Clayton is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States, and is considered a satellite town of Raleigh. As of 2020, Clayton's population was 26,307, up from 16,116 at the 2010 census. By 2024 the town's estimated population was 30,621. Much of that growth can be attributed to the town's proximity to the Research Triangle area and access to major highways such as I-40 and US 70.

Geography

Clayton is in western Johnston County, with small portions extending into Wake County. In 2006, construction began on the Highway 70 Clayton Bypass, a 10.5 mi stretch from Interstate 40 along the southern portion of Clayton to Highway 70 business southeast of town. It was completed in June 2008. US 70 leads southeast 13 mi to Interstate 95 at Smithfield. Downtown Raleigh is 16 mi northwest of Clayton via US 70 Business and Interstate 40. Many local unincorporated communities outside of the town limits use Clayton mailing addresses, including Cleveland, Powhatan, and Flowers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the 2010 census the town had an area of 35.05 sqkm, of which 34.99 sqkm were land and 0.06 sqkm, or 0.16%, were water. The town is part of the Neuse River watershed. The town limits now extend northeast to the Neuse River and beyond. Town Hall is located at 111 East Second Street and is shared with The Clayton Center, a performing arts and conference center.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Clayton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Clayton was 107 F on August 18, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was -10 F on January 21, 1985.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 26,307 residents living within the Town of Clayton. There were 9,579 households (62% Increase), with an average of 3.04 persons per household.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 16,116 residents living within the Town of Clayton. There were 5,944 households, with an average of 2.57 persons per household. The population density was 1,192.8 PD/sqmi with an inventory of 6,648 housing units at an average density of 492 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 69.5% White, 21.8% African American, 10.7% Hispanic or Latino 0.4% American Indian, 1.4% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander. Of the 5,944 households in the 2010 census, 44% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30% were non-families. 25.4% of non-family households were made up of householders living alone. 16.3% of households had individuals 65 years of age or older. The age demographics of the 2010 census determined that 32.9% were under the age of 19, 4.9% were aged 20 to 24, 32.8% aged 25 to 44, 20.8% aged 45 to 64, and 8.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.9 years. Females made up 52.5% of the population while males made up 47.5% of the population. The median income for a household in the town was $53,101, and the median income for a family was $64,856. Males had a median income of $46,108 versus $40,839 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,234. These figures put Town of Clayton well ahead of the North Carolina averages for the same categories.

Arts and culture

Sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places include:

Parks and recreation

Bailey and Sarah William Preserve has seven miles of multi-use trails for walking and biking. Clayton Community Center is a 32,000 sq. ft. facility that has a 1/16th mile indoor track, a fitness center, large gymnasium, an art and potter classroom. It also includes a garden with a greenhouse! Clayton Community Park is a 42-arce park, which offers a variety of activities including a 1/2 mile paved trail, three baseball fields, volleyball courts, picnic shelter, unpaved wetlands, and two playground areas. East Clayton Community Park features soccer and baseball fields, a disc golf course, picnic areas, a walking trail, and a playground. Clayton also has the Clayton Municipal Park, Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, Clemmons Educational State Forest, Donald "Clyde" Sinclair Park, the East Clayton Community Park, the East Clayton Dog Park, Harmony Playground, Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals, the Pine Hollow Golf Club, the Riverwood Golf & Athletic Club, the Sam's Branch Greenway Trail, the Neuse Country Club, and the Triangle Adventures.

Government

Town Council

Education

Notable people