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Clayton, MO

Missouri

Clayton is a small city in Missouri with a population of 17,282. Residents earn $128,898 per year, which is 72% above the national average.

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
17,282 Population 6,885/sq mi density
$128,898 Median Income $75,049 per capita
$799,200 Home Value $851,489 Zillow
$1,648 Median Rent 24.4% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
88 Violent Crime/100K 1,670 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.9 / 5.0
$128,898 median income, 1.4% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.2 / 5.0
$799,200 home value, $1,648/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
88 violent crimes/100K (77% below avg)
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
83.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $128,898
72% higher than US avg
Home Value $799,200
184% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 88/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 83.8%
149% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,648
42% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.4%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.4%
48% lower than US avg

How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population17,282
Median Age28.7 yrs
Density6,885/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans2.3%

Economy

A+
Median Income$128,898
Per Capita$75,049
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.4%
Commute17 min

Housing

B
Home Value$799,200
Rent$1,648
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$851,489
Housing Units6,331
Rent Burden24.4%

Crime

F
Violent88/100K
Property1,670/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault63/100K
Burglary454/100K

Health

Obesity26.4%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking9.7%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease4.2%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation597 ft (182 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+83.8%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+47.4%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband96.4%
EV Stations18

Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. 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 $128,898, which is significantly higher than the national average — 72% above $75,149. This places Clayton among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Clayton is $799,200, making it a premium housing market at 184% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,648 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Clayton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

Clayton is a highly educated community — 83.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Clayton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Clayton has a population of 17,282 with a density of 6,885 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 28.7 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (69.2%), with 8.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.4% of residents, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

17,282
Total Population
6,885
People / sq mi
28.7yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
2.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48%
Female 52%

Race & Ethnicity

Clayton vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only85.4%
9% above US avg
Spanish14.6%
9% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Clayton vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Clayton is $128,898, which is 72% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $75,049 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Clayton vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$128,898
72% above US avg
Per Capita Income$75,049

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.4%
61% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.4%
48% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time17.3 min
Drive Alone57.4%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home19.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Clayton is $799,200, 184% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $851,489. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,648 (42% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 6,331 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$799,200
184% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$851,489
Median List Price$465,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$465,000
$/Sq Ft$345
Homes Sold12
Sale-to-List Ratio97.9%
Price Drops25.8%
Inventory31

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,648
42% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,650
Rent Burden24.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied54.7%
Housing Units6,331
Median Year Built1950

Property Tax

In Clayton, 26.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 9.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 19.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.6% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.4%
18% below US avg
Diabetes7.6%
Heart Disease4.2%
High Blood Pressure28.3%
Asthma9.6%
COPD4.1%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke2.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking9.7%
31% below US avg
Binge Drinking18.8%
Physical Inactivity19.0%
Depression22.6%
Mental Distress14.8%
Physical Distress9.7%
Short Sleep30.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate98.2%
Uninsured5.4%
37% below US avg
Checkup Rate76.9%
Dental Visits71.5%

Food & Exercise

Clayton has a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 63.0 per 100,000, robbery at 25.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,670 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,147, burglary at 454, vehicle theft at 69 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Clayton receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Clayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent88.2/100K
77% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery25.2/100K
Assault63.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property1,669.7/100K
15% below US avg
Burglary453.7/100K
Theft1,146.8/100K
Vehicle Theft69.3/100K
Arson12.6/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Clayton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 597 feet.

Temperature

38°F Jan (3°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average58.2°F
8% above US avg
January Average38°F (3°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation597 ft (182 m)
Area2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²)
Population Density6,885/sq mi
Coordinates38.6426°N, 90.3237°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 38°F (3°C) 2.0 in Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 2.2 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.5 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 66°F (19°C) 4.1 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 3.6 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.7 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.2 in
September 70°F (21°C) 3.3 in
October 58°F (15°C) 2.8 in
November 46°F (8°C) 3.5 in
December 34°F (1°C) 3.0 in Coldest

Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").

83.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 149% above the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 47.4% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 96.4% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 18 EV charging stations. 57.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+83.8%
149% above US avg
High School+96.9%
Graduate Degree+47.4%
School Test Score5.51
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density6,885/sq mi
Total Area2.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access96.4%
EV Charging Stations18
Alt Fuel Stations18

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute17.3 min
Drive Alone57.4%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home19.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton

What is the population of Clayton?

Clayton has a population of 17,282 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 6,885 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.

Is Clayton expensive to live in?

Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $128,898, 72% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $799,200 (184% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,648 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Clayton safe?

Clayton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. 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 1.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 19.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Clayton?

The median home value in Clayton is $799,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $851,489. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,648. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Clayton?

Schools in Clayton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 83.8% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 47.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Clayton?

The obesity rate in Clayton is 26.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.7% of adults are smokers. 19.0% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate).

What is transportation like in Clayton?

The average commute in Clayton is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2% use public transit, and 19.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Clayton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clayton is 69.2% White, 8.9% Black or African American. 85.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Richmond Heights, MO 9,179 pop · 1.0 mi University City, MO 34,655 pop · 1.2 mi Maplewood, MO 8,154 pop · 2.1 mi Brentwood, MO 8,151 pop · 2.2 mi Pagedale, MO 2,547 pop · 2.4 mi Hanley Hills, MO 1,727 pop · 3.0 mi Wellston, MO 1,690 pop · 3.0 mi Ladue, MO 8,948 pop · 3.1 mi Olivette, MO 8,539 pop · 3.2 mi Vinita Park, MO 1,978 pop · 3.4 mi Shrewsbury, MO 6,328 pop · 3.7 mi Rock Hill, MO 4,708 pop · 3.8 mi Velda City, MO 1,231 pop · 3.9 mi Webster Groves, MO 23,771 pop · 3.9 mi
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