Clayton is the fastest-growing town in Johnston County. In 2000, the town’s population was listed as 8,126, but a 2005 estimate counted 12,943 residents. Located on the county’s western edge, Clayton is home to top-performing schools, subdivisions offering a range of housing options, and a mix of commercial businesses and industry. Major employers include pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Talecris, and Caterpillar. Plentiful shopping can be found in the town’s historic downtown, as well as along the town’s major thoroughfare, U.S. 70.
U.S. Census Bureau industry data shows that more than 700 companies do business in Clayton and employ almost 7,700 people.

What are the local attractions?

Since it opened in 2003, The Clayton Center has become one of the area’s premier performing arts venues. A variety of smaller venues in town host musical performances and showcase artists.
The Clayton Downtown Development Association puts on a number of “Concert on the Square” performances every summer. The town’s annual Harvest Festival, held the second week in September, boasts rides, vendors, concerts and other attractions.

Newcomers should call or visit Town Hall, at 111 E. Second Street, for information about utilities and town services. The phone number at Town Hall is (919) 553-5002.
The Clayton Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation packet, which can be picked up at the Chamber office, at 301 E. Main Street or by mail. Please call the Chamber at 553-6352 for more information.

One high school, two middle schools and five elementary schools serve students who live inside city limits. A new elementary school on Vinson Road, on the eastern side of town, will open with the 2008-09 school year.

What's the history?

Clayton was originally known as Stallings Station, after a railroad stop there. In 1856, the town's name was changed to Clayton, and it was was chartered in April 1869. Clayton High School has been at the center of town life for more than a century. Go here to learn more about the town's history.

Who runs the town?

Clayton is governed by a mayor and five council members, who are elected at-large. The mayor and council serve four-year terms, and elections are held in odd-numbered years and staggered every two years. Clayton has a town manager who oversees departments and carries out the council’s actions.
The council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of every month in chambers at Town Hall.

Who lives here?

The median age in Clayton was 32.8 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 71.6 percent white, 20 percent black, and .9 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 10.1 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 23.4 percent of the population over 25.

What about public safety?

Police services are provided by the Clayton Police Department. Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 1

Rape: 5

Robbery: 16

Aggravated Assault: 18

Burglary: 105

Larcenies: 330

Motor Vehicle Theft: 17