Clayton, NY
Population 1,669 · New York
About Clayton, NY
Clayton is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,669 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,125 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 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 $192,900, which is 21% 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 $1,057, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,252 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (397 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (446 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.3% of Clayton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clayton, NY
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $57,125 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,900, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,057 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Clayton's income is 41% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 50% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Clayton, NY?
Clayton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,057/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,125) 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 1,669 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montour Falls | 1,666 | $43,083 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Clintondale | 1,682 | $58,627 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Waterville | 1,682 | $76,125 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Manchester | 1,655 | $61,172 | $106,500 | Compare |
| Oakfield | 1,683 | $65,833 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Houghton | 1,685 | $87,188 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Morrisonville | 1,688 | $83,750 | $209,900 | Compare |
| Painted Post | 1,691 | $68,009 | $145,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
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, NY?
The population of Clayton, NY is 1,669 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NY is $57,125 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, NY is $192,900, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clayton?
The median monthly rent in Clayton, NY is $1,057, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, NY is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clayton, NY a good place to live?
Clayton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,669 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clayton, NY?
36.3% 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, NY: median home value is $192,900 (21% below national), median rent is $1,057/month, and median household income is $57,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, NY is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Clayton, NY?
Clayton's population is 0.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.