Clayton County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Georgia
The population of Clayton County, Georgia is 298,771 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $58,507, the median home value is $194,500, and the median age is 33.3.
The population of Clayton County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (259,899 → 297,703), a +0.97% annualized rate.
298,771
Population
+0.97%
Annual growth
2108
People / sq mi
$58,507
Median Income
$194,500
Median Home Value
Clayton County covers 142 sq mi of land at 2108.4 people per square mile.
About Clayton County, GA
What distinguishes Clayton County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 2,108 people per square mile. Clayton County is a county in Georgia with a population of 298,771. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Georgia in the country, at #5 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,507 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.3% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $194,500, with typical rent around $1,307.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Clayton County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Clayton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clayton County had a population of 259,899 in 2010 and 297,703 in 2024, a 14.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 299,440 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.98%.
297,703
Population (2024)
259,899
Population (2010)
299,440
Peak (2020)
0.98%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 259,899 |
| 2011 | 262,081 |
| 2012 | 265,371 |
| 2013 | 264,133 |
| 2014 | 266,757 |
| 2015 | 272,874 |
| 2016 | 279,346 |
| 2017 | 284,175 |
| 2018 | 289,229 |
| 2019 | 292,404 |
| 2020 | 299,440 |
| 2021 | 299,234 |
| 2022 | 298,862 |
| 2023 | 299,380 |
| 2024 | 297,703 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 11.5% |
| Black or African American | 69.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.3
Median Age
53.0%
Female
47.0%
Male
10.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.5% · Seniors (65+): 10.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,507$-16,157 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,004 |
| Per-capita income | $26,826 |
| Poverty rate | 13.3%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clayton County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.2% of workers.
How residents commute
3.2%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
71.3%
Public transit
9.0%
Work from home
32.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$194,500$-78,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,307
Median rent
53.2%
Homeownership rate
114,818
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
46.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
82.3%
With health insurance
95.7%
With broadband internet
32.8%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.3%
With a disability
78.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.8%
High School+
21.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Georgia
Other counties in Georgia
Part of Georgia
Metro areas in Georgia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clayton County, Georgia has a population of 298,771 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 2108 people per square mile.
The population of Clayton County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (259,899 → 297,703), a +0.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clayton County, Georgia is $58,507, with mean (average) household income of $74,004 and per-capita income of $26,826. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clayton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (69.8%), White (11.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clayton County, Georgia is 33.3 years. Residents are 53.0% female and 47.0% male.
The median home value in Clayton County is $194,500 and median monthly rent is $1,307. 53.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 114,818 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clayton County, Georgia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Clayton County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
Clayton County, GA Climate
Clayton County, GA has an average annual temperature of 16.6°C (62°F) and receives about 1280 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.6°C
Avg Temp
1280
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 125 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 120 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 141 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 101 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 95 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 125 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 97 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 91 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 80 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 96 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 105 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Clayton County, GA
The most comfortable months to visit Clayton County, GA are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clayton County
Visiting or relocating to Clayton County, GA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Clayton County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Clayton County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Clayton County, GA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Georgia
Population 1,068,507
Population 966,972
Population 769,152
Population 762,105
Full rankings of Georgia counties
Statewide data for Georgia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Georgia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.