Experience Clayton, North Carolina
Lifestyle, Community, and Growth
Clayton, North Carolina, sits roughly 15 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh, where Johnston County meets the outward edge of the Triangle region. Its evolution has been guided less by rapid expansion than by phased development that reinforces a clear town center and an increasingly connected public realm. A compact downtown, cultural venues, and an expanding system of parks and trails shape everyday life, while Raleigh remains close enough to keep work and regional access simple without the town feeling crowded or overbuilt.
Clayton distinguishes itself through an active civic calendar and a downtown that functions as a steady point of continuity as the town grows. Dining, arts, and public gatherings are integrated into everyday routines rather than positioned as occasional attractions. Supported by institutions such as The Clayton Center, local festivals, outdoor markets, and regular performances create shared experiences throughout the year. Public schools, outdoor access along the Neuse River corridor, and neighborhood-scale amenities play a central role in how residents structure everyday life. Clayton often resonates with those seeking a place to settle with confidence. Clayton continues to expand while maintaining a lived-in, grounded character—one that feels stable, engaged, and well situated within North Carolina’s evolving Triangle region.
At The Real Estate Studio, we bring a high-touch, locally informed perspective to every community we serve. This Clayton guide combines our neighborhood expertise with key local data to provide a clear view of how the city lives today and how it continues to evolve—helping you make informed decisions about your next move.
A Neighborhood Snapshot of Clayton, NC
Neighborhood Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at Clayton's population, age, income, and density—the basics you’ll want to know as you explore the area. Clayton represents approximately 2% of Johnston County's total population.
- Same house a year ago 84.6%†
- From same county 4.7%†
- From different county 6.1%†
- From different state 2.9%†
- From abroad 0.71%†
A Demographic Overview of Clayton, NC
Key Housing & Workforce Data
This section provides a demographic overview of Clayton, North Carolina, based on publicly available census data. It summarizes housing characteristics, employment patterns, commuting metrics, and key education data points—offering a standardized, data-driven snapshot for reference and comparison.
Housing Snapshot
Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units
Employment & Commute
- Drove Alone 76.1%
- Carpooled 8.1%
- Public Transit 0.00%
- Bicycle 0.00%
- Walked 0.33%
- Other 0.8%
- Worked at home 14.6%
Education
- Preschool 5.6%
- Kindergarten 1.4%
- Elementary & Middle School 47.9%
- High School 33.5%
- College or Graduate School 11.6%
- No Degree 5.3%
- High School 25.3%
- Some College 20.4%
- Bachelor's 23.8%
- Post-Grad 11.7%