Clayton, MO
Population 17,282 · Missouri
About Clayton, MO
Clayton is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 17,282 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,898 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clayton features a median home value of $799,200, which is 226% 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 $1,648, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,497 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (3,261 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (2,703 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
83.8% 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 1.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 14.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Clayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton
What is the population of Clayton, MO?
The population of Clayton, MO is 17,282 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, MO is $128,898 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, MO is $799,200, which is 226% 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, MO is $1,648, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, MO is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clayton, MO a good place to live?
Clayton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,282 and a median age of 28.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clayton, MO?
83.8% 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, MO: median home value is $799,200 (226% above national), median rent is $1,648/month, and median household income is $128,898. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, MO is 8.1%, 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, MO?
Clayton's population is 1.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 8.8% two or more races. 14.4% of residents are foreign-born.