Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clayton, NC
Considering a move to Clayton, NC? With around 29,000 residents, this fast-growing town offers affordable living, with median home prices near $355,000 and average rents of $1,420. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low crime rates, and a manageable 30-minute average commute to Raleigh. Clayton boasts quality public schools, abundant sunny days, and a friendly community atmosphere—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Clayton, NC
Demographics - Clayton, NC
Clayton, NC is home to about 29,000 residents, offering a suburban feel with a median age of 36.2. The city’s population is predominantly White (66.7%), with a diverse mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and roughly 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
29,000
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.7%
Black:
18.1%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clayton, NC?
Clayton provides affordable living with a median home value of $355,000 and average rent around $1,420 per month. The city’s cost of living index is close to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking reasonable housing, utilities, and overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
99.3
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
98.5
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
95.3
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Clayton, NC a safe place to live?
Clayton enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at about 208 incidents per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,330 per 100,000. Residents benefit from a safe community where the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 480.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
208
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,330
Crime Index:
1,538
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 480
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Clayton, NC year-round?
Residents in Clayton experience mild winters with lows around 32°F and warm summers peaking at 89°F. The area enjoys 62% sunny days annually and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall, creating a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Clayton’s households have a median income of $75,900 and a per capita income of $31,400, with about 8% of residents below the poverty line. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is just under 30 minutes, making it convenient for professionals working in nearby cities.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$75,900
Family Income:
$86,100
Per Capita Income:
$31,400
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Clayton, NC?
Clayton offers strong educational opportunities, including public schools like Clayton High School and Riverwood Middle School, alongside private and charter options. Higher education is easily accessible, with Johnston Community College just 8 miles away and North Carolina State University 20 miles from the city center.

Public Schools
Name:
Clayton High School
Street:
600 S Fayetteville St
Phone:
919-553-4064
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Riverwood Middle School
Street:
204 Athletic Club Blvd
Phone:
919-359-2769
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3

Private Schools
Name:
Academy of Hope
Street:
408 Covered Bridge Rd
Phone:
919-359-1117
Students:
130

Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
North Carolina State University
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Clayton is served by major healthcare providers like Johnston UNC Health Care and WakeMed Clayton Medical Park, offering both general and outpatient services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, residents have good access to quality healthcare options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston UNC Health Care - Clayton
Address:
2138 NC Hwy 42 W, Clayton, NC 27520
Phone:
(919) 585-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
WakeMed Clayton Medical Park
Address:
555 Medical Park Pl, Clayton, NC 27520
Phone:
(919) 350-1000
Type:
Outpatient/Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clayton, NC?
The housing market in Clayton features a median home price of $355,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 71%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, while average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,420, making the area appealing to both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on NC Highway 42 West in Clayton. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other vehicle services both in person and online through the state’s official DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3175 Nc Highway 42 W, Clayton, NC 27520
Phone:
919-359-8700
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.