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Cities in Clayton County GA š | Explore Clayton County Towns & Cities Near Jonesboro GA
There's a lot to learn about cities in Clayton County GA! Clayton County may seem small on a map, but it contains over a dozen different cities, towns, and unincorporated communities. Clayton is just one of 159 counties in Georgia, and each county has cities and towns to offer. This gives you plenty of opportunities to find a safe and comfortable home, but it can also make selecting the right place to live tricky.
To make an informed decision, you should compare cities, towns, and census-designated places (CDPs) together. A CDP is an unincorporated community that can offer more affordable prices and better access to outdoor attractions than cities and towns. You should look at data from the US Census Bureau and other resources and make a good decision about what city in Clayton County GA to live in. Here's your complete guide on Clayton County cities.
Clayton County is in north central Georgia, inside the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area. It borders DeKalb County, Henry County, Spalding County, Fayette County, and Fulton County. It's the third-smallest county by land area, as it has only 141.8 square miles. However, it's the fifth-most populous county in the state, with a population of 297,595.
The Creek people inhabited Clayton County for thousands of years until White settlers arrived in 1823. Clayton County was established in 1858 and named after Augustin S. Clayton, a judge and Congressman. Clayton County was the site of two battles during the Civil War, the Battle of Jonesborough and the Battle of Lovejoy's Station. Colleges, stores, and attractions opened in the county throughout the 20th century, but the county remained mostly rural and undeveloped.
Clayton County is best known for being the home of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It's also gained fame for some of its attractions, including Clayton County International Park and Georgia Archives. Clayton has a diverse and stable economy. Between 2013 and 2022, the job market in Clayton County grew by 25.2%. Transportation, health care, and retail trade are the three biggest job sectors in the county, and each sector has median earnings of over $50,000.
Clayton County has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild but rainy winters. Clayton County gets roughly 50 inches of rain on average every year, higher than the national average. However, it has 217 sunny days, which is also higher than the national average. Many people start moving to Clayton County towns to enjoy the nice weather and free events provided by Clayton County Parks and Recreation. Other people move for work or to buy a home in a quaint community.
Clayton County population density: 2,098.7 people per square mile
Clayton County educational attainment: 85.9% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 22.9% have a bachelor's degree
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Cities in Clayton County
Clayton County contains 14 communities, including incorporated cities and census-designated places. Here is a list of cities in Clayton County, listed in descending order by population.
#1. Forest Park
Forest Park is the largest city in Clayton County, with a population of 19,932. The city was founded as a train stop for the Macon and Western Railroad. It was incorporated in 1908 and got its name for its parklike and quaint atmosphere. The community is very popular amongst professionals and businesspeople with jobs in Atlanta. Forest Park is roughly nine miles south of Atlanta and connected to the city with several highways, including Georgia Route 54.
Forest Park borders Atlanta Airport to the east. It is home to the Atlanta State Farmers Market, which is one of the largest farmer's markets in the state, covering 150 acres. The city is home to several unique restaurants. John's Fine Food is a cafeteria-style restaurant that offers classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and country fried steak. Pho Dai Loi is a top Vietnamese restaurant, offering banh mi sandwiches and pho noodle soup in a friendly and light space.
Forest Park has the most affordable prices for homes for sale in Clayton County. However, its real estate market is very small, so you may need to wait to find a suitable home. Consider expanding your real estate search to other cities near Jonesboro GA.
Forest Park population according to the US Census Bureau: 19,932
Forest Park population growth between 2010 and 2020: 7.9% increase
Riverdale was founded in 1886 as a railroad depot. The depot was dismantled in 1939, but Riverdale remains an important transportation and commuting center. Georgia Route 85 runs through the middle of the community and is a major commercial hub. You can find grocery stores, small businesses, restaurants, and attractions on both sides of the road. Annie Laura's Kitchen is a top soul food restaurant, while Merchant's Square is a shopping mall with a post office and a Kroger's supermarket. The route connects to Interstate 75, which provides access to Atlanta and cities near Atlanta, making Riverdale suitable for commuters.
The areas of Riverdale away from Georgia Route 85 are less developed, but they contain quaint homes for sale. Nearly all homes for sale in Riverdale are spacious, with at least three bedrooms and 1,000 square feet of space. You can find a property with shaker cabinets, tiled bathrooms, and kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
Riverdale population according to the US Census Bureau: 15,129
Riverdale population growth: 0.0% between 2010 and 2020
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#3. College Park
College Park is the largest city in Clayton County by land area. The community is best known for being home to part of Atlanta Airport, making College Park one of the best cities near Jonesboro GA for commuters. Many businesses in the community cater to travelers, tourists, and businesspeople who use Atlanta Airport. However, College Park has many unique attractions besides the airport. The Georgia International Convention Center is one of the largest convention centers in the state. You can attend conventions, corporate conferences, and other special events throughout the year. The College Park Golf Course is a 9-hole historic golf course with a driving range and two putting greens.
College Park is one of the most renter-friendly cities in Clayton County GA. Roughly 75% of households in College Park rent their homes. According to RentCafe, College Park apartments have an average cost of $1,236 a month, nearly $500 lower than the national average. Most College Park apartments are two-bedroom properties, so families with young children can start moving to College Park. Notable complexes in College Park include Rugby Valley Apartments, which offers 24/7 security and European-style kitchens.
College Park population: 13,930
College Park population growth: 0.1% decrease between 2010 and 2020
Lovejoy is best known as being the site of the Battle of Lovejoy's Station. It's also one of the best Clayton County cities for outdoor enthusiasts, containing or being located near top parks and green spaces. Lovejoy Regional Park contains tennis courts and an outdoor splash park open in the summer. Newman Wetlands Center is a free wetlands preserve with walking trails. It's one of the best destinations in Clayton County cities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Lovejoy is one of the fastest growing cities in Clayton County Georgia. Its population has increased by over 1,200% since 1990. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has proposed Lovejoy to be the endpoint for Atlanta's upcoming commuter rail station, which will increase the community's growth.
Lovejoy population: 10,122
Lovejoy population growth: 57.6% increase between 2010 and 2020
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#5. Irondale
Irondale is the most populous census-designated place in Clayton County. Its population has nearly tripled since 1990, partly thanks to its convenient location. Irondale lies between US Route 41 and Georgia Route 54, which provide access to Atlanta, Columbus, and other cities near Jonesboro GA, including cities in Cobb County.
The community is predominantly residential, with no major attractions or restaurants. While this makes Irondale less vibrant than other cities in Clayton County, it creates a peaceful and quiet environment for families with young children and retirees. Nearly one-third of the population is under the age of 18. The community is adjacent to Hawthorne Elementary School and Mundy's Mill High School, so students don't have to travel far to go to school.
Irondale population: 8,740
Irondale population growth: 17.4% increase between 2010 and 2020
Conley was once a prominent farming community, but it's now known as a construction, transportation, and manufacturing hub. These three industries account for over 40% of jobs in Conley, and you can work at various businesses in the community. Over a dozen different trucking companies have offices in and around Conley, including Southeastern Freight Lines and FedEx.
Conley is one of the best cities in Clayton County, GA for elementary school students. Anderson Elementary School is inside Conley, while Edmonds Elementary and Huie Elementary School are just outside. All three schools are among the most diverse elementary schools in Georgia. At least 50% of students at each school identify as Black or African American, and at least one-third identify as Hispanic or Latino. At least three-quarters of teachers at each school have at least three years of experience in teaching.
Conley population: 6,680
Conley population growth: 7.3% increase between 2010 and 2020
Morrow is best known for being home to Clayton State University, making Morrow one of the top cities in Clayton County, GA for college students. US News ranks Clayton State in the top 50 public universities in the Southern United States. Clayton State offers over 100 different bachelor's degree and certificate programs, making it one of the largest schools in counties near Atlanta.
Morrow is also home to the Georgia Archives, the official archives for the state of Georgia. The archives are open for anyone interested in genealogical, historical, news, and legal research. You can attend lectures, educational events, and seminars at the Archives throughout the year.
Morrow is one of the best cities in Clayton County Georgia for shopping. You can visit the Southlake Mall in Morrow, which contains dozens of stores, including Aeropostale and Macy's. You can also visit the Southlake Festival Shopping Center, which has the top performing Burlington clothing store in the state. It's also one of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs. You can find groceries, clothes, and household goods at affordable prices from many Morrow stores.
Morrow population: 6,569
Morrow population growth: 1.9% increase between 2010 and 2020
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#8. Jonesboro
Jonesboro is well-known for being the site of the Battle of Jonesboro, the last battle of the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War. Jonesboro Battle Ground City Park is free and open to the public, containing burial grounds and historic markers where you can learn about Civil War history. Jonesboro contains other top historic attractions, making it one of the top cities in Clayton County GA for history buffs and academics.Ā
The Road to Tara Museum commemorates Gone with the Wind, containing original costumes and props from the movie. Stately Oaks is an antebellum mansion open for guided tours and special events, including ghost hunts. Clayton County International Park was the venue for volleyball during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Jonesboro population: 4,724
Jonesboro population growth: 11.6% increase between 2010 and 2020
Bonanza is the smallest community in Clayton by land area, covering just over one square mile. It is a predominantly residential community with compact residential cul de sacs and a few small businesses. The community contains a Kroger grocery store and a Home Depot hardware store.
Bonanza has a rural atmosphere, despite being just 21.5 miles from Atlanta. The community borders Newman Wetlands Center and contains several creeks where you can go for walks. You can also visit Panhandle Park in western Bonanza, which contains four baseball diamonds.
Bonanza has the highest median household income amongst Clayton County Georgia cities. Only 5.5% of Bonanza residents live below the poverty line, less than half the statewide rate. Bonanza also has the lowest crime rate of any Clayton County city, with its overall crime rate being 42.3% lower than the national crime rate.
Bonanza population: 4,406
Bonanza population growth: 40.5% increase between 2010 and 2020
Lake City is the smallest city in Clayton County by population. The population has stayed relatively consistent since 1980, hovering around 2,800 people. It's also one of the newest cities in Clayton County GA, being incorporated in 1951. Lake City has a range of family-friendly attractions and amenities. The Lake City International Farmers Market offers fresh meat, produce, and food at affordable prices. Lake City contains several top Asian restaurants, including Hue Deli, a casual Vietnamese cafe.
The city has one of the highest rates of foreign-born people among cities or counties near Atlanta. Over 400 Lake City residents were born in Vietnam. Nearly half of residents speak a language other than English at home, with 14.3% speaking Spanish.
Lake City population: 2,952
Lake City population growth: 13.0% increase between 2010 and 2020
Have you decided to move to a top Clayton County town or city? Contact Wirks Moving and start your efficient and comprehensive relocation now!
Cities in Clayton County GA Map
You can use this map of cities in Clayton County GA to find top attractions, stores, and homes for sale.
FAQ About Cities Near Jonesboro GA
How Many Cities in Clayton County GA Are There?
There are seven incorporated cities in Clayton Georgia, as well as three census-designated places.
What Is the Most Populous City in Clayton County?
Forest Park is the most populous Clayton County city, with a population of 19,932.
What Is the Wealthiest City in Clayton County?
Bonanza is the wealthiest city in Clayton County, with a median household income of $68,257.
Which Clayton County City Is the Largest in Land Size?
College Park is the largest Clayton County city, covering 11.21 square miles.
What Is the Most Crowded Clayton County City?
Bonanza is the most crowded Clayton County city, with a population density of 4,196.2 people per square mile.
Which of the Clayton County Cities Is Right for You?
Everyone can enjoy living in cities in Clayton County GA! You can pick a vibrant community full of attractions like Forest Park and Riverdale, or you can enjoy a quaint and safe place like Jonesboro and Bonanza.
You can also figure out moving to cities in Clayton County GA, starting today. Wirks Moving is the best Clayton County moving company, with over 12 years of experience. Call 404-635-6683 for a free estimate today.
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Ericās expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
