Median Income
$83,500
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$214,900
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,125
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population874
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density1,345/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,500
Per Capita$35,883
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$10,412M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$214,900
Rent$1,125
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$337,499
Housing Units424
Rent Burden19.2%
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured3.1%
Smoking15.2%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain43.9 in/yr
Elevation868 ft (265 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score7.30
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Clayton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clayton is $83,500, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clayton is $214,900, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Clayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches, including 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Clayton has a population of 874 with a density of 1,345 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 7.4% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
874
Total Population
2023 Census
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
The median household income in Clayton is $83,500, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,883. The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,317 business establishments, including 370 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,500 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,883 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,147 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,317 |
| County GDP | $10,412M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 370 |
| Healthcare | 401 |
| Retail | 474 |
| Manufacturing | 97 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Clayton is $214,900, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,499, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,125 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 424 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,788. 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $214,900 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $337,499 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 424 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.76% |
In Clayton, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 3.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,062. The dentist ratio is 1:2,147. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 3.1% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,062 |
| Dentists | 1:2,147 |
| Mental Health | 1:683 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,172/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 401 |
Clayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches. The area receives 21.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. 94% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 868 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 868 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,345/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6884°N, 86.5219°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Hendricks County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.9"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 93.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
67 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
14 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
21 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 77 fatalities, 1,730 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
25 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
FORK RIDGE RX |
697 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
670 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.7") and February 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) |
$233 ($140-$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187-$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93-$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746-$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140-$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47-$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373-$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93-$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47-$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140-$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732-$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373-$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132-$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467-$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665-$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866-$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746-$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187-$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933-$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70-$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80-$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33-$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33-$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80-$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73-$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75-$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47-$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70-$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120-$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560-$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467-$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187-$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373-$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665-$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47-$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93-$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 874 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,345 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,500, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $214,900 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Clayton?
Clayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.9 inches, with 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Clayton?
Clayton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,028. There are 4,317 business establishments in the area, including 370 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $214,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,499. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,125. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,788.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton perform well, with an average test score of 7.3 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 20.7% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 3.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,062.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 26 minutes. 91% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clayton is 91.4% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.