Clayton town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Clayton town, North Carolina has a total population of 28,043, the 38th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $73,348, which is 5% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Clayton town Quick Facts
How Clayton town Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Clayton town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Johnston County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithfield town | 11,798 | $37,827 | 31.4% | $217,000 |
| Selma town | 6,611 | $37,440 | 27.1% | $161,100 |
| Pine Level town | 2,072 | $72,663 | 7.4% | $228,000 |
| Micro town | 788 | $51,094 | 21.9% | $212,500 |
Cities Similar to Clayton town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kernersville town | 27,439 | $69,923 | $264,000 | 36.2% | 11.5% |
| Thomasville city | 27,261 | $58,246 | $163,200 | 15.6% | 18.4% |
| Leland town | 26,307 | $88,576 | $358,800 | 39.0% | 5.8% |
| Garner town | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | 45.8% | 7.3% |
| Statesville city | 29,161 | $55,492 | $226,100 | 27.0% | 16.4% |
Population Overview
Clayton town is a mid-sized community located in North Carolina, within Johnston County. The total population is 28,043. It ranks as the 38th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Clayton town is 32.7 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 39.1 years. With 28.1% of the population under 18, Clayton town has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Clayton town is $73,348. This is 5% higher than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 7% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%. This is 39% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 59% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $292,400. Housing costs are 13% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 64.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Clayton town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 54.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 27.0%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.
Education
35.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Clayton town, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Clayton town, North Carolina?
Clayton town, North Carolina has a population of 28,043 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Clayton town, NC?
The median household income in Clayton town is $73,348, which is 7% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton town, NC?
The poverty rate in Clayton town is 8.1%. This means approximately 2,236 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Clayton town, North Carolina?
Clayton town's population is 54.2% White, 27.0% Black, 13.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Clayton town, NC?
The median home value in Clayton town is $292,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
How educated is Clayton town, North Carolina?
35.6% of adults (25+) in Clayton town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.