Clayton, NJ
Population 8,867 · New Jersey
About Clayton, NJ
Clayton is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 8,867 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,375 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clayton features a median home value of $244,800, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clayton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,204, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,690 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (2,492 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (859 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 32.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% 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 2.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clayton Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Clayton, NJ
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $89,375 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $244,800, which is 0% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,204 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Clayton's income is 23% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 48% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Clayton, NJ?
Clayton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,375, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $244,800, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average.
Clayton has a population of 8,867 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whippany | 8,862 | $153,725 | $612,500 | Compare |
| Caldwell | 8,898 | $101,196 | $563,000 | Compare |
| Pitman | 8,834 | $96,199 | $258,400 | Compare |
| Boonton | 8,803 | $100,417 | $475,300 | Compare |
| Haledon | 8,936 | $94,178 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Madison Park | 8,798 | $76,396 | $386,200 | Compare |
| Flanders | 8,949 | $149,769 | $492,600 | Compare |
| North Haledon | 8,757 | $131,810 | $517,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
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, NJ?
The population of Clayton, NJ is 8,867 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NJ is $89,375 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, NJ is $244,800, which is 0% 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, NJ is $1,204, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, NJ is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clayton, NJ a good place to live?
Clayton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,867 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clayton, NJ?
21.5% 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, NJ: median home value is $244,800 (0% below national), median rent is $1,204/month, and median household income is $89,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, NJ is 7.0%, 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, NJ?
Clayton's population is 2.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 20.1% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.