Median Income
$70,313
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
104/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.1%
215% higher than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density136/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans49.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$70,313
Per Capita$19,449
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty39.1%
County GDP$222M
Commute16 min
Housing
Ownership72.0%
Zillow$100,630
Housing Units54
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent104/100K
Property1,426/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Smoking15.0%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,427 ft (740 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute16 min
Broadband25.0%
Libraries3
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Clayton faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clayton is $70,313, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 39.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Clayton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Clayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches, including 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Clayton has a population of 57 with a density of 136 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 5.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 49.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Clayton is $70,313, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,449 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $737, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 39.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 132 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,313 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,449 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $737 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.1% |
| 215% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 132 |
| County GDP | $222M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,630. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Clayton, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.0% |
| |
| Mental Health | 1:2,712 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,426 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.3/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,425.6/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,427 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,427 ft (740 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 136/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7369°N, 100.1765°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
73 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
87 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
90 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
86 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
29 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
84 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
80 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
79 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
546 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
47 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
82 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
98 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
88 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 57 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 136 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,313, 6% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Clayton safe?
Clayton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,426 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clayton?
Clayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches, with 19.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Clayton?
The job market in Clayton faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $737. There are 132 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.1% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clayton is 94.7% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 49.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 84.0% have health insurance coverage.
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