Clayton, NC
Population 28,043 · North Carolina
About Clayton, NC
Clayton is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 28,043 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,348 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.7 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 $292,400, which is 19% above 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 $1,542, 33% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,927 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (6,652 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (3,689 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 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.6% 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 5.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 9.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clayton Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Clayton, NC
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $73,348 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $292,400, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,542 is 33% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Clayton's income is 14% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 28% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Clayton, NC?
Clayton offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a well-educated community where 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,348) 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 28,043 with a median age of 32.7 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kernersville | 27,439 | $69,923 | $264,000 | Compare |
| Asheboro | 27,353 | $48,628 | $162,800 | Compare |
| Thomasville | 27,261 | $58,246 | $163,200 | Compare |
| Mint Hill | 26,954 | $99,272 | $386,900 | Compare |
| Statesville | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | Compare |
| Leland | 26,307 | $88,576 | $358,800 | Compare |
| Matthews | 29,959 | $105,579 | $406,800 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Clayton, NC is 28,043 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NC is $73,348 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, NC is $292,400, which is 19% 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, NC is $1,542, which is 33% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, NC is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clayton, NC a good place to live?
Clayton offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 28,043 and a median age of 32.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clayton, NC?
35.6% 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, NC: median home value is $292,400 (19% above national), median rent is $1,542/month, and median household income is $73,348. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, NC is 8.0%, 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, NC?
Clayton's population is 5.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 27.0% two or more races. 9.5% of residents are foreign-born.