Median Income
$47,031
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$454
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.3%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population385
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density244/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,031
Per Capita$23,630
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$715M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,800
Rent$454
Ownership48.4%
Zillow$137,467
Housing Units244
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property6,401/100K
Health
Obesity45.3%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking17.6%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain60.1 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation57 ft (17 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+84.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband58.6%
Libraries4
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Clayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clayton is $47,031, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clayton is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $454 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clayton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,401 per 100,000, 227% above the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Clayton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Clayton has a population of 385 with a density of 244 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (61.3%), with 38.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Clayton is $47,031, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,630 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $884, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 483 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,031 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,630 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $884 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,471 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $715M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Clayton is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,467, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $454 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 244 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,563 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,467 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $454 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.6% |
| Housing Units | 244 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,563 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Clayton, 45.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 44.8% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.4% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,594. The dentist ratio is 1:2,013. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.3% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.8% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 45.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,594 |
| Dentists | 1:2,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:161 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.5% |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 15,586/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,401 per 100,000, 227% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Clayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,400.9/100K |
| 227% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 313 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 60.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 57 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 57 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 244/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7222°N, 91.5346°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Concordia Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Esler Regional (ESF) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.1"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
143 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
151 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
230 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
223 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
283 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
280 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
196 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
280 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
137 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
200 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
222 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
237 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 142 fatalities, 1,590 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF5 |
73 km |
47 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
90 km |
38 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
79 km |
10 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
46 km |
32 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2005 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,768 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,768 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB51 |
4,411 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 18 |
3,826 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 25 |
3,676 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-40-41-42 |
3,635 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
C-110/111 |
3,516 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
HOMOCHITTO - BB 7 |
3,028 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 100 PBURN |
2,890 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,860 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,802 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,677 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
WINN 110/111 |
2,642 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
C-32/33/34 |
2,580 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
2,539 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,523 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-8-9 |
2,513 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
RX C-52 53 54 |
2,489 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB24 |
2,458 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
6.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 59.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and August the driest (3.5").
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) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $457 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 385 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 244 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,031, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $454 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clayton safe?
Clayton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,401 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clayton?
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Clayton?
The job market in Clayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $884. There are 483 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,467. For renters, the median monthly rent is $454. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,563.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.6% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 45.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,594.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90% 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 38.7% White, 61.3% Black or African American. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.