 | $375,300 | Compare |
| Hannibal | 16,825 | $54,071 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Farmington | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Concord | 18,028 | $84,389 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Lemay | 16,431 | $59,026 | $139,100 | Compare |
| Spanish Lake | 18,183 | $51,125 | $121,300 | Compare |
| Manchester | 18,189 | $92,839 | $298,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Clayton, MO is 17,282 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, MO is $128,898 per year.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, MO is $799,200.
What is the average rent in Clayton?
The median monthly rent in Clayton, MO is $1,648.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, MO is 2.5%.