Have you always dreamed of living in a peaceful small town with good schools and friendly neighbors? Then you’ll love living in Clayton, CA.
A city in Northern California, Clayton offers beautiful views and outdoor recreation. Founded by settlers Joel Henry Clayton and Charles Rhine, the city got its name from the coin toss results, as both co-founders wanted to name it after themselves.
If Charles Rhine had won, it would have been known as Rhinesville. The city prospered during the Contra Costa County coal mining boom in the late 19th century, although it was not officially incorporated until 1964.
These days, Clayton is a good place to live for those who want a peaceful city with a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life compared to the bigger cities nearby. Think this might be the perfect place for you? Here is everything you need to know before moving to Clayton.
Where Is Clayton, CA?
The city of Clayton, California, is in Contra Costa County, about 30 miles from the East Bay Area. It sits at the foot of Mount Diablo, in between the Lime Ridge Open Space and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, which is perfect for nature lovers living in Clayton, CA.
It’s situated near the intersection of Kirker Pass Road and Clayton Road, which provide access to major highways such as California State Route 4 and I-680. The nearest BART station to Clayton is in the adjacent Concord community. Nearby communities include Walnut Creek, North Gate, Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Nortonville.
It’s 25 miles or a 40-minute drive from Clayton, California, to Oakland, California, although it’s 34 miles or a 57-minute drive from Clayton, California, to San Francisco, California. So living in Clayton CA offers easy access to larger cities.
Clayton Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Clayton population is 11,070. The population has remained relatively consistent over the years, and the number of residents living in Clayton, CA only went up by 1.5% between 2010 and 2020. With a limited number of people moving to Clayton, it has maintained a spacious suburban atmosphere with 2854 residents per square mile.
It’s a fairly diverse, affluent community with many families living in Clayton CA. For example, 23% of residents living in Clayton CA are under 18, and 74% of households are married couples. The median household income is $174,226, which is 78% higher than the rest of California.
The majority of residents are caucasian, and the Clayton, CA population is 70.1% white (66.3% white, non-Hispanic). However, 13.4% are Hispanic or Latino, and 12.2% are Asian. Meanwhile, 0.4% are Black or African American, and 13.9% are two or more races.
Other Clayton CA Demographics
- The population of Clayton, CA is 50% male and 50% female
- The median age is 44.3 years old
- 98.5% of people living in Clayton CA have a high school diploma, and 58.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 14.2%
Living in Clayton CA is safe compared to the rest of the US and California. The total crime rate is only 772 crimes per 100,000 people, 72.8% lower than the California crime rate and 66.8% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 72.4% lower than the statewide average and 62.7% lower than the national average. The property crime rate is also 72.9% lower than the rest of the state and 67.6% lower than the rest of the country. So, if crime is a concern, moving to Clayton is the perfect option.
The City of Clayton Police Department handles crime and law enforcement in the community with the support of 11 officers and 2 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Clayton CA
Its location in Northern California means the cost of living in Clayton CA is higher than the national average. However, the city offers a lot for those with a budget.
A good way to analyze the cost of living in Clayton CA in an area is to check the cost of living index (COLI). It compares the cost of typical consumer goods in an area to the rest of the US, with 100 representing the national average. The COLI for the Oakland area is 138.8, meaning the cost of living in Clayton is about 38.8% more expensive than in the typical US city.
The Family Budget Calculator the Economic Policy Institute created is also a good resource for analyzing the cost of living in Clayton CA. It shows that the typical family of four with two kids and two adults needs to earn around $184,113 to afford to live comfortably in Contra Costa County.
Typical Expenses of living in Clayton CA.
- A gallon of milk: $5.44
- Loaf of bread: $4.61
- Hamburger: $6.44
- Bunch of bananas: $0.84
- Carton of eggs: $4.03
- A gallon of gas: $4.66
- Visit to the doctor: $170.94
- Average Clayton monthly energy bill: $290.50
Source: Numbeo
Clayton real estate can be pretty expensive, which is a significant part of the higher cost of living. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in Clayton, CA, is $893,000. That makes Clayton California homes 113% more expensive than the rest of the US, although it’s only about 14% more expensive than the rest of the California real estate market. The median price per square foot of houses in Clayton, CA, is $452.
Most residents living in Clayton CA own a home. Only 10% of properties are apartments or homes for rent in Clayton CA. Although rental data is not available for Clayton, Rentcafe indicates the average rent in the adjacent city of Concord is $2326. Rent prices in the area start around $1800 for a 1 bedroom and go up to $3500 for four or more bedrooms. So any renters living in Clayton CA will find options in a variety of price ranges.
Clayton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Clayton
Clayton is full of fantastic neighborhoods offering spacious homes and breathtaking views. While most areas offer something unique, some communities are more coveted than others. Here are a few places to check out if you’re thinking about moving to Clayton.
Dana Hills | A Well-Established Neighborhood With Beautiful Homes and Park Views
Built in the 1970s, Dana Hills is a peaceful neighborhood popular among families living in Clayton CA that features competitively priced, mid-sized homes and its own community park of the same name.
Oakhurst | A Conveniently Located Neighborhood With a Variety of Housing Options
Located near the popular Oakhurst Country Club, the Oakhurst neighborhood is just north of downtown Clayton, with established homes and new developments ranging in price from $440,000 to $1.4 million. Perfect for golfers living in Clayton CA.
Clayton Estates | A Sophisticated Community With a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Known for its clean, peaceful atmosphere, Clayton Estates is a fantastic community boasting a family-friendly atmosphere and upscale Clayton, CA real estate starting around $700,000.
Clayton CA Weather & Climate
The weather in Clayton, CA, is relatively mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and hot, dry summers.
The temperature in Clayton, CA, typically ranges from 38°F to 83°F, although in the winter, it can get as cold as 29°F, and summers can get up to 94°F. You’ll typically want to visit someone living in Clayton CA from June to September.
You won’t have to worry about snow if you plan on moving to Clayton. Although it does get about 19 inches of rain per year, so you may want to bring an umbrella. The area is also prone to wildfires, so make sure to prepare accordingly if you plan on living in Clayton.
Things to Do in Clayton
You’ll find a wide range of activities, attractions, and events in Clayton, CA. One notable event is the City of Clayton CA’s Concerts in the Grove, a free summer concert series that takes place in Grove Park. You’ll find a few stores and boutiques in downtown Clayton, CA, including Chick Boss and Renaissance Fabrics. The Clayton Valley Shopping Center in Concord also offers a variety of stores and entertainment options accessible to those living in Clayton CA. Other than shopping, here are a few fun things to do in Clayton. Visitors who want a more curated experience can check out Smartours, which offers helpful travel resources, vacation rentals and guides for exploring Clayton and the surrounding Bay Area.
Oakhurst Country Club
One of the main social epicenters for residents living in Clayton CA, the Oakhurst Country Club features a challenging Ron Fream-designed course, two restaurants, lighted tennis courts, a swimming pool, and other upscale amenities.
1001 Peacock Creek Dr, Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 672-9737
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Clayton Valley Bowl
Clayton Valley Bowl is one of the best things to do in Clayton with kids. It features multiple operational lanes, pool tables, arcade games, and an on-site bar.
5300 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521 (925) 689-4631
Diablo State Park
Diablo State Park is one of the best things to do in Clayton if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. It features an observation deck, hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and much more. Great for outdoor enthusiasts living in Clayton CA.
157 Regency Dr, Clayton, CA 94517
Additional Clayton Attractions
The Clayton Parks and Facilities Department also has a list of public resources and community spaces if you need more ideas for things to do in Clayton, CA.
Clayton Restaurants
For a small city, there is a fantastic selection of restaurants in Clayton CA, serving everything from upscale American cuisine to Thai fusion. Here are some of the best places to eat in Clayton.
Skyler Bistro
Skyler Bistro is a laid back restaurant in Clayton, CA, serving traditional breakfast and Thai dinners. Its unique menu options include pumpkin curry and crab omelets, making it a great place for people living in Clayton CA, with eclectic tastes.
6101 Center St, Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 844-2016
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Moresi’s Chophouse
Moresi’s Chophouse is a classic Clayton, CA restaurant serving steaks and other upscale American fare, such as Kobe beef burgers and braised short ribs.
6115 Main St, Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 672-1333
Ñ (Enye) Latin Table
Ñ (pronounced Enye) is one of the best restaurants in Clayton CA if you want to sample flavors from all over Latin America. It offers a great assortment of tapas and large plates, as well as cocktails, beer, and wine.
1026 Oak St, Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 672-5555
Jobs in Clayton, CA
Are you looking for Clayton, CA jobs? Living in Clayton, CA, offers great job opportunities. Contra Costa Country’s main industries are health care, education, and technology. Due to Its close proximity to the Bay Area, many people living in Clayton CA work in tech. Although there are also several notable healthcare institutions and top-rated school districts in the area that also offer employment options. In Clayton, most people are employed in management, sales, and office and administrative support roles.
Top employers in Contra Costa Country
- Crash Champions Collision
- John Muir Health Concord Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek
- Chevron Corp
- C&H Sugar
Most employees living in Clayton CA are well compensated. Payscale indicates that the average salary in the Oakland area is $92,000 annually. No matter what your occupation, you can find a variety of high-paying Clayton jobs, such as customer success manager or dance teacher.
Clayton Schools
Families living in Clayton CA will be pleased to know the schools are well respected. Mount Diablo USD is the Clayton School District.
The five schools that serve students in Clayton, CA are:
- Mt. Diablo Elementary School
- Highlands Elementary School
- Diablo View Middle School
- Pine Hollow Middle School
- Clayton Valley Charter High School
While there are no high schools in Clayton, most students attend Clayton Valley Charter in Concord. It’s a well-regarded school and ranks within the top 30% of high schools in California based on test scores. According to US News and World Report, it also boasts a 99% graduation rate and 56% AP participation rate.
Nearby private schools open to students living in Clayton CA include Kings Valley Christian School and Ygnacio Valley Christian School. Residents can also visit the Clayton Branch of the Contra Costa County Library System for books and community events.
Clayton Statistics & Information
- Clayton County: Contra Costa County
- Clayton area: 3.84 square miles
- Clayton zip code: 94571
- Clayton area code: 925
- Clayton elevation: 394 ft
- Clayton time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest airport to Clayton: The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 34 miles away.
Clayton CA Map
Use this map of Clayton to find more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Clayton CA.
Experience Living in Clayton CA for Yourself
Ready to find out what living in Clayton CA is really like? Trust our reliable Clayton movers to make your upcoming relocation easy and efficient. Call (650) 284-2931 today for a free quote.
