Clayton on the map

Location in West SussexClayton sits where the marker shows within the county.

18,163
Population
7,355
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£69,856
Avg. household income
1,115
Businesses
216
People per km²
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About Clayton

Clayton is a village located in West Sussex, England, within the BN6 postcode area. It lies at the foot of the South Downs, providing a scenic backdrop for those who visit. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. It features a small selection of local amenities, including a pub and a few shops, catering to the needs of the community.

The area surrounding Clayton offers opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly walking and cycling, thanks to the nearby South Downs National Park. The village is also close to the larger town of Hassocks, which provides additional services and facilities. Clayton's proximity to Brighton makes it a convenient location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining accessible to the coast and city life.

School Ratings in Clayton

There are 49 schools in and around Clayton. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Clayton

The average property price is £621K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £760K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Clayton

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Clayton, with 44 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Clayton

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Clayton ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Clayton

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Clayton, the nearest being Mid Sussex Health Care (1.8 miles away).

Property Prices 2,857 sales

Average Price £621K
£1K , £21.29M
Detached £760K 1,140
Semi £501K 874
Terraced £427K 399
Flat £258K 296

Household Income in Clayton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Clayton is approximately £69,856 a year before tax, 26% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,896. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Clayton £69,856
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,896.

Businesses in Clayton ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,115 active businesses based in Clayton, around 61 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,115 Total businesses
61 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Clayton IMD 2025

Clayton is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 54%
Older 65+ 26%
3,625 Children (0-15) 20%
9,892 Working Age 54%
4,639 Older (65+) 26%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.9% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.8% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Clayton 98 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Clayton sit broadly in line with national averages for a small town of this size. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Anti-Social Behaviour 44
Violence & Sexual Offences 20
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Public Order 8
Burglary 6
Vehicle Crime 3
Drugs 2
Shoplifting 2
Other Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Theft 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Sussex Hassocks
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Hassocks Train Station 0.6 miles
Burgess Hill Train Station 2.7 miles
Wivelsfield Train Station 3.6 miles
Plumpton Train Station 4 miles
Falmer Train Station 4.4 miles
London Road (Brighton) Train Station 5.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Mid Sussex
County West Sussex
Ward Hassocks
Constituency Arundel and South Downs
Parish Hassocks
Region South East

Home Ownership in Clayton

Of the 7,389 households in and around Clayton, 79% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 11% Private rented 10%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Clayton.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton

What is the population of Clayton?
Clayton has a population of approximately 18,163 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Clayton?
The average property in and around Clayton sold for about £621,166, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 78% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Clayton a deprived area?
Clayton sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Clayton?
Clayton is covered by the BN6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Clayton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Clayton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Clayton?
The nearest railway station to Clayton is Hassocks Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.