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Clayton, Missouri

Coordinates: 38°38′43″N 90°19′55″W / 38.64528°N 90.33194°W / 38.64528; -90.33194
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Clayton
Clayton, MO
Clayton high-rises seen from the Moorlands
Clayton high-rises seen from the Moorlands
Location in Missouri
Location in Missouri
U.S. Census Map
U.S. Census Map
Coordinates: 38°38′43″N 90°19′55″W / 38.64528°N 90.33194°W / 38.64528; -90.33194
CountryUnited States
StateMissouri
CountySt. Louis
Settled1877
Incorporated1913
Government
 • TypeMayor-council city
 • MayorMichelle Harris
Area
 • Total
2.51 sq mi (6.49 km2)
 • Land2.51 sq mi (6.49 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation564 ft (172 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
17,355
 • Density6,919.9/sq mi (2,671.8/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central)
ZIP code
63105
Area code314
FIPS code29-14572[3]
GNIS feature ID0755896[2]
WebsiteCity of Clayton

Clayton is a city in and the seat of St. Louis County, Missouri.[4] It borders the independent city of St. Louis. The population was 17,355 at the 2020 census.[5] Organized in 1877, the city was named after Ralph Clayton,[6] who donated the land for the St. Louis County courthouse.

Geography

Cityscape

The architecture of central Clayton reflects its economic activity and eras of growth. An impressive collection of Mid-century modern low and high rise structures contrast with earlier mansions, stores and flats. Its surrounding residential neighborhoods maintain a dense, walkable character and were largely developed in the prewar era. These neighborhoods consist of brick walkups, apartment buildings, mansions and modest single family homes centered around several small business districts.

View of Clayton skyline in 2018

Neighborhoods

Claverach Park

Claverach Park is a residential neighborhood bounded by Wydown Boulevard on the north, Ridgemoor Drive and Big Bend Boulevard on the east, Clayton Road on the south, and Audubon Drive on the west. The neighborhood was planned in the early 1920s by Julius Pitzman who avoided a traditional street grid in favor of curvilinear streets lined by stately trees, one centrally located neighborhood park, and 9 pocket parks.[7] Oak Knoll Park, Clayton's second largest park and the former home to the St. Louis Academy of Science, is located in the neighborhood.

Clayshire

Clayshire is a suburban neighborhood bounded by Forest Park Parkway on the north, Interstate 170 on the east, Clayton Road on the south and the Ladue city limit to the west and includes the subdivision of Tanglewood. Unlike Clayton's denser prewar residential neighborhoods, Clayshire is characterized by a more postwar suburban development pattern. Neighborhood parks include Anderson Park, Clayshire Park, and Whitburn Park as well as a pedestrian underpass beneath I-170 that connects to Shaw Park. There is a small commercial area at the intersection of Clayton Road and Brentwood Boulevard.

Davis Place

Central Presbyterian Church in the Davis Place neighborhood

A large residential neighborhood, Davis Place is characterized primarily by single family homes with some apartment buildings along Hanley Road and Brentwood Boulevard. Its boundaries are Forest Park Parkway on the north, Hanley Road on the east, Clayton Road on the south, and Brentwood Boulevard on the west. The neighborhood includes the subdivisions Country Club Place, Country Club Court, and Remmerts. Davis Place is also home to the Shops of Clayton commercial corridor along Clayton Road.

DeMun

Part of the Hi-Pointe–DeMun Historic District, DeMun is primarily a residential neighborhood on the eastern edge of Clayton. It is a dense and walkable neighborhood characterized by brick and limestone prewar apartment blocks, single family homes and small commercial areas centered around DeMun Avenue and Clayton Road. The neighborhood is also home to Concordia Seminary, the South Campus of Washington University, and three public parks (Concordia, DeMun, and Henry Wright).

The boundaries of DeMun in Clayton are Concordia Seminary's northern property line and Northwood Avenue, the St. Louis city limit to the east, Clayton Road to the south, and Big Bend Boulevard to the west.

Downtown Clayton

A Blue Line MetroLink train passing through downtown Clayton

Downtown Clayton is the seat of St. Louis County government and home to its headquarters campus, the St. Louis County Court, the Buzz Westfall Justice Center, and the St. Louis County Police headquarters. In addition, downtown Clayton is home to three of the St. Louis region's seven Fortune 500 headquarters; Centene Corporation, Graybar, and Olin Corporation.[8] Commerce Bank, the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Club are located in the neighborhood as well. Recently, downtown Clayton has entered a period of significant redevelopment and new construction with the opening of the Two Twelve Clayton and Ceylon apartment buildings in 2017, Centene Plaza C in 2019, and the groundbreaking of the two tower Forsyth Pointe development in 2020.[9] As of 2022, downtown Clayton had seven projects, worth approximately $600 million, either in development or under construction.[9]

The boundaries of downtown Clayton are Maryland Avenue on the north, the University City limit on the east, Forest Park Parkway on the south, and Brentwood Boulevard on the west. The neighborhood is served by MetroLink via the Blue Line at the Clayton and Forsyth stations.

Moorlands

Like Clayton's other urban, walkable neighborhoods, the Moorlands is characterized by large, prewar masonry apartment buildings and single family homes with high-rise apartment buildings along Hanley Road and a small commercial district at the intersection of Hanley and Wydown Boulevard. Most of the single family homes are concentrated east of Glenridge Drive while most of the apartment buildings are concentrated to the west. The neighborhood's boundaries are Wydown Boulevard on the north, Audubon Drive on the east, Clayton Road on the south, and Hanley Road on the west.

North Clayton

North Clayton is a dense, walkable set of neighborhoods that encompass all of Clayton north of Maryland Avenue. The area is mostly made up of densely packed single family homes with office, apartment and condo buildings located primarily between Meramec Avenue and Brentwood Boulevard. Commercial corridors include Meramec and Maryland avenues. The neighborhood is home to Kol Rinah synagogue, St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Mid County branch of the St. Louis County Library, and Centene's corporate training center. Neighborhood parks include Taylor Park and Hanley Park which includes the historic Hanley House.

Subdivisions within North Clayton include the Bemiston additions, Clayton Gardens, Colonial Park, Hanley Place, and Maryland Terrace. Its boundaries to the north and east are the city limits with University City, its southern boundary is Maryland Avenue, and its western boundary is the Ladue city limit.

Other neighborhoods

Other neighborhoods and subdivisions within Clayton include Brentmoor and Brentmoor Park, Carrswold, Ellenwood, Forest Ridge, Hillcrest, Parkside, Skinker Heights, Southmoor, Tesson, Tuscany Park, Wydown Forest, and Wydown Terrace.

Demographics

In the St. Louis region, Clayton is well known for housing a wealthy, educated, professional, and often dual-income population.

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1890402
19203,028
19309,613217.5%
194013,06936.0%
195016,03522.7%
196015,245−4.9%
197016,1005.6%
198014,219−11.7%
199013,874−2.4%
200012,825−7.6%
201015,93924.3%
202017,3558.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]

2020 census

As of the census[11] of 2020, there were 17,355 people, 5,587 households, and 3,275 families living in the city. The population density was 6,919.9 inhabitants per square mile (2,671.8/km2). There were 6,061 housing units at an average density of 2,414.7 per square mile (932.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 71.4% White, 8.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 12.9% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 6.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.0% of the population.[12]

There were 5,587 households, of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.90.[13]

The median age in the city was 29.5 years. 17.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 26.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 52.3% were from 15 to 44; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

The median income for a household in the city was $108,387, and the median income for a family was $157,621. The per capita income for the city was $66,967. About 6.2% of families and 8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.[13]

2010 census

As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 15,939 people, 5,322 households, and 2,921 families living in the city. The population density was 6,427.0 inhabitants per square mile (2,481.5/km2). There were 6,321 housing units at an average density of 2,548.8 per square mile (984.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.0% White, 8.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 10.8% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 5,322 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.1% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 29.2 years. 15.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 27.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.3% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

2000 census

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 12,825 people, 5,370 households, and 2,797 families living in the city. The population density was 5,164.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,994.0/km2). There were 5,852 housing units at an average density of 2,356.5 per square mile (909.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.94% White, 7.77% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 5.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.49% of the population.

There were 5,370 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.9% were non-families. 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.1% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $64,184, and the median income for a family was $107,346. Males had a median income of $64,737 versus $42,757 for females. The per capita income for the city was $48,055. About 5.0% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Clayton is governed via a six-member board of aldermen and a mayor. Aldermen are elected from one of three wards with each electing two members. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. A city clerk is appointed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.[15][16]

The town has a police department headed by Kevin R. Murphy.[17]

St. Louis County Jail is located in downtown Clayton.

Economy

Armstrong Teasdale, Caleres (owner of Famous Footwear and Shoes.com),[18] Cassidy Turley, Centene, Enterprise Rent-a-Car,[19] Graybar, Olin,[20] and Straub's Markets are headquartered in Clayton.[21][22] The unemployment rate in 2020 was 2.2%.[23]

Top employers

According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[23] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Centene 2,441
2 St. Louis County 1,573
3 Enterprise Holdings 956
4 Washington University 723
5 Commerce Bank 562
6 Caleres (Brown Shoe Co.) 503
7 School District of Clayton 486
8 Husch Blackwell 389
9 Ernst & Young 348
10 RubinBrown 332

Culture

Clayton's downtown business district has numerous art galleries, boutiques, fine restaurants, and cafes with outdoor seating.[24] The city hosts major cultural and culinary events such as the St. Louis Art Fair and the Taste of Clayton food festival.[25]

Transportation

Public transportation

Clayton Transit Center
General information
Location275 South Central Avenue
Clayton, Missouri 63105
Connections  Blue 
Bus transport MetroBus MO: 33, 47, 58, 65, 97

Clayton is served by the MetroLink light rail system. The city has two stations along the Blue Line: Clayton, and Forsyth. Metro also operates bus services in Clayton.

Major roads and highways

Major roads and highways in Clayton include Interstate 170, Brentwood Boulevard, Hanley Road, and Forest Park Parkway.[26] Old Bonhomme (renamed Forsythe Boulevard when it changes from north–south to east–west direction) in North Clayton is an ancient Native American trail. Wydown Boulevard in Clayton was called one of the nation's most dignified streets in the AIA Architecture Guide to St. Louis.

Education

Universities

Campus of Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis is partially located in Clayton.[22][27] The city is also home to Fontbonne University and Concordia Seminary of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Primary and secondary schools

The city's public schools are operated by the School District of Clayton. Its three public elementary schools are Glenridge Elementary School in the Moorlands neighborhood, Captain Elementary School in the DeMun neighborhood near Concordia Seminary, and Meramec Elementary School in Davis Place. These schools feed into Wydown Middle School on Wydown Boulevard, across from Washington University, which feeds into Clayton High School, next to Shaw Park near downtown Clayton.

Several of Clayton's elementary schools have been closed or repurposed. Gay School is now the Clayton Family Center; Maryland School has been leased to a series of daycare/elementary organizations;[28] DeMun School burned in a fire and was replaced by Ralph M. Captain Elementary; and, after Brown v. Board of Education abolished segregated schools, Crispus Attucks School in downtown Clayton was demolished and replaced with an office building.[29]

Public libraries

St. Louis County Library operates the Mid-County Branch in Clayton, which was rebuilt and reopened on September 4, 2020.[22][30][31]

Parks and recreation

The 30-acre Shaw Park is the largest park in Clayton. The park hosts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a diving pool with three platforms, 11 tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and soccer field, volleyball courts, handball courts, a sensory garden, a trail, a playground, and multiple pavilions. Clayton has an Independence Day celebration at the park, which adjoins Clayton High School.

The city's second-largest park is the 14.5-acre Oak Knoll Park, once home to the St. Louis area's foremost science museum.

References

  1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clayton, Missouri
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  5. ^ Bureau, US Census. "2020 Census Results". Census.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-02. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ Eaton, David Wolfe (1918). How Missouri Counties, Towns and Streams Were Named. The State Historical Society of Missouri. p. 359.
  7. ^ "Our History". Claverach Park. 2011-03-03. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  8. ^ "Seven St. Louis-area companies named in 2022 Fortune 500 list". FOX 2. 2022-05-26. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  9. ^ a b Kukuljan, Steph. "High-rises are booming in Clayton, but will downtown lose its charm?". STLtoday.com. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  10. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clayton city, Missouri". www.census.gov. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  12. ^ "United States Census Bureau". Retrieved 2022-01-30.
  13. ^ a b "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-07-08.
  15. ^ "Mayor & Board Of Aldermen". claytonmo.gov. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  16. ^ "City Clerk". claytonmo.gov. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  17. ^ Moore, Doug (18 July 2018). "10 black Washington U. students stopped by Clayton police, falsely accused of leaving IHOP without paying". St Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  18. ^ "We're Brown Shoe." Brown Shoe Company. Retrieved on January 23, 2010.
  19. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions Archived 2010-04-21 at the Wayback Machine." Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  20. ^ Van Der Werf, Martin. "Isle of Capri will move HQ to Creve Coeur.", St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 28, 2006. Third Edition, Business A31. Retrieved on August 19, 2009.
  21. ^ "Employment Opportunities." Straub's Markets. Retrieved on July 12, 2010. Archived September 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ a b c "Clayton city, Missouri Archived 2009-09-06 at the Wayback Machine." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on June 13, 2009.
  23. ^ a b "City of Clayton CAFR". City of Clayton. 2020-09-30. p. 104. Archived from the original on 2021-04-15.
  24. ^ Saint Louis – Clayton Business District
  25. ^ St. Louis Art Galleries - Clayton Business District
  26. ^ Retrieved on November 12, 2009 Archived June 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  27. ^ "Danforth Campus Map." Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved on June 13, 2009.
  28. ^ Maryland School to Host Wilson Students Displaced by Fire - Schools - Clayton-Richmond Heights, MO Patch
  29. ^ Clayton History Society | History Of Clayton Schools
  30. ^ "Mid-County Branch Archived 2009-07-29 at the Wayback Machine." St. Louis County Library. Retrieved on August 18, 2009.
  31. ^ Henderson, Jane. "New Mid-County library to open Sept. 4 in Clayton". STLtoday.com. Retrieved 2020-10-19.