Clayton, NC
Population 28,043 · North Carolina
About Clayton, NC
Clayton is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 28,043 residents. The median household income is $73,348 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Clayton is 32.7 years.
Housing in Clayton has a median home value of $292,400 and median monthly rent of $1,542. Of the 10,927 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,652 owner-occupied and 3,689 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Clayton is 2.0% and the poverty rate is 8.0%. 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 32 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton
What is the population of Clayton, NC?
The population of Clayton, NC is 28,043 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NC is $73,348 per year.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, NC is $292,400.
What is the average rent in Clayton?
The median monthly rent in Clayton, NC is $1,542.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, NC is 2.0%.