Median Income
$57,125
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,900
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
546/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.3%
8% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,057
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,669
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density1,043/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans18.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,125
Per Capita$45,744
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$8,276M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,900
Rent$1,057
Ownership47.1%
Zillow$306,528
Housing Units1,263
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent546/100K
Property4,627/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking12.4%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation268 ft (82 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.3%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+15.1%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute23 min
Broadband92.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries25
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. 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 $57,125, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clayton is $192,900, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Clayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Clayton has a population of 1,669 with a density of 1,043 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 18.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Clayton is $57,125, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,744 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,950 business establishments, including 307 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,125 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,744 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,822 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,950 |
| County GDP | $8,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 307 |
| Healthcare | 257 |
| Retail | 442 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Clayton is $192,900, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,528, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,057 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,263 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $6,803 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,900 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $306,528 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,057 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,263 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Clayton, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,070. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,070 |
| Mental Health | 1:403 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 257 |
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 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 | 546.3/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,627.1/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 268 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 268 ft (82 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,043/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2375°N, 76.0827°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
60 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| May 8, 2009 |
9 km E of Constance Bay, Canada |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Feb 24, 2002 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Oct 12, 1997 |
7 km SSW of Fort Covington Hamlet, New York |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 10, 1997 |
8 km WNW of Cornwall, Canada |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
118 km |
| Mar 21, 2018 |
9 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1983 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1969 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1960 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1959 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1958 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2024 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2016 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2010 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2003 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and March 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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 1,669 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,043 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,125, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,900 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clayton safe?
The violent crime rate in Clayton is 546 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 4,627 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Clayton?
The job market in Clayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 2,950 business establishments in the area, including 307 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $192,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,528. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,057. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,803.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.3% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 15.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clayton is 95.3% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 18.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
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