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City Report · MO

Clayton

Pop. 17,380·8th most expensive in Missouri·Clayton rents are up 16.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,809/mo
Year-over-Year
+16.6%
Month-over-Month
-0.7%
vs US Median
-$156
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Clayton · $1,809
More affordable than 53% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
33/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 9% above what Clayton's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,809/mo
Expected by trend
$1,666/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Clayton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,360
1 BR
$1,410
2 BR
$1,740
3 BR
$2,250
4 BR+
$2,590
Research median
$1,740/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,708/yr
At $1,809/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 16.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+16.6% YoY, -0.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Clayton, MO is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 84.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,380
Median income
$123,000
Median age
30
Renters
45.1%
Age distribution
17.7%
37.7%
21.1%
13.9%
Under 1817.7%
18–3437.7%
35–5421.1%
55–649.6%
65+13.9%
Gender
50.6%
49.4%
Male50.6%
Female49.4%
Race & ethnicity
67.5%
13.3%
White67.5%
Black8.8%
Hispanic3.7%
Asian13.3%
Other6.7%
Education (25+)
84.9%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma5.4%
Some college6.7%
Bachelor's+84.9%
Housing tenure
54.9%
45.1%
Owner54.9%
Renter45.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Clayton, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,469 → $1,809
up 23.1%
Income
$117,593 → $123,000
up 4.6%
Population
16,905 → 17,380
up 2.8%
Renter share
44.5% → 45.1%
+0.6 pts
Bachelor's+
79.4% → 84.9%
+5.5 pts
Median age
29.2 → 30
+0.8 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Clayton, MO paid around $1,469 a month. That figure now sits near $1,809, up 23.1% from the 2022 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $123,000 today, compared with $117,593 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Clayton, MO adding about 475 residents over the five-year window, up 2.8% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 79.4% to 84.9% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

Community

Discussions about Clayton

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View Clayton rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Clayton on your salary?

At $1,809/mo, how Clayton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Clayton rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Clayton. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Clayton

About renting in Clayton, MO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Clayton is $1,809/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,360/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,740/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,410/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,250/mo.

At 18% of local median household income ($123,000/yr), Clayton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 16.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Clayton an affordable city for renters?

Clayton is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,809/mo, rent takes approximately 18% of the local median household income ($123,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Clayton falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Clayton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $72,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,809/mo in Clayton. The local median household income is $123,000/yr, meaning the typical Clayton household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Clayton?

Rent in Clayton has increased 16.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Clayton rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Clayton is one of the pricier cities in Missouri for rent, ranking #8 out of 74 tracked cities at $1,809/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Clayton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Clayton ($1,809/mo): Maplewood ($1,414/mo), University City ($1,527/mo), Richmond Heights ($1,702/mo).

What percentage of Clayton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.1% of Clayton households are renters, while 54.9% are owner-occupied. Clayton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Clayton rent compare to the national average?

Clayton's median rent of $1,809/mo is $156 (8%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #8 out of 74 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
18%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,809/mo, rent takes ~18% of Clayton's median household income ($123,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Clayton 18%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Clayton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Clayton, MO

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