In 2006, construction began on the Highway 70 Clayton Bypass, a 10.5 mile stretch from Interstate 40 along the southern portion of Clayton to highway 70 business in Smithfield. It was completed in June 2008.
The Town Hall is located at 111 East Second Street in Downtown Clayton. The Town Hall complex is shared with The Clayton Center Auditorium and Conference Center.
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,973 people, 2,768 households, and 1,929 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,292.4 people per square mile (498.6/km²). There were 3,006 housing units at an average density of 557.1/sq mi (214.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 30.52% White, 55.17% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 6.31% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.08% of the population.
There were 2,768 households out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,750, and the median income for a family was $52,551. Males had a median income of $35,857 versus $26,384 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,332. About 6.9% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.
The growth of Clayton is one of the fastest in the state. Flowers Plantation, located 2.5 miles northeast of Clayton's city limits, will bring almost 2,000 homes, apartments, and condos to the area. Riverwood development, a community of 1,500, was recently annexed by Clayton. Another large development being built in the area will bring in approximately 3,000 homes and businesses. Clayton's population is expected to increase to more than 26,000 by 2010.