Clayton, NC

Average · 103

North Carolina · Population 28,043 · Updated March 2026

$1,542
Median Rent / Month
$73,348
Median Income
$292,400
Median Home Value
$1,547
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Clayton

25.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$18,504
Annual Rent
$3,301
State Income Tax
$2,339
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Clayton has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 103 (where 100 equals the national median), Clayton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,542/month while earning a median household income of $73,348/year.

The median home value in Clayton, NC is $292,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,547 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.2%, Clayton falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Clayton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Clayton

What is the cost of living in Clayton, NC?
The cost of living index in Clayton, NC is 103 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,542, median household income is $73,348/year, and the median home value is $292,400.
Is Clayton, NC affordable?
No, Clayton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 103. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Clayton, NC?
The median gross rent in Clayton, NC is $1,542 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $18,504.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NC is $73,348 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.