Clayton, North Carolina

Clayton, North Carolina
East Main Street in Clayton
Motto: 
"The Premier Community for Active Families"
Location of Clayton, North Carolina
Clayton
Clayton
Coordinates: 35°39′30″N 78°26′55″W / 35.65833°N 78.44861°W / 35.65833; -78.44861
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
CountiesJohnston, Wake
Established1869
Government
  MayorJody McLeod
Area
  Total
17.12 sq mi (44.34 km2)
  Land17.10 sq mi (44.28 km2)
  Water0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2)
Elevation
276 ft (84 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
26,307
  Estimate 
(2023)
30,151
  Density1,761.16/sq mi (680.00/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
27520, 27527
Area code(s)919, 984
FIPS code37-12860
GNIS feature ID2406276
Websitewww.townofclaytonnc.org

Clayton is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States, and is considered a satellite town of Raleigh. As of 2020, Clayton's population was 26,307, up from 16,116 at the 2010 census. By 2024 the town's estimated population was 30,621. Much of that growth can be attributed to the town's proximity to the Research Triangle area and access to major highways such as I-40 and US 70.