Median Income
$32,625
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
567/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.1%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$753
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.1%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.9%
36% higher than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,271
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density335/mi²
Male / Female79% / 21%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$32,625
Per Capita$16,141
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty16.9%
County GDP$986M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,100
Rent$753
Ownership48.5%
Zillow$107,002
Housing Units568
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent567/100K
Property3,713/100K
Health
Obesity47.1%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking20.9%
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain55.6 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation575 ft (175 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.1%
High School+67.3%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score3.50
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute27 min
Broadband41.2%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Clayton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clayton is $32,625, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 16.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clayton is $82,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 567 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,713 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
4.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Clayton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Clayton has a population of 2,271 with a density of 335 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 21.1% female and 78.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (59.4%), with 35.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Clayton is $32,625, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,141 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 595 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,625 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,141 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,192 |
| Gini Index | 0.510 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 595 |
| County GDP | $986M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,811 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Clayton is $82,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,002, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $753 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 568 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $1,811 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,002 |
| Median List Price | $96,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $96,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $27 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.0% |
| Price Drops | 66.7% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $753 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Housing Units | 568 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,811 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Clayton, 47.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 47.5% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.3% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,496. The dentist ratio is 1:3,088. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.1% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 46.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,496 |
| Dentists | 1:3,088 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,512 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 42.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,739/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 567 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,713 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 567.0/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,712.9/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 55.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 575 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 575 ft (175 m) |
| Area | 6.7 sq mi (17.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8823°N, 85.4605°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barbour County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.6"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 17, 1991.
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
215 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
275 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
220 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
212 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
219 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
101 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
238 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
279 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
157 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
589 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 58 fatalities, 1,275 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
63 km |
23 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
80 km |
9 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Nov 25, 1979 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 1954 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
37 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
37 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
21 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
25 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,694 |
30 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,267 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,018 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,916 |
46 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and October the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Clayton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $505 |
| Preschool | $478 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 2,271 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 335 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 21.1% female and 78.9% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $32,625, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,100 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clayton safe?
The violent crime rate in Clayton is 567 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,713 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clayton?
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Clayton?
The job market in Clayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 595 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $82,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $753. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.5%. The average annual property tax is $1,811.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton have an average test score of 3.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.1% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.3% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 47.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,496.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 27 minutes. 91% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clayton is 35.6% White, 59.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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