Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clayton, DE
Thinking of moving to Clayton, DE? This friendly town of about 4,200 residents offers a welcoming, suburban lifestyle with a median home price of $310,000 and average rents around $1,350. Clayton features lower-than-average crime rates, a solid school system, and a strong rate of homeownership. You'll enjoy mild seasonal weather, a reasonable commute time of about 31 minutes, and nearby access to major healthcare facilities in Dover. Explore more about Clayton’s family-friendly neighborhoods, affordability, and community resources below!
Demographics - Clayton, DE
Demographics - Clayton, DE
Clayton is a close-knit community of approximately 4,200 people, with a median age of 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White, with significant Black and smaller Asian populations, creating a diverse yet welcoming atmosphere. About 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural variety.
Population:
4,200
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.0%
Black:
22.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clayton, DE?
Living in Clayton is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 102. The median home value is $310,000, and average rent is $1,350, making it an affordable option for families and professionals. Utilities and housing are slightly higher than average, but groceries and healthcare remain competitively priced.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
2.2%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
105.0
Utilities:
107.5
Transportation:
99.8
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
97.6
Crime
Is Clayton, DE a safe place to live?
Clayton experiences lower-than-average crime, with violent crime rates at 220 per 100,000 and property crime at 1,800 per 100,000 residents. Residents have a relatively low chance of encountering violent crime (1 in 455), making it a safe choice for families. The overall crime index reflects a community focused on safety and well-being.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,020
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Clayton, DE year-round?
Clayton offers four distinct seasons, with warm summers (up to 87°F) and mild winters (lows around 27°F). The town enjoys about 57% sunny days each year and receives moderate rainfall, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes provide a classic East Coast climate experience.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Clayton's neighborhoods feature a median household income of $82,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%, indicating a stable local economy. Most residents are educated, with 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and the typical commute time is just over 31 minutes. With low unemployment and strong family incomes, the area is well-suited for working professionals and families alike.
Median Income:
$37,800
Household Income:
$82,000
Family Income:
$93,500
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.0%
Bachelors or More:
24.5%
Education
How are the schools in Clayton, DE?
Clayton’s education options include well-rated public schools like Clayton Intermediate and Smyrna High, offering reasonable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling is available at Calvary Christian Academy, and higher education is close by with Delaware State University just 11 miles away. The town’s educational resources make it appealing for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Clayton Intermediate School
Street:
86 Sorrento Drive
Phone:
302-653-8587
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Smyrna High School
Street:
500 Duck Creek Parkway
Phone:
302-653-8581
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Calvary Christian Academy
Street:
22825 S DuPont Hwy
Phone:
302-653-2411
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Delaware State University
City:
Dover
State:
DE
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
Wesley College (now part of DSU)
City:
Dover
State:
DE
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents of Clayton have access to quality healthcare, with a major hospital—Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus—just a short drive away in Dover. The community benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.8% and 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. Overall, healthcare services are accessible and reliable for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus
Address:
640 S State St, Dover, DE 19901
Phone:
(302) 674-4700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clayton, DE?
Clayton's housing market is attractive, featuring a median home price of $310,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents around $1,350, and the market remains healthy with a low foreclosure rate and a steady appreciation of 5.2% over the past year. The town is ideal for both buyers and renters seeking stable, affordable housing.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles serves Clayton residents at its Dover location, providing all standard driver and vehicle services. The DMV is easily accessible and offers support through its website and a dedicated customer service line. Residents benefit from streamlined state registration and licensing processes.
State:
Delaware
Department:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901
Phone:
1-877-477-7117
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.