Clayton

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Clayton, NC

Area Guide

Raleigh’s artsy, nature-loving satellite town

Outdoors Artistic Commuter Nightlife Dining

Welcome to Clayton, North Carolina, a growing community located just 16 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh. This established town combines historic charm with contemporary living options, from preserved homes in the Clayton Historic District to new rental communities throughout the area. Current rental market data shows average monthly rates ranging from $1,378 for one-bedroom units to $1,836 for three-bedroom homes, with most properties offering generous square footage. The rental market has remained relatively stable, with modest year-over-year increases between 0.9% and 2.1%, making Clayton an appealing option for those interested in living near the Research Triangle.

Clayton's recreational spaces include an extensive network of parks and trails. The Clayton River Walk on the Neuse and the Sam's Branch Greenway Trail provide opportunities for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The 32,000-square-foot Clayton Community Center houses fitness facilities, while East Clayton Community Park offers soccer fields and a disc golf course. The Clayton Center, housed in the historic Clayton Graded School building, serves as a performing arts and conference venue in the heart of town. With convenient access to I-40 and US 70, residents can easily reach the Research Triangle while enjoying Clayton's community atmosphere.

Rent Trends

As of November 2025, the average apartment rent in Clayton, NC is $1,344 for one bedroom, $1,534 for two bedrooms, and $1,823 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Clayton has decreased by -2.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,344/month
802 Sq Ft
House
$1,936/month
1,786 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,647/month
1,283 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Clayton, NC

Transportation

32

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

33

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Riverwood Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

810 Students

River Dell Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

922 Students

Cleveland Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

822 Students

Powhatan Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

616 Students

Cooper Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

444 Students

Clayton Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

573 Students

Riverwood Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

948 Students

Swift Creek Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

750 Students

Cleveland High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,879 Students

Clayton High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,024 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Clayton

Houses for Rent in Clayton

Property Management Companies in Clayton, NC

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.