countyscore
22.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 56.5Property Tax 45.5

County Report Card

About Clayton County, Georgia

Significantly below national medians

Clayton County’s composite score of 22.4 is less than half of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a county facing deep challenges across nearly all quality-of-life categories.

Trailing the Georgia state average

With a 22.4 overall score, Clayton lags far behind the Georgia average of 46.7. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state for safety, education, and risk management.

Reliable water and tax rates

The county’s strongest asset is its water infrastructure, which earns a score of 86.0. Its tax score of 45.5 is also respectable, with an effective tax rate of 0.893% that is consistent with state norms.

Critical safety and school gaps

Clayton faces major hurdles with a safety score of 3.7 and a school score of 13.4. A risk score of 13.3 and a low health score of 20.7 further compound the difficulties for local residents.

Best for entry-level commuters

Clayton County suits those who need proximity to major transit hubs like the airport but are willing to accept lower school and safety ratings. It remains an affordable option for those starting out, though infrastructure scores vary.

Score breakdown

Tax45.5Cost15.8Safety3.7Health20.7Schools13.4Income34.2Risk13.3Water86Weather56.5
🏛45.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Fayette County
Georgia
50
Henry County
Georgia
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DeKalb County
Georgia
30.7
Spalding County
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Fulton County
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Rockdale County
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Douglas County
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Coweta County
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Deep Dives

Clayton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clayton County

via TaxByCounty

Clayton's rate is near national median

Clayton County's effective tax rate of 0.893% sits just above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,737 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting median home values of $194,500 that are notably lower than the national average.

Close to Georgia average

Clayton's 0.893% effective rate is nearly identical to Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it a typical county statewide. The median tax of $1,737 exceeds Georgia's state median of $1,529 by about 14%, showing that Clayton residents pay moderately more than average state taxpayers.

Clayton falls in the middle

Clayton County's 0.893% rate sits between cheaper rural counties like Chattooga (0.855%) and pricier suburban peers like Cherokee (0.701%). As an Atlanta suburb with modest home values, Clayton represents a middle ground between the region's affluent and rural areas.

Budget around $1,740 annually

A Clayton homeowner with the median property value of $194,500 pays approximately $1,737 per year in property taxes. Adding mortgage and insurance costs brings the estimated annual burden to roughly $1,858.

Verify your home's true value

Clayton County's moderate tax rate still offers opportunities for savings if your assessment is inflated. Reviewing recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and filing an appeal if needed could reduce what you owe the county each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clayton County

via CostByCounty

Clayton's affordability crisis mirrors nation

Clayton County's 26.8% rent-to-income ratio matches the worst U.S. markets, far exceeding the national average of roughly 21%. With median household income of $58,507 and rents of $1,307, residents dedicate nearly one-third of earnings to housing.

Clayton ranks among Georgia's least affordable

Clayton's 26.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's worst, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by over 8 percentage points. Median rent of $1,307 runs $380 above Georgia's average, compounding affordability pressures on metro Atlanta's south side.

Clayton's south Atlanta housing squeeze

Clayton renters pay $1,307 monthly—more than Clarke ($1,162) and nearly matching Chattahoochee ($1,235)—while earning less than both. The $194,500 median home value offers slightly lower entry points than Chatham ($273,300), but the affordability gap remains severe.

Renters bear Atlanta's affordability crisis

Renters spend 26.8% of income on housing while homeowners pay 23.8%, both well above comfortable thresholds. The median home value of $194,500 sits oddly high relative to median income, pushing homeownership out of reach for most renters.

Clayton demands high earners or patience.

Unless you earn significantly above Clayton's $58,507 median, this south Atlanta county poses real affordability challenges. Consider further south toward rural Georgia, or plan aggressive saving to bridge the gap between current rents and homeownership here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clayton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clayton trails the U.S. by 22%

Clayton County's median household income of $58,507 falls $16,248 below the national median of $74,755, a 22% deficit. This gap reflects Clayton's character as a southern metropolitan county with moderate income diversity and working-class employment base.

Slightly below Georgia's median

Clayton's $58,507 median sits $1,981 below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it near the middle of Georgia's 159 counties. Per capita income of $26,826 trails the state average of $31,115, suggesting income inequality within the county.

Middle ground among south Georgia counties

Clayton earns more than Chattooga ($47,785), Clay ($48,715), Clarke ($52,267), Clinch ($55,549), and Chattahoochee ($59,221), but trails Chatham ($69,575) and lags well behind Cherokee ($105,442). The positioning reflects Clayton's status as a suburban-to-rural transition county south of Atlanta.

Housing costs create significant pressure

Clayton's rent-to-income ratio of 26.8% is the second-highest in this cluster, indicating stretched housing budgets for renters earning $58,507. With a median home value of $194,500—three times annual income—homeownership requires substantial savings discipline.

Target debt reduction and home equity

Clayton households should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt and building consistent savings before pursuing homeownership. Focus on down payment programs and first-time buyer assistance available through county and state agencies, which can make the median home price more accessible over 5-10 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clayton County

via CrimeByCounty

Clayton County Faces Safety Challenges

Clayton County reports a total crime rate of 3,865.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. It has a safety score of 93.9.

Safety Ranking Below Georgia Norms

Clayton's safety score of 93.9 is one of the lower scores in Georgia, falling well below the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is more than double the state average of 1,412.9.

High Activity in Metro Atlanta

As a key part of the Atlanta metro area, Clayton handles much higher crime volumes than surrounding rural counties. Ten different reporting agencies work to manage this high-density environment.

Significant Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate of 783.3 is more than double the national average, while property crime is elevated at 3,082.2. These statistics indicate a high-risk profile for both physical and property-related incidents.

Invest in Robust Home Protection

High-quality security systems and neighborhood vigilance are essential for safety in Clayton County. Residents should install high-definition cameras and secure all possible entry points to deter criminal activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clayton County

via HealthByCounty

Clayton's health outcome lags national trends

At 73.8 years, Clayton County's life expectancy falls about 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 25.1% poor/fair health rate—among the highest in the data set—signals substantial health burden.

Slightly above Georgia average, high burden

Clayton's 73.8-year life expectancy barely edges above Georgia's 73.3-year state average, while its 25.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. The county faces significant health disparities despite meeting the state baseline.

Health challenges in metro Atlanta's shadow

Clayton's 73.8 years trails healthier Atlanta-area neighbors like Clarke (77.3 years) and Cherokee (79.4 years) but surpasses rural Chattooga (70.6 years). With just 25 primary care providers per 100K, Clayton has thin provider capacity relative to its health needs.

High uninsured rate, thin provider network

Clayton County's 15.5% uninsured rate sits above Georgia's 15.0% state average, leaving more than 1 in 15 residents without coverage. At 25 primary care providers per 100K and 82 mental health providers per 100K, access remains below what the county's health burden demands.

Coverage is critical in Clayton

With 15.5% uninsured and high health burden, Clayton residents need insurance now more than ever. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans; many Clayton residents qualify for reduced premiums and cost-sharing based on income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clayton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Metro Atlanta Infrastructure

Clayton County is an educational powerhouse with 71 public schools serving 62,793 students. The system includes 40 elementary, 16 middle, and 12 high schools, plus several specialized centers. This scale makes it one of the largest school systems in the state of Georgia.

Graduation Gains and Lean Operations

The county maintains a 73.0% graduation rate, which currently sits below the state average of 88.1%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,431, reflecting a very lean operational model compared to the $13,000 national average. The resulting school score of 43.4 indicates an ongoing effort to bridge performance gaps in a high-volume system.

Digital Innovators and Local Districts

The Clayton County district serves 52,186 students across 67 schools, but the area is also home to the Georgia Cyber Academy. This single charter school serves a massive 8,876 students, representing a major share of the county's educational landscape. In total, 6 charter schools operate here, providing diverse options for local families.

Suburban Life and Large Campus Cultures

Education here is almost entirely suburban, with 69 schools located in suburb settings and an average size of 884 students. Lovejoy High School is the largest traditional campus with 2,136 students, though the virtual Georgia Cyber Academy is the largest overall. Families should expect a busy, active suburban school environment.

Suburban Connectivity and School Choice

Clayton County offers a vast array of choices, from large traditional high schools to massive state-wide charter programs. For home buyers, the suburban location provides excellent connectivity to the rest of the Atlanta metro area. Researching specific school zones is essential here, as the quality and character of schools vary across this large district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clayton County

via RiskByCounty

Clayton faces significant disaster exposure

Clayton County's composite risk score of 86.74 places it well above the national average with a relatively moderate risk rating, indicating substantial multi-hazard exposure. Tornado risk (95.83) is exceptionally high, while flood (87.79), earthquake (84.86), and hurricane (64.12) risks are all elevated. This Atlanta metro county sits at the intersection of multiple natural hazard zones.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Clayton's 86.74 composite score ranks it among Georgia's top-risk counties, more than double the state average of 39.49. The county's tornado risk (95.83) is among Georgia's absolute highest, while flood risk (87.79) reflects both hydrologic hazards and rapid urbanization. Clayton's metro Atlanta location concentrates population exposure to these formidable natural hazards.

Riskier than most regional peers

Clayton's 86.74 score nearly matches Cherokee (85.27) and trails only Chatham (97.42) among major Georgia counties, significantly exceeding Clarke (66.95) and all low-risk counties. Within the metro Atlanta context, Clayton ranks among the riskier counties. This distinction reflects the county's position in Georgia's tornado corridor and exposure to Flint River flooding.

Tornadoes dominate with flooding close

Tornado risk (95.83) is Clayton's critical hazard, with the county sitting squarely in Georgia's severe weather corridor and experiencing frequent spring severe thunderstorms and occasional strong rotation. Flood risk (87.79) ranks nearly equal, particularly along the Flint River and in urbanizing floodplain areas. Together, these hazards pose the greatest threats to county residents and property.

Tornado shelter and aggressive flood planning essential

Confirm comprehensive wind and hail coverage in your homeowners policy for tornado protection, and prioritize flood insurance through NFIP for any property within a mapped floodplain—Clayton's 87.79 flood score makes this non-negotiable for vulnerable properties. With a 95.83 tornado risk score, establishing a safe room or basement shelter and practicing family tornado drills is essential. Review evacuation routes and community warning systems twice annually given the county's dual exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clayton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Haven in the South

Clayton County maintains an average annual temperature of 62.7°F, placing it significantly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences over 51 inches of annual precipitation, keeping the landscape lush throughout the year.

Cooler than the Georgia Average

Despite its Southern location, Clayton's 62.7°F average temperature sits exactly one degree below the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This positioning makes it one of the more temperate areas in a state known for sweltering summers.

Comparing the Atlanta Metro Fringe

Clayton remains warmer than nearby Cobb County, which averages 60.1°F, but is more similar to Coweta County at 61.4°F. It bridges the gap between the cooler northern highlands and the deep Southern heat found further downstate.

Sweltering Summers and Mild Winters

July brings intense heat with an average of 80.3°F and 53 days per year surpassing the 90°F mark. Winters remain brief and mild, averaging 45.7°F with only 1.5 inches of annual snowfall on record.

Prepare for High Humidity and Heat

Residents should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to combat nearly two months of extreme heat days. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan activities for the morning hours to avoid the peak humidity that accompanies the 51.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clayton County

via SoilByCounty

Metro South Soil Characteristics

Clayton County does not have recorded pH or taxonomic data in the current soil database. Most local soils reflect the Georgia average of 5.26, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Mapping Soil Texture Mix

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for Clayton County. Knowing your texture is essential for managing drainage, so testing individual plots is highly recommended.

Fertility and Water Capacity

Local organic matter and water capacity levels remain unlisted compared to the state's 1.83% organic matter average. Use the state AWC of 0.114 in/in as a starting point for your irrigation planning.

Managing Drainage and Hydrology

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group are not currently documented for this area. Observations of water flow during heavy rain will help you decide where to place gardens or buildings.

Grow Boldly in Zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b supports everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs throughout a long season. Start your garden today and contribute to the greening of metro Atlanta.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clayton County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Georgia Lawn Conditions

Clayton County’s lawn difficulty score of 35.4 sits almost exactly at the Georgia state average of 35.8. While it remains more difficult than the national median of 50.0, it offers a predictable environment for Zone 8b gardening. Success is achievable for homeowners who follow a consistent seasonal maintenance routine.

Mild Heat and Reliable Rainfall

The county receives 51.7 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above both the state average and the national ideal. Fortunately, Clayton only sees 53 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the 65-day Georgia average. This provides a slightly cooler environment that helps reduce the evaporation of precious ground moisture.

Preparing Your Soil for 5,000+ GDD

With 5,355 growing degree days, Clayton County has a long season that demands healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Since specific texture and pH data are not available, starting with a soil test is the smartest move for any local gardener. Aeration is often needed in this part of the state to combat soil compaction and improve water infiltration.

Addressing Total-County Severe Drought

Despite the moderate heat, 100% of Clayton County is currently in severe drought after 25 weeks of dry conditions this year. To keep your lawn resilient, avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, as this can increase the grass's need for water. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to grow further into the soil for safety.

Optimizing the Long Clayton Growing Season

Bermuda and Zoysia are top-tier choices for Zone 8b, flourishing in the local balance of rain and moderate heat. With the last frost usually passing by March 25th, you can begin your spring lawn prep earlier than in the northern counties. A well-timed start in late March sets the stage for a green lawn that lasts until late November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clayton County's county score?
Clayton County, Georgia has a composite county score of 22.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Clayton County rank among counties in Georgia?
Clayton County ranks #158 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Clayton County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Clayton County is $1,737, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Clayton County a tax score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clayton County?
The median household income in Clayton County, Georgia is $58,507 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clayton County earns an income score of 34.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clayton County, Georgia a good place to live?
Clayton County scores 22.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #158 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Clayton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Clayton County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.