Last Updated on: 7th February 2025, 10:01 am
Searching for an affluent area with easy access to St. Louis? Maybe you should think about moving to Clayton. Living in Clayton, MO, offers a safe suburban community with a blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm. Residents enjoy proximity to landmarks like the Saint Louis Zoo and Washington University, a vibrant downtown with fine dining and boutique shops, and top-rated schools such as Clayton High School.
Initially organized as a sparse and backwater settlement around the then equally sparse St. Louis, the area was named for Ralph Clayton in 1877 and experienced bursts of growth during the Baby Boom, which is why many prominent examples of mid-century modernist architecture still stand around the community. This centrally located community has loads to offer for the cultured individual if you’re wondering what living in Clayton MO is really like!
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Is Clayton a Good Place to Live?
Living in Clayton MO offers an urban lifestyle with numerous benefits, making it an excellent place to live. The city boasts a prime location near top attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo, the Gateway Arch, and Washington University. Its highly rated schools, including Clayton High School, ranked 3rd in Missouri by US News, make it a draw for families. Clayton is also known for its safety, with a crime rate significantly lower than state and national averages.
Residents living in Clayton MO enjoy its walkable neighborhoods, where boutiques, galleries, and restaurants are easily accessible. The city features a mix of architectural styles, beautiful homes, and abundant parks. From award-winning dining to recreational activities, Clayton combines modern convenience with a vibrant community atmosphere.
Where Is Clayton? | What County Is Clayton In?
Before hiring Clayton MO movers it helps to get a sense of the city’s location. Bordering St. Louis on the west and located in St. Louis County is the beautiful city of Clayton, which is ironically the seat of the county rather than St. Louis itself.
Highway I-170 passes through the western portion of Clayton, offering easy access to different parts of the state for residents living in Clayton MO. St. Louis and Forest Park border the eastern edge of Clayton. Other areas nearby include Richmond Heights, Brentwood, Ladue, Olivette and University City. A dedicated Clayton moving company can help you relocate to Clayton from any of these nearby communities.
It’s about 8 miles from Clayton MO to St. Louis MO.
Clayton Population & Demographics | Is Clayton Diverse?
As of the 2020 census, the Clayton MO population is 17,335 residents. More and more people are experiencing the benefits of living in Clayton MO, and the population increased by 8.8% between 2010 and 2020. It has a relatively dense, urban atmosphere with a population density of 6,865 residents per square mile.
It’s a young area full of wealthy families. The median age here is 27.6, which is substantially lower than the Missouri average of 38.6. The median household income in Clayton is $125,829, which is almost double the median in Missouri, which is $65,920.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in Clayton MO is 69.2% white (67% white, non-Hispanic), 12.7% Asian, 8.9% Black or African American, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.8% two or more races.
Other Clayton Demographics
- The Clayton population is 51% female and 49% male
- It’s a well-educated community and 96.9% of residents living in Clayton MO have a high school diploma, while 80.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 11.1%
Dwelling upon whether or not you should move to this community, but is Clayton safe? Clayton’s crime rate is 1,466 per 100,000 residents and with a total crime rate 48% lower than the Missouri crime rate, and 37% lower than the national average, Clayton is among the safest places to live in St. Louis! The violent crime rate is 81% lower than the national average, while property crime is 27% lower than the national average. So if crime is an issue for you, moving to Clayton is a great option.
The city of Clayton is served by the Clayton Police Department, which employs 47 officers and 9 civilians.
What Is the Cost of Living in Clayton, MO?
It should be of little surprise that as an affluent area, the cost of living in Clayton MO is higher than the national average. A good way to examine how much it costs to live in a place compared to the rest of the country is to look at the cost of living index.
The COLI for the St. Louis area is 88.9, indicating that it’s about 11% less expensive than the national average. However, the high cost of Clayton real estate makes the overall cost of living a bit higher. The Family Budget calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to earn about $107,394 to afford the cost of living in St. Louis County.
Everyday Expenses of Living in Clayton MO
Seeing the prices of typical expenses related to living in Clayton MO is a good way to understand how hard it will be for you to live there.
- Gallon of milk – $3.49
- Loaf of bread – $2.40
- Gallon of gasoline – $3.08
- Basic utilities per month – $225.66
- Internet per month – $64.09
Source: Numbeo
*Numbers reflect the general St. Louis area but will be similar for those living in Clayton MO
The median price of homes for sale in Clayton MO is $488,500, which is 85% higher than the rest of Missouri. The median price per square foot of Clayton MO homes for sale is $282.
Renters moving to Clayton will also find plenty of options. Rentcafe shows that the average price of apartments for rent in Clayton MO is $2,293. About 54% of Clayton MO real estate is rented out, while 46% is owner-occupied. So, you’ll find plenty of apartments in downtown Clayton and other parts of the community. Rent prices start around $1,000 for a 1 bedroom and go up to $3,000 for two or more bedrooms.
Best Neighborhoods & Places to Live in Clayton, MO
Despite being a relatively small community, the affluent nature of Clayton means it has plenty of interesting sub-communities with unique features. From sprawling estates to affordable condos in Clayton, MO, homeowners will find a range of options. See a few of these excellent neighborhoods below:
The Moorlands | An Up and Coming Neighborhood with a Range of Housing Options
The Moorlands is an up-and-coming neighborhood offering an interesting mix of real estate options, including lofts, condos, co-ops, and single family homes, making it popular among young professionals living in Clayton MO.
Clayton Gardens | An Upscale Neighborhood with Luxury Estates
Clayton Gardens is an upscale Clayton neighborhood in the heart of the city that offers multi-million dollar homes on tree-lined streets.
Old Town Clayton | A Historic Neighborhood with Easy Access to Amenities
Situated just north of downtown Clayton, Old Town is a charming area full of historic homes on the national register of historic places that are within walking distance from some of the area’s best shopping and dining options.
For the most part, your choice of neighborhood will be dictated by what you want to be closest to. The downtown area is where most of the exciting stuff happens and where many of the best restaurants are. Other neighborhoods include Old Town, Tanglewood, and a portion of Washington University. The Brentmoor and Forest Ridge neighborhoods are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Clayton Missouri Weather & Climate
Missouri is in the deep South, especially around St. Louis, so be prepared for humidity and rain, but also some snow during the winter. Clayton has a continental climate, according to the Koppen Classification System.
You can expect lows of 25°F during the winter months and highs of 89°F the summer months. Clayton gets more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 43 inches per year as compared to 38. Meanwhile, Clayton experiences less snowfall than the national average of 28 inches, with only 16 inches annually. The best times to experience great weather in Clayton MO are May and September.
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Things to Do in Clayton | What to Do in Clayton
When you’re dealing with a community as culturally refined as Clayton, you can be assured that there’s plenty to do and see! Check out great Clayton Missouri shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, and more at local retail outlets like the St. Louis Galleria, Clayton Village Shopping Center, and Clayprice Shopping Center. You should also check out some of the best things to do in Clayton, MO below.
Shaw Park
The oldest and largest park in the city of Clayton, Shaw Park’s charm needs to be seen to be believed. A perfect place to spend a day outdoors, and it has plenty of great play areas for the young ones, and it’s centrally located near downtown Clayton!
27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105, (314) 290-8500
Hanley House
While plenty of fantastic museums exist very close to Clayton, Hanley House is the only one that can boast a location inside Clayton itself. A home built in 1855, it now hosts period furniture and exhibits on what life was like during the city’s peak.
7600 Westmoreland Ave, Clayton, MO 63105, (314) 290-8553
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St. Louis Zoo
Located in the nearby Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo is a free 90-acre zoo with an interesting selection of animals, including penguins, bears and elephants, making it one of the best things to do in Clayton MO with kids.
1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 781-0900
Additional Clayton Attractions:
The community of Clayton is primarily served by the Clayton Parks and Recreation Department, which maintains all the outdoor spaces and sites in the Clayton area. See all of this community’s most interesting parks at the Clayton Parks System site if you’re in search of more fun things to do in Clayton.
Clayton Restaurants | What Are the Best Places to Eat in Clayton?
Alongside its host of things to do, residents living in Clayton MO will have access to delicious restaurants! Check out some of the best restaurants in Clayton below:
Pastaria
What good would any city be without an excellent Italian place? Lucky for those moving to Clayton, that’s just what Pastaria is! Enjoy Italian food in a modern trattoria with an open kitchen at one of the best Italian restaurants in Clayton, MO.
7734 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105, (314) 862-6603
Sauce on the Side
Sauce on the Side is precisely the sort of hip and aesthetically unique restaurant that keeps people coming to Clayton. A local Missouri and Indiana chain, this joint specializes in delicious calzones.
7810 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105, (314) 833-5426
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Wright’s Tavern
Wright’s Tavern is one of the best restaurants in Clayton if you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, and cocktails served in an elegant atmosphere.
7624 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 390-1466
Clayton Schools & Colleges
Any students living in Clayton MO will have access to fantastic schools. Clayton is served by the Clayton Public School District, which has 80% of its schools rated as “Above Average” by Greatschools. Some of the best schools in the Clayton School District include Glenridge Elementary School, Wydown Middle School, and Clayton High School.
Clayton High School is a perfect example of quality Missouri education. It’s not only the best high school in Clayton, it also ranks 3rd in the state and 403rd in the nation, with a 99% graduation rate and 68% AP participation rate. It’s also home to several institutions of higher learning, including Washington University, Fontbonne University, and Concordia Seminary. Notable private schools in Clayton MO include St. Michael School of Clayton, the Wilson School, and Central Christian School.
Clayton’s schools are excellent, and your child’s education will be the least of your worries here!
Students and others living in Clayton MO are served by the Mid-County branch of the St. Louis Public Library system.
Jobs in Clayton
Looking for the best jobs in Clayton, MO? Those planning on making a living in Clayton MO will have opportunities in many fields. The most popular positions of employment are Data Analyst, Project Manager, and Information Technology Manager.
The most popular employers in Clayton are:
- Centene Corporation
- St. Louis County
- Washington University
- Barry-Wehmiller
- Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
According to Payscale, the average salary for Clayton residents is $66k a year.
If you’re planning on living in Clayton MO, working in high-paying industries like tech or finance is your best bet. From optometrist to customer service agent, you’ll find a great selection of good Clayton jobs.
Map of Clayton, MO
Explore a large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more while living in Clayton MO with this map!
Clayton, MO Statistics & Information
- County: St. Louis County
- Clayton area: 2.5 square miles
- Clayton zip code: 63105
- Clayton area code: 314
- Clayton elevation: 564
- Clayton time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Clayton: The St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is 15 miles away.
Pros & Cons of Living in Clayton, MO
- Living in Clayton MO Pro: Crime-free community
- Living in Clayton MO Pro: Highly cultured and heavy in the arts
- Living in Clayton MO Pro: Plenty of fantastic restaurants
- Living in Clayton MO Pro: Unique people and sense of community
- Living in Clayton MO Con: Rather pricey for Missouri
Ready to See What Living in Clayton MO is Really Like?
Seen all that Living in Clayton MO has to offer, and want to move there? Give Federal Companies a call at (800) 747-4100! Our Clayton moving team is sure to make your relocation an exponentially easier process! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
