What to know when moving to Clayton, NC
Clayton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 29% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 23.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $84,545, which supports a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% of commuters use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,430 in monthly rent for a typical apartment.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Clayton is home to about 48,662 residents, characterized by a mix of homeowners and renters. With a 6.8% poverty rate, it reflects a relatively stable economic environment. The area is largely residential, with a median home value around $282,200. The weather includes around 102 rainy days a year, so be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transit system, as the commute by public transit is virtually nonexistent.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,430, and the median owner-occupied home value is $282,200, indicating a stable housing market.
- 29% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, suggesting a relatively low level of economic hardship.
- Only 23.7% of residents are renters, pointing to a higher proportion of homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Carolina, the crime rate shows some encouraging trends. The violent crime rate is 321 per 100,000, slightly lower than the national average of 325.3, reflecting a decrease of 21.5% from 2022. Similarly, property crime stands at 1,780.6 per 100,000, which is 15.1% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9 but has decreased by 15.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 321 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,780.6 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 21.5% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Clayton has access to a total of 6 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding region, with 5 of these offering College Scorecard data.
- Johnston Community College in nearby Smithfield
- Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh
- Shaw University in Raleigh
- University of North Carolina System in Raleigh
- William Peace University in Raleigh
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Clayton experiences about 42 inches of precipitation annually, with 102 rainy days each year. The climate is generally mild, with only about 0.6 inches of snowfall per year.
- Marbles Kids Museum - 4.8 stars (7,372 reviews)
- Lake Benson Park - 4.7 stars (1,779 reviews)
- White Deer Park Nature Center - 4.8 stars (1,018 reviews)
- Neuse River Trail - 4.7 stars (576 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.