Clayton, New Jersey | |
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![]() Clayton High School in September 2012 | |
Motto(s): "A great place to live and play to work and pray!" | |
![]() Location of Clayton in Gloucester County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Gloucester County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right). | |
![]() Census Bureau map of Clayton, New Jersey | |
Location in Gloucester County Location in New Jersey | |
Coordinates: 39°39′49″N75°04′39″W / 39.663736°N 75.077505°W [1] [2] | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
County | ![]() |
Incorporated | February 5, 1858 (as township) |
Reincorporated | May 9, 1887 (as borough) |
Government | |
• Type | Borough (New Jersey) |
• Body | Borough Council |
• Mayor | Thomas Bianco (D, term ends December 31, 2027) [4] [5] |
• Administrator | Susan Miller [6] |
• Municipal clerk | Christine Newcomb [7] |
Area | |
• Total | 7.26 sq mi (18.80 km2) |
• Land | 7.08 sq mi (18.32 km2) |
• Water | 0.18 sq mi (0.48 km2) 2.53% |
• Rank | 239th of 565 in state 15th of 24 in county [1] |
Elevation | 121 ft (37 m) |
Population | |
• Total | 8,807 |
• Estimate | 8,948 |
• Rank | 270th of 565 in state 12th of 24 in county [13] |
• Density | 1,244.8/sq mi (480.6/km2) |
• Rank | 356th of 565 in state 13th of 24 in county [13] |
Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) |
ZIP Code | |
Area code(s) | 856 exchanges: 307, 442, 863, 881 [16] |
FIPS code | 3401513360 [1] [17] [18] |
GNIS feature ID | 0885185 [1] [19] |
Website | www |
Clayton is a borough in Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 8,807, [10] [11] an increase of 628 (+7.7%) from the 2010 census count of 8,179, [20] [21] which in turn reflected an increase of 1,040 (+14.6%) from the 7,139 counted in the 2000 census. [22]
Jacob Fisler purchased much of the area that is now Clayton, acquiring 6,500 acres (2,600 ha) of land after the American Revolutionary War. A settlement named Fislertown developed and grew to 36 families by 1812. [23] A glass factory was established in Clayton in the 1850s by one of Fisler's descendants, which contributed to Fislertown's growth. [24]
What is now Clayton was formed as Clayton Township on February 5, 1858, from portions of Franklin Township. Portions of the township were later taken on March 11, 1878, to form Glassboro Township. Clayton was formed as a borough by the New Jersey Legislature on May 9, 1887, from portions of Clayton Township. The remainder of Clayton Township was absorbed by the Clayton on April 14, 1908, and the township was dissolved. [25] Clayton is part of the South Jersey region of the state.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 7.26 square miles (18.80 km2), including 7.08 square miles (18.32 km2) of land and 0.18 square miles (0.48 km2) of water (2.53%). [1] [2] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Silver Lake. [26] Clayton borders Elk Township, Franklin Township, Glassboro, and Monroe Township. [27] [28]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 2,490 | — | |
1870 | 3,674 | 47.6% | |
1880 | 1,981 | * | −46.1% |
1890 | 2,299 | 16.1% | |
1900 | 1,989 | −13.5% | |
1910 | 1,926 | −3.2% | |
1920 | 1,905 | −1.1% | |
1930 | 2,351 | 23.4% | |
1940 | 2,320 | −1.3% | |
1950 | 3,023 | 30.3% | |
1960 | 4,711 | 55.8% | |
1970 | 5,193 | 10.2% | |
1980 | 6,013 | 15.8% | |
1990 | 6,155 | 2.4% | |
2000 | 7,139 | 16.0% | |
2010 | 8,179 | 14.6% | |
2020 | 8,807 | 7.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 8,948 | [10] [12] | 1.6% |
Population sources: 1860–2000 [29] 1860–1920 [30] 1860–1870 [31] 1870 [32] 1880–1890 [33] 1890–1910 [34] 1910–1930 [35] 1940–2000 [36] 2000 [37] [38] 2010 [20] [21] 2020 [10] [11] *= Lost territory in previous decade. [25] |
As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population of Clayton was 8,807. [10] [11]
The 2010 United States census counted 8,179 people, 2,916 households, and 2,105 families in the borough. The population density was 1,145.5 per square mile (442.3/km2). There were 3,128 housing units at an average density of 438.1 per square mile (169.2/km2). The racial makeup was 74.83% (6,120) White, 18.01% (1,473) Black or African American, 0.37% (30) Native American, 1.80% (147) Asian, 0.02% (2) Pacific Islander, 1.59% (130) from other races, and 3.39% (277) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.95% (487) of the population. [20]
Of the 2,916 households, 34.1% had children under the age of 18; 51.4% were married couples living together; 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 27.8% were non-families. Of all households, 22.1% were made up of individuals and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.27. [20]
26.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 89.1 males. [20] The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $70,299 (with a margin of error of +/− $5,649) and the median family income was $70,989 (+/− $5,101). Males had a median income of $52,048 (+/− $6,973) versus $39,524 (+/− $6,308) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $27,437 (+/− $2,649). About 9.6% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over. [39]
As of the 2000 U.S. census [17] there were 7,139 people, 2,464 households, and 1,884 families residing in the borough. The population density was 994.2 inhabitants per square mile (383.9/km2). There were 2,680 housing units at an average density of 373.2 per square mile (144.1/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 79.23% White, 16.05% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races, and 2.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.28% of the population. [37] [38]
There were 2,464 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.31. [37] [38]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males. [37] [38]
The median income for a household in the borough was $53,219, and the median income for a family was $63,097. Males had a median income of $37,231 versus $29,063 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $20,006. About 3.1% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over. [37] [38]
Parkland covers about a third of the borough and includes both municipal and state parks. [40] [41] The Glassboro Wildlife Management Area covers almost 2,400 acres (970 ha) in portions of Clayton, Glassboro, and Monroe Township. [42] [43]
Clayton is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 of New Jersey's 564 municipalities, making it the state's most common form of government. [44] The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. [3] The borough form of government used by Clayton is a weak mayor/strong council government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. [45] [46] [47]
In March 2019, the borough council selected Christina Moorhouse from three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat vacated by Vonzora Jackson's resignation. [48]
As of 2024 [update] , the mayor is Democrat Thomas Bianco, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2027. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Tony Saban (D, 2025), Dave Chapes (D, 2024), Christina Moorhouse (D, 2025), Frank Rollo (D, 2024), Charles Simon (D, 2026), and Darlene Vondran (D, 2026). [4] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53]
Clayton describes itself in its motto as "a great place to live and play, work and pray." The seal, which has been used since the late 1960s, features an image of a factory, a house, a figure fishing off a boat, and with a church with a cross, which was challenged by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in March 2016 as "unmistakably religious" and unconstitutional. [54] [55]
Clayton is located in the 2nd Congressional District [56] and is part of New Jersey's 3rd state legislative district. [57] [58] [59]
For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). [60] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) [61] and Bob Menendez ( Englewood Cliffs , term ends 2025). [62] [63]
For the 2024-2025 session , the 3rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by John Burzichelli ( D , Paulsboro ) and in the General Assembly by David Bailey (D, Woodstown ) and Heather Simmons (D, Glassboro ). [64]
Gloucester County is governed by a board of county commissioners, whose seven members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis in partisan elections, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At a reorganization meeting held each January, the Board selects a Director and a Deputy Director from among its members. As of 2024 [update] , Gloucester County's Commissioners are:
Director Frank J. DiMarco (D, Deptford Township, 2025), [65] Matt Weng (D, Pitman, 2026), [66] Joann Gattinelli (D, Washington Township, 2026), [67] Nicholas DeSilvio (R, Franklin Township, 2024), [68] Denice DiCarlo (D, West Deptford Township, 2025) [69] Deputy Director Jim Jefferson (D, Woodbury, 2026) and [70] Christopher Konawel Jr. (R, Glassboro, 2024). [71] [72]
Gloucester County's constitutional officers are: Clerk James N. Hogan (D, Franklin Township; 2027), [73] [74] Sheriff Jonathan M. Sammons (R, Elk Township; 2024) [75] [76] and Surrogate Giuseppe "Joe" Chila (D, Woolwich Township; 2028). [77] [78] [79]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 4,874 registered voters in Clayton. Of these, 1,755 (36.0%) were registered as Democrats, 819 (16.8%) were registered as Republicans, and 2,296 (47.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were four voters registered as Libertarians or Greens. [80]
In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 64.2% of the vote (2,247 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 34.5% (1,206 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (45 votes), among the 3,521 ballots cast by the borough's 5,164 registered voters (23 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 68.2%. [81] [82] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 62.1% of the vote (2,270 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 35.8% (1,309 votes) and other candidates with 1.3% (49 votes), among the 3,653 ballots cast by the borough's 5,090 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.8%. [83] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 54.5% of the vote (1,745 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 44.6% (1,427 votes) and other candidates with 0.4% (16 votes), among the 3,201 ballots cast by the borough's 4,410 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 72.6. [84]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 56.7% of the vote (1,133 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 41.9% (837 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (30 votes), among the 2,039 ballots cast by the borough's 5,133 registered voters (39 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 39.7%. [85] [86] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Democrat Jon Corzine received 48.2% of the vote (1,055 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 39.8% (871 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 9.1% (200 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (17 votes) among the 2,191 ballots cast by the borough's 4,947 registered voters, yielding a 44.3% turnout. [87]
Clayton Public Schools serve public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. [88] As of the 2020–21 school year, the district has three schools, an enrollment of 1,463 students, and 117.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis) for a student–teacher ratio of 12.5:1. [89] Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics [90] ) are Herma S. Simmons Elementary School [91] with 668 students in grades PreK-5, Clayton Middle School [92] with 343 students in grades 6-8, and Clayton High School [93] with 420 students in grades 9-12. [94] [95] [96] [97]
In September 2009, voters approved a referendum that covered a $20 million renovation and expansion project at the middle school / high school. [98] In September 2014, voters approved a referendum that covered $9.7 million to upgrade all three schools in the district. The approved projects include a roof replacement at both the high school and middle school, an addition of a 750-seat auditorium, technology infrastructure at all three schools, a new football field stadium lighting and a new gym floor at Herma Simmons Elementary School. [99]
Students in Gloucester County are eligible to apply to attend Gloucester County Institute of Technology, a four-year high school in Deptford Township that provides technical and vocational education programs. As a public school, students and their families do not pay tuition to attend the school. [100]
Formed from a merger of two regional schools, St. Michael the Archangel Regional School is a K–8 school that operates under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden. [101] [102] The former St. Catherine of Siena Regional School in Clayton merged with St. Michael in 2008. [103]
As of May 2010 [update] , the borough had a total of 44.16 miles (71.07 km) of roadways. Of this, 33.00 miles (53.11 km) is maintained by the municipality, 8.36 miles (13.45 km) by Gloucester County and 2.80 miles (4.51 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. [104]
The main thoroughfare that passes through is Route 47. [105] Route 55 traverses the borough's southwestern edge, but the closest interchanges are in neighboring communities. [106] A sliver of County Road 553 clips the borough's western edge. [107]
NJ Transit bus service is available between the borough and Philadelphia on its 313 and 408 routes. [108] [109]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Clayton include:
Gloucester County is a county in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 census, the county was the state's 14th-most populous county with a population of 302,294, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 14,006 (+4.9%) from the 288,288 counted in the 2010 census, which in turn represented an increase of 33,615 (+13.2%) from the 2000 census population of 254,673. Its county seat is Woodbury. The county is part of the South Jersey region of the state.
East Greenwich Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 11,706, an increase of 2,151 (+22.5%) from the 2010 census count of 9,555, which in turn reflected an increase of 4,125 (+76.0%) from the 5,430 counted in the 2000 census.
Elk Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 4,424, an increase of 208 (+4.9%) from the 2010 census count of 4,216, which in turn reflected an increase of 702 (+20.0%) from the 3,514 counted in the 2000 census.
Franklin Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 16,380, a decrease of 440 (−2.6%) from the 2010 census count of 16,820, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,354 (+8.8%) from the 15,466 counted in the 2000 census.
Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 23,149, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 4,570 (+24.6%) from the 18,579 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn had reflected a decline of 489 (−2.6%) from the 19,068 counted in the 2000 census. Much of the recent and projected growth in Glassboro have been attributed to the growth trajectory of Rowan University, founded in 1923 and formerly known as Glassboro State College. Glassboro and surrounding Gloucester County constitute part of South Jersey.
Greenwich Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 4,917, an increase of 18 (+0.4%) from the 2010 census count of 4,899, which in turn reflected an increase of 20 (+0.4%) from the 4,879 counted in the 2000 census.
Harrison Township is a township in Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 13,641, an increase of 1,224 (+9.9%) from the 2010 census count of 12,417, which in turn reflected an increase of 3,629 (+41.3%) from the 8,788 counted in the 2000 census.
Mantua Township is a township within Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 15,235, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 18 (+0.1%) from the 15,217 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,000 (+7.0%) from the 14,217 counted in the 2000 census. Mantua and surrounding Gloucester County constitute part of South Jersey.
Monroe Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 37,117, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 988 (+2.7%) from the 36,129 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn reflected an increase of 7,162 (+24.7%) from the 28,967 counted in the 2000 census. The township is part of the South Jersey region of the state and a suburb of Philadelphia, within the Delaware Valley.
National Park is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 3,026, a decrease of 10 (−0.3%) from the 2010 census count of 3,036, which in turn reflected a decline of 169 (−5.3%) from the 3,205 counted in the 2000 census. Despite its name, National Park is neither a national park nor associated with one.
Newfield is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,774, an increase of 221 (+14.2%) from the 2010 census count of 1,553, which in turn reflected a decline of 63 (−3.9%) from the 1,616 counted in the 2000 census.
Paulsboro is a borough situated on the banks of the Delaware River within Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 6,196, an increase of 99 (+1.6%) from the 6,097 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn had reflected a decline of 63 (−1.0%) from the 6,160 counted in the 2000 census. Paulsboro and surrounding Gloucester County constitute part of South Jersey.
Pitman is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 8,780, a decrease of 231 (−2.6%) from the 2010 census count of 9,011, which in turn reflected a decline of 320 (−3.4%) from the 9,331 in the 2000 census. The borough was named for Rev. Charles Pitman, a Methodist minister.
South Harrison Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,395, an increase of 233 (+7.4%) from the 2010 census count of 3,162, which in turn reflected an increase of 745 (+30.8%) from the 2,417 counted in the 2000 census.
Swedesboro is a borough within Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 2,711, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 127 (+4.9%) from the 2,584 recorded at the 2010 census, which in turn reflected an increase of 529 (+25.7%) from the 2,055 counted in the 2000 census. Swedesboro and surrounding Gloucester County constitute part of South Jersey.
Washington Township is a township in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 48,677, an increase of 118 (+0.2%) from the 2010 census count of 48,559, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,445 (+3.1%) from the 47,114 counted in the 2000 census. For 2023, the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program calculated a population of 49,378.
Wenonah is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 2,283, an increase of five people (+0.2%) from the 2010 census count of 2,278, which in turn reflected a decline of 39 (−1.7%) from the 2,317 counted in the 2000 census. It is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-most populous city.
Westville is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,264, a decrease of 24 (−0.6%) from the 2010 census count of 4,288, which in turn reflected a decline of 212 (−4.7%) from the 4,500 counted in the 2000 census. Westville has been called "The Gateway to South Jersey!"
Woodbury Heights is a borough in Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 3,098, an increase of 43 (+1.4%) from the 2010 census count of 3,055, which in turn reflected an increase of 67 (+2.2%) from the 2,988 counted in the 2000 census.
Woolwich Township is a township within Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 12,577, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 2,377 (+23.3%) from the 2010 census count of 10,200, which in turn reflected an increase of 7,168 (+236.4%) from the 3,032 counted in the 2000 census. Woolwich Township and surrounding Gloucester County constitute part of South Jersey.