Clayton County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state ofGeorgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 297,595 by the U.S. Census Bureau.[1] Thecounty seat isJonesboro.[2]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 144 square miles (370 km2), of which 142 square miles (370 km2) is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) (1.9%) is water.[7] It is the third-smallest county by area in Georgia.
Clayton County, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the U.S. census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
At the2020 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.[20]
In 2010, the racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 66.1%Black or African American, 18.87%non-Hispanic white, 5.0%Asian, 0.4%American Indian, 0.1%Pacific islander, 7.1% from other races, and 2.5% fromtwo or more races. Those ofHispanic or Latino origin made up 13.66% of the population.[21] In terms of ancestry, 4.9% were "American".[22] 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,[23] while in 2006 the population was approximately 271,240 — 20% white and 80% minority.[24]
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 thepoverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.[25] 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. Theper capita income for the county was $18,079. About 8.20% of families and 10.10% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
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.
The 50,000-studentschool system was the first in the nation to loseaccreditation since 1969. TheSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) revoked theschool district's accreditation on August 28, 2008.[27] It was only the second system in the nation to do so since 1960. Agrand jury investigated and considered possible criminalindictments against the Clayton County School Board. At issue was whether the school board committedmalfeasance in ignoring the shortcomings of the school system and violating its own rules concerning the awarding ofbids ofcontracts.
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.[28] 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.[29]
The Clayton County Public School System was re-accredited by SACS on May 1, 2009.[30]
The Clayton County Police Department has an authorized strength of 525 personnel headed by Chief Kevin Roberts.[35] Other law enforcement services (courts, jail, warrants) are provided by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.[36]
On April 26, 2021, Sheriff Victor Hill was indicted on charges of federal civil rights violations.[37] On June 2, 2021, he was suspended by GovernorBrian Kemp following a review of the indictment.[38] On October 26, 2022, Sheriff Victor Hill was found guilty of violating civil rights of jail detainees.[39]
For most of the 1960s to the 1980s, Clayton County was a swing county. It voted for GovernorJimmy Carter in1976 with around 65 percent of the vote, but then voted forRonald Reagan with over 70 percent of the vote in1984. However, due to extensive in-migration by Democratic-voting African-Americans from surrounding areas, starting in1992, Clayton County has swung heavily Democratic and is now one of the most Democratic counties in the country. In every presidential election since2004, Clayton County has been the most Democratic county in Georgia.[40]
United States presidential election results for Clayton County, Georgia[41]
Rural Home, the real life plantation house thatTara in the 1936 novelGone with the Wind was based on was in Clayton County[43] whereAnnie Fitzgerald Stephens, the model of the characterScarlet O'Hara grew up. This meant that large parts of Margaret Mitchell's epic 1936 novelGone with the Wind[44] and the famous 1939 motion pictureGone with the Wind were set in Clayton County, including the location of the fictional plantationTara. Tara Boulevard was named for the plantation;[45] it is the main north–south road through the county, carryingU.S. 41 and lesser-knownState Route 3.
Parts of the novelsRhett Butler's People andScarlett and theScarlett television miniseries also took place in Clayton County.Rhett Butler's People is a prequel, sequel, and companion toGone with the Wind.Scarlett is a sequel toGone with the Wind, taking place briefly in Clayton County. The fictionalTwelve Oaks Plantation and others mentioned in these novels are located in and around Clayton County.
Parts of the filmSmokey and the Bandit were shot in and around Clayton County,[46] 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.[citation needed]
