Median Income
$49,306
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$793
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
31% higher than US avg
How Clayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population343
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density107/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,306
Per Capita$28,539
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty16.3%
County GDP$2,185M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,300
Rent$793
Ownership63.1%
Zillow$264,529
Housing Units168
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property1,160/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.2%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,219 ft (372 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clayton receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Clayton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clayton is $49,306, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clayton is $122,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Clayton is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Clayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Clayton has a population of 343 with a density of 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 7.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% 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 $49,306, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,539 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,311 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,306 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,539 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,536 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,311 |
| County GDP | $2,185M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Clayton is $122,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,529, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $793 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $5,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $264,529 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $793 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.9% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.66% |
In Clayton, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262. The dentist ratio is 1:1,693. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,262 |
| Dentists | 1:1,693 |
| Mental Health | 1:462 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Clayton has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 175.8/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,160.3/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°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 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,219 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 107/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3275°N, 92.1645°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
334 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 49 fatalities, 651 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
49 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
94 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Clayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of 343 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Clayton expensive to live in?
Clayton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,306, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clayton safe?
Clayton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Clayton?
The job market in Clayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 1,311 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $122,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,529. For renters, the median monthly rent is $793. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,702.
How are the schools in Clayton?
Schools in Clayton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Clayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clayton?
The obesity rate in Clayton is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262.
What is transportation like in Clayton?
The average commute in Clayton is 25 minutes. 87.3% 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 91.5% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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