Cost of Living in Clayton County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clayton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clayton County ranks #3,135 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clayton County, Georgia
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clayton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clayton County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $1,307/month against a median household income of $58,507, putting rent at 26.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Clayton County pay $1,307/month on average, compared to $1,163/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,843/year. With a median household income of $58,507, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Clayton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Georgia, Clayton County is more affordable than Hall County by roughly 5% ($1,307/mo vs $1,247/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clayton County
Rent Burden
26.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,365
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Clayton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $194,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,553 vs. your max of $1,365.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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