If you’re considering a move to the St. Louis metropolitan area, you may be wondering: Is Clayton, Missouri a good place to live? This compact, affluent inner-ring suburb stands out for its top-rated schools, thriving job market, and high walkability qualities that make it a magnet for professionals and families alike. But as with any city, living in Clayton MO has its pros and cons. From luxury real estate prices to cultural amenities, this blog takes a deep dive into what Clayton offers residents in 2025. We’ll examine everything from Clayton Missouri cost of living to safety, education, and more to help you decide, whether it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Clayton MO schools and education are some of the best in Missouri. The School District of Clayton consistently ranks at the top of state and regional lists. According to Niche, it’s the #2 public district in Missouri and #1 in the St. Louis region for teacher quality. Clayton High School boasts an average ACT score of 29, a 100% graduation rate, and proficiency rates near 70% in both math and reading.
For parents seeking private options, prestigious schools such as MICDS, John Burroughs, and the Priory are just minutes away. With Washington University and Fontbonne University nearby, the area fosters a culture of academic excellence that appeals to professionals and families alike.
Clayton punches above its weight class when it comes to employment opportunities. It is home to several major corporate headquarters and institutions, including:
The broader St. Louis metro job market is stable, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% in April 2025 slightly better than the national average of 3.9%. Plus, commute times average a mere 16.9 minutes, well below the U.S. norm, thanks in part to two local MetroLink light rail stops and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Clayton offers the best of both worlds: the safety of a small town and the amenities of a major urban center. According to NeighborhoodScout, your chance of experiencing violent crime here is just 1 in 1,343 more than 15 times safer than nearby St. Louis city.
Walk Score ratings vary from 48 citywide to as high as 90 in the downtown core, where residents enjoy restaurant-lined blocks, boutique retail, and cultural events. It’s among the few truly car-optional suburbs in the greater St. Louis area.
For a city that spans only 2.5 square miles, Clayton offers a surprisingly rich mix of outdoor and cultural amenities:
The Clayton Missouri cost of living is among the highest in the state. According to AreaVibes, the city scores a cost-of-living index of 147 47% above the U.S. average. Housing costs are particularly steep:
These financial barriers make homeownership difficult for many. Competition often includes escalation clauses and all-cash offers, further limiting access for first-time or middle-income buyers.
Despite a bustling weekday atmosphere, Clayton tends to quiet down after 9 p.m. Residents looking for vibrant nightlife or extensive shopping options often head to nearby areas like the Central West End or The Grove, where the energy carries long into the night. While daytime bustle serves the local workforce well, the lack of after-hours activities can be a downside for younger or more social residents.
Clayton experiences hot, humid summers and brisk winters typical of the lower Midwest. July temperatures average 89°F during the day and 71°F at night, but intense humidity and dew points in the 70s make it feel hotter. Newcomers often cite the weather especially during July and August as one of the most difficult adjustments.
On the upside, spring and fall tend to be long and mild, ideal for outdoor dining and park activities.
Clayton is still working toward greater demographic diversity. As of 2025, the racial makeup includes 69% White, 12.7% Asian, and 8.9% Black residents, with a slowly increasing international and multiracial population. The district ranks 56th out of 458 in Missouri for diversity. While nearby universities draw students from diverse backgrounds, permanent representation lags behind in citywide demographics.
If you’re exploring best neighborhoods in Clayton MO, here are a few worth considering:
Yes, Clayton is one of the most desirable suburbs in the St. Louis region. It offers exceptional schools, a strong job market, low crime rates, and an urban-suburban mix that appeals to families and professionals.
The cost of living is 47% higher than the U.S. average, primarily due to housing. Property taxes and rents are also above regional norms, making it one of the most expensive cities in Missouri.
Clayton is making gradual progress toward diversity, but still skews predominantly White. International students and professionals contribute to a slowly evolving demographic balance.
Commute times average just 16.9 minutes, and public transit is readily available via Metro Link and a dedicated transit center, making it among the most commuter-friendly suburbs in the metro area.
Living in Clayton MO offers a premium lifestyle with top-ranking schools, an excellent job market, and unmatched safety and walkability. However, these benefits come at a price literally with real estate and cost of living far above state and national averages. Limited nightlife and steamy summers also present challenges for some. Ultimately, whether Clayton is right for you will depend on your priorities: if you value education, low crime, career access, and urban-suburban balance, Clayton could be a perfect fit. For those on tighter budgets or seeking vibrant nightlife, alternative neighborhoods in St. Louis might be a better match.
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