Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clayton, GA
Considering a move to Clayton, GA? This charming mountain town of 2,200 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $225,000 and average rents at $870. Residents enjoy a mild climate, short 20-minute commutes, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the North Georgia mountains. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, Clayton features a close-knit community, local schools, and reasonable healthcare access—making it a friendly, budget-conscious choice for newcomers.
Demographics - Clayton, GA
Demographics - Clayton, GA
Clayton, Georgia is a small town of about 2,200 residents, with a median age of 40.8 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White at over 82%, with a modest 8.5% of residents speaking languages other than English at home, reflecting a mostly homogenous but welcoming population.
Population:
2,200
Density:
500 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.4%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clayton, GA?
Living in Clayton is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $225,000. Monthly expenses like rent and utilities remain affordable, making it a great option for those seeking value without sacrificing comfort.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.4
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
67.2
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
93.8
Health Care:
96.6
Miscellaneous:
89.4
Crime
Is Clayton, GA a safe place to live?
Clayton experiences slightly higher-than-average property and violent crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 49. Residents should remain mindful, but the overall crime index is within the range typical for small towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,340
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Clayton, GA year-round?
Clayton enjoys a mild mountain climate, with winter lows around 28°F and summer highs in the mid-80s. The area receives ample rainfall—over 61 inches annually—and about 56% of days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
49°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
61.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households in Clayton have a median income of $44,300, with a poverty rate of 21.3% and unemployment just under 5%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes and the community is marked by a high school graduation rate of nearly 80%, reflecting a hardworking and close-knit atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$44,300
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,200
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Clayton, GA?
Clayton offers local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private options like Tallulah Falls School. Higher education is available nearby, with North Georgia Technical College just 20 miles away, making the area suitable for families with children of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Rabun County High School
Street:
230 Wildcat Hill Dr
Phone:
706-782-4526
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Rabun County Elementary School
Street:
1115 E Boggs Mountain Rd
Phone:
706-782-4712
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Tallulah Falls School
Street:
201 Campus Dr, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Phone:
706-754-0400
Students:
550

Colleges
Name:
North Georgia Technical College
City:
Clarkesville
State:
GA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Clayton offers reasonable healthcare access with a major hospital, Mountain Lakes Medical Center, in town. The area has a moderate number of physicians and over 83% of residents have health insurance, ensuring reliable medical support for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mountain Lakes Medical Center
Address:
162 Legacy Point, Clayton, GA 30525
Phone:
(706) 782-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.6%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clayton, GA?
The housing market in Clayton is affordable and stable, with median home prices at $225,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $870. Over half of the residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 6.3% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Clayton are served by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, with the nearest full-service location in Decatur. Essential DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible both online and in person for convenience.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2886 E. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone:
678-413-8400
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.