Clayton

Overview

Clayton is a rural city in northern Johnson County, North Carolina. The city is home to a quaint downtown with a variety of different restaurants and antique shops. Clayton has a strong sense of community and there are plenty of annual concerts, events, and festivals for residents to get involved. 

Climate and Geography

Located just outside of Raleigh, Clayton is a rural city with a tight-knit neighborly feel. Residents of Clayton can expect to see an average of over 200 sunny days a year, with short, but very cold winters. 

Clayton is built on mostly rural land so there are many opportunities for outdoor activities. There’s also plenty of golf courses in the area, and many bodies of water. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

In Clayton, residents have many options to get outside and explore some of the scenery and outdoor activities that the city has to offer. Some of these include Clemmons Educational State Forest, Clayton Community Park, Main St. Community Garden, and the Clayton River Walk. 

Locals love going down to Cape Fear or Paddle Creek for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. They can also visit some of the recreational facilities and golf courses around the city. 

Residents can pass the time by getting tickets for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences or Atmosphere Community Arts Center, both of these rich in history and culture. Not to mention, the city has a number of wineries and breweries accessible to all its residents. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Clayton is slightly higher than the national average and state average. Although, the median home cost is less than that of the nation. Other costs, such as groceries and transportation, are less than the national average, but the average cost for utilities is higher. 

In North Carolina, Social Security benefits are not taxed, but there is an income tax at a rate of 5.49 percent. Also, residents 65 and older may qualify for certain tax exemptions on their retirement benefits. The sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75 percent and Clayton does add a 2 percent tax on that rate. 

Health Care 

There are three medical centers and hospitals near Clayton. They are Johnson Health-Smithfield, Holly Hill Hospital, and WakeMed Health and Hospitals-Raleigh Campus, each of them rank as high performing in at least one procedure by U.S News.