Clayton County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States Georgia may also refer to: People and fictional characters * Georgia (name), a list of pe ...

. As of the 2020 census, the population was 297,595 by the U.S. Census Bureau. The

county seat A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or parish (administrative division), civil parish. The term is in use in five countries: Canada, China, Hungary, Romania, and the United States. An equiva ...

is Jonesboro. Clayton County is one of the core counties of the

Atlanta metropolitan area Metro Atlanta, designated by the United States Office of Management and Budget as the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metropolitan statistical area, is the most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. state of Georgia and the sixt ...

, and it is the fifth most-populous county in the state. It is the home of most of

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary international airport serving Atlanta and its Metro Atlanta, surrounding metropolitan area, in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is located south of the Down ...

, the busiest airport in the world by total passengers. The county was the defendant in the landmark LGBT rights case of '' Bostock v. Clayton County'' (2020).

History

The county was established in 1858 and named in honor of Augustin Smith Clayton (1783–1839), who served in the

United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives is a chamber of the Bicameralism, bicameral United States Congress; it is the lower house, with the U.S. Senate being the upper house. Together, the House and Senate have the authority under Artic ...

from 1832 until 1835. Clayton County was a battle site during the

American Civil War The American Civil War (April 12, 1861May 26, 1865; also known by Names of the American Civil War, other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union (American Civil War), Union ("the North") and the Confederate States of A ...

, with the

Battle of Jonesborough The Battle of Jonesborough (August 31–September 1, 1864) was fought between Union Army forces led by William Tecumseh Sherman and Confederate States of America, Confederate forces under William J. Hardee during the Atlanta Campaign in the Am ...

and the Battle of Lovejoy's Station taking place in the area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.9%) is water. It is the third-smallest county by area in Georgia. The eastern portion of Clayton County, between Forest Park and

Lovejoy ''Lovejoy'' is a British television comedy-drama mystery fiction, mystery series, based on the Lovejoy (novel series), novels by John Grant (Lovejoy), John Grant under the pen name Jonathan Gash. The show, which ran to 71 episodes over six ser ...

, is located in the Upper

Ocmulgee River The Ocmulgee River () is a western tributary of the Altamaha River, approximately 255 mi (410 km) long, in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the westernmost major tributary of the Altamaha.Altamaha River The Altamaha River is a major river in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It flows generally eastward for from its Source (river or stream), origin at the confluence of the Oconee River and Ocmulgee River towards the Atlantic Oce ...

basin. The western portion of the county is located in the Upper Flint River sub-basin of the ACF River Basin (Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin).

Adjacent counties

DeKalb County DeKalb County may refer to one of several counties in the United States, all of which were named for Baron Johann de Kalb: * DeKalb County, Alabama DeKalb County is a County (United States), county in the Northeast Alabama, northeastern part ...

(northeast) * Henry County (east) * Spalding County (south) * Fayette County (west) * Fulton County (northwest)

Communities

Cities

* College Park (part) * Forest Park * Jonesboro * Lake City *

* Morrow * Riverdale

Census-designated places

Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running Western, the second-longest-running Western series on ...

* Conley * Irondale

Unincorporated communities

* Ellenwood * Mountain View * Rex * Hampton

Demographics

At the 2020 United States census, there were 297,595 people, 97,030 households, and 62,746 families residing in the county. In 2000, it had a population of 236,517. In 2010, the racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 66.1% Black or African American, 18.87%

non-Hispanic white Non-Hispanic Whites, also referred to as White Anglo Americans or Non-Latino Whites, are White Americans who are classified by the United States census as "White" and not of Hispanic or Latino origin. According to annual estimates from the Unit ...

, 5.0% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.1%

Pacific islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...

, 7.1% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 13.66% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 4.9% were "American". By 2020, its makeup was 68.99% Black or African American, 8.70% non-Hispanic white, 0.20% American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.53% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.60% some other race, 2.63% multiracial, and 14.30% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The last quarter-century has seen significant change in the racial composition of the county's population. In 1980, Clayton county's population was 150,357 — 91% white and 9% minority, while in 2006 the population was approximately 271,240 — 20% white and 80% minority. In 2010, the median income for a household in the county was $43,311, and the median income for a family was $48,064. Males had a median income of $36,177 and $32,460 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,958. About 13.6% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the

poverty line The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...

, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over. In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $42,697, and the median income for a family was $46,782. Males had a median income of $32,118 versus $26,926 for females. The

per capita income Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...

for the county was $18,079. About 8.20% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the

, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

The unemployment rate in Clayton County was 3.4% as of November 2019. Future job growth over the next ten years was predicted to be at 29.90%. Clayton County's sales tax rate is 8.00%. The income tax is 6.00%. Clayton County's income and salaries per capita is $18,735, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $39,699.

ValuJet Airlines ValuJet Airlines was an ultra low-cost airline in the United States that operated from 1992 until 1997, when it was rebranded as AirTran Airlines after joining forces with AirTran Airways. It was headquartered in unincorporated Clayton County ...

was headquartered in northern, unincorporated Clayton County, near

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: *Bob Hartsfield (1931–1999), American baseball player *Henry Hartsfield (1933–2014), American astronaut and United States Air force officer *Myles Hartsfield (born 1997), America ...

, in the 1990s.

Education

2008 de-accreditation

The 50,000-student school system was the first in the nation to lose

accreditation Accreditation is the independent, third-party evaluation of a conformity assessment body (such as certification body, inspection body or laboratory) against recognised standards, conveying formal demonstration of its impartiality and competence to ...

since 1969. The

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is a regional educational accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. As of 2022, the organization oversees ap ...

(SACS) revoked the

school district A school district is a special-purpose district that operates local public Primary school, primary or Secondary school, secondary schools or both in various countries. It is not to be confused with an attendance zone, which is within a school dis ...

's accreditation on August 28, 2008. It was only the second system in the nation to do so since 1960. A

grand jury A grand jury is a jury empowered by law to conduct legal proceedings, investigate potential criminal conduct, and determine whether criminal charges should be brought. A grand jury may subpoena physical evidence or a person to testify. A grand ju ...

investigated and considered possible criminal indictments against the Clayton County School Board. At issue was whether the school board committed

malfeasance Misfeasance, nonfeasance, and malfeasance are types of failure to discharge public obligations existing by common law, custom, or statute. The Carta de Logu caused Eleanor of Arborea to be remembered as one of the first lawmakers to set up t ...

in ignoring the shortcomings of the school system and violating its own rules concerning the awarding of bids of

contracts A contract is an agreement that specifies certain legally enforceable rights and obligations pertaining to two or more parties. A contract typically involves consent to transfer of goods, services, money, or promise to transfer any of thos ...

. School Board Chairwoman Ericka Davis announced her resignation on April 2, 2008, amidst the allegations. Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell called for the resignations of all Clayton County School Board members. Amid controversy and orders for the police to quiet citizens, the Clayton County School Board hired a new temporary superintendent on April 26, 2008. This was despite the fact that the new superintendent did not meet the qualifications set forth by SACS. The Clayton County Public School System was re-accredited by SACS on May 1, 2009.

Higher education

Clayton State University is located in Morrow.

Media

* ''Clayton Crescent'': news about Clayton County and adjoining areas, part of the

Institute for Nonprofit News The Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) is a non-profit consortium of nonprofit journalism organizations. The organization promotes nonprofit investigative and public service journalism. INN facilitates collaborations between member organizatio ...

* ''Clayton News'' (formerly ''Clayton News-Daily''): county legal organ, part of the Southern Community Newspapers, Inc. chain * ''South Atlanta Magazine'': lifestyle and profiles magazine focusing on Clayton County * CCTV23: Clayton County government access television (Ch. 23 on Xfinity, Ch. 99 on AT&T UVerse)

Crime and policing

The Clayton County Police Department has an authorized strength of 525 personnel headed by Chief Kevin Roberts. Other law enforcement services (courts, jail, warrants) are provided by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office. On April 26, 2021, Sheriff Victor Hill was indicted on charges of federal civil rights violations. On June 2, 2021, he was suspended by Governor

Brian Kemp Brian Porter Kemp (born November 2, 1963) is an American politician serving as the 83rd governor of Georgia since 2019. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, Kemp served as the state's 27th Georgia Secretary of Sta ...

following a review of the indictment. On October 26, 2022, Sheriff Victor Hill was found guilty of violating civil rights of jail detainees.

Politics

For most of the 1960s to the 1980s, Clayton County was a swing county. It voted for Governor

Jimmy Carter James Earl Carter Jr. (October 1, 1924December 29, 2024) was an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party ...

1976 Events January * January 2 – The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights enters into force. * January 5 – The Pol Pot regime proclaims a new constitution for Democratic Kampuchea. * January 18 – Full diplomatic ...

with around 65 percent of the vote, but then voted for

Ronald Reagan Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician and actor who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was a member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party a ...

with over 70 percent of the vote in

1984 Events January * January 1 – The Bornean Sultanate of Brunei gains full independence from the United Kingdom, having become a British protectorate in 1888. * January 7 – Brunei becomes the sixth member of the Association of Southeas ...

. However, due to extensive in-migration by Democratic-voting African-Americans from surrounding areas, starting in

1992 1992 was designated as International Space Year by the United Nations. Events January * January 1 – Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt replaces Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru as United Nations Secretary-General. * January 6 ** The Republ ...

, Clayton County has swung heavily Democratic and is now one of the most Democratic counties in the country. In every presidential election since

2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...

, Clayton County has been the most Democratic county in Georgia.https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/

Transportation

Airports

* Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Major highways

Interstate 75 Interstate 75 (I-75) is a major north–south Interstate Highway in the Great Lakes and Southeastern regions of the United States. As with most Interstates that end in 5, it is a major cross-country, north–south route, traveling from S ...

Interstate 85 * I-285

Interstate 285 * I-675

Interstate 675 * US 19

U.S. Route 19 * US 23

U.S. Route 23 * US 29

U.S. Route 29 U.S. Route 29 or U.S. Highway 29 (US 29) is a north–south United States Numbered Highway that runs for from Pensacola, Florida, to Ellicott City, Maryland, just west of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, in the Eastern United Stat ...

U.S. Route 41 * Georgia 3

State Route 3 * Georgia 3 Connector

State Route 3 Connector * Georgia 42

State Route 42 * Georgia 54

State Route 54 * Georgia 85

State Route 85 * Georgia 138

State Route 138 * Georgia 138 Spur

State Route 138 Spur * Georgia 139

State Route 139 * Georgia 314

State Route 314 * Georgia 331

State Route 331 * Georgia 401

State Route 401 (unsigned designation for I-75) * Georgia 403

State Route 403 (unsigned designation for I-85) * Georgia 407

State Route 407 (unsigned designation for I-285) * Georgia 413

State Route 413 (unsigned designation for I-675)

Mass transit

Bus

MARTA and Xpress GA / RTA commuter buses serve the county.

Rail

Commuter rail Commuter rail or suburban rail is a Passenger train, passenger rail service that primarily operates within a metropolitan area, connecting Commuting, commuters to a Central business district, central city from adjacent suburbs or commuter town ...

service is proposed to serve Clayton County along the

Norfolk Southern The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad operating in the Eastern United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company was formed in 1982 with the merger of the Norfolk and Western Railway and Southern Railway. The comp ...

line, with proposed stations in Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro, and initially ending at Lovejoy. The

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA ) is the principal public transport operator in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Formed in 1971 as strictly a bus system, MARTA operates a network of Public transport bus service, bus route ...

Airport An airport is an aerodrome with extended facilities, mostly for commercial Aviation, air transport. They usually consist of a landing area, which comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surf ...

station is located in Clayton.

Pedestrians and cycling

* Jesters Creek Trail * Morrow Trail * Clayton Connects

In popular culture

Parts of Margaret Mitchell's epic 1936 novel ''

Gone with the Wind Gone with the Wind most often refers to: * Gone with the Wind (novel), ''Gone with the Wind'' (novel), a 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell * Gone with the Wind (film), ''Gone with the Wind'' (film), the 1939 adaptation of the novel Gone with the Wind ...

'' and the famous 1939 motion picture ''

'' were set in Clayton County, including the location of the fictional plantation Tara. Tara Boulevard was named for the plantation; it is the main north–south road through the county, carrying U.S. 41 and lesser-known State Route 3. Parts of the novels '' Rhett Butler's People'' and '' Scarlett'' and the ''Scarlett'' television miniseries also took place in Clayton County. ''Rhett Butler's People'' is a prequel, sequel, and companion to ''

''. '' Scarlett'' is a sequel to ''

'', taking place briefly in Clayton County. The fictional Twelve Oaks Plantation and others mentioned in these novels are located in and around Clayton County. Mitchell's family's plantation Rural Home was located in Clayton County. The 2012 film ''

Flight Flight or flying is the motion (physics), motion of an Physical object, object through an atmosphere, or through the vacuum of Outer space, space, without contacting any planetary surface. This can be achieved by generating aerodynamic lift ass ...

'' features Clayton County throughout the film. Parts of the film ''

Smokey and the Bandit ''Smokey and the Bandit'' is a 1977 American action comedy road film starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Pat McCormick, Paul Williams, and Mike Henry. The film marks the directorial debut of stuntman Hal Needham ...

'' were shot in and around Clayton County, namely in Jonesboro, as evidenced by a sign in the background of one of the scenes. Although this particular scene was supposed to be set in Arkansas, a "Willow Bend" sign advertising brick homes in Clayton County can be spotted behind Sheriff George Branford. Many back roads and the movie town of Texarkana are the roads and the town of Jonesboro.

References

External links

Clayton County Government

Clayton County Visitors Bureau – For information on history, attractions, and events

Clayton County
historical marker {{Coord, 33.54, -84.36, display=title, type:adm2nd_region:US-GA_source:UScensus1990 1858 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia (U.S. state) counties Clayton Populated places established in 1858 Black Belt (U.S. region) Majority-minority counties in Georgia