Clayton County, Georgia

Clayton County, Georgia
Clayton County Courthouse in Jonesboro
Location in the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia's location in the U.S.
Founded	November 30, 1858
Named for	Augustin Smith Clayton
Seat	Jonesboro
Largest city	Forest Park
Area
• Total	144 sq mi (373 km2)
• Land	142 sq mi (368 km2)
• Water	2.8 sq mi (7 km2), 1.9%
Population (est.)
• (2015)	273,955
• Density	1,832/sq mi (707/km²)
Congressional districts	5th, 13th
Time zone	Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website	www.claytoncountyga.gov

Clayton County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 259,424.^[1] The county seat is Jonesboro.^[2]

Clayton County is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the home of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

History

The county was established in 1858 and named in honor of Augustin Smith Clayton^[3] (1783–1839), who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1832 until 1835.

Geography

According to the U.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.^[4] It is the third-smallest county by area in Georgia.

The eastern portion of Clayton County, between Forest Park and Lovejoy, is located in the Upper Ocmulgee River sub-basin of the Altamaha River 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).^[5]

Adjacent counties

• DeKalb County (northeast)
• Henry County (east)
• Spalding County (south)
• Fayette County (southwest)
• Fulton County (northwest)

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1860	4,466		—
1870	5,477		22.6%
1880	8,027		46.6%
1890	8,295		3.3%
1900	9,598		15.7%
1910	10,453		8.9%
1920	11,159		6.8%
1930	10,260		−8.1%
1940	11,655		13.6%
1950	22,872		96.2%
1960	46,365		102.7%
1970	98,043		111.5%
1980	150,357		53.4%
1990	182,052		21.1%
2000	236,517		29.9%
2010	259,467		9.7%
Est. 2016	279,462	[6]	7.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2010-2013[1]

2000 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 259,424 people residing in the county. 66.1% were Black or African American, 18.9% White, 5.0% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 7.1% from some other race and 2.5% from two or more races. 13.7% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

As of the 2000 census,^[11] there were 236,517 people, 82,243 households, and 59,214 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,658 people per square mile (640/km²). There were 86,461 housing units at an average density of 606 per square mile (234/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 37.94% White, 51.55% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 4.49% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 3.55% from other races, and 2.08% from two or more races. 7.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Estimated 2006 population is 271,240, with a racial make-up of 20.4% white non-Hispanic, 62.9% African American, 5% Asian, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.1% Pacific Islander. 1.5% were reported as multi-racial.

There were 82,243 households out of which 40.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.70% were married couples living together, 20.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% were non-families. 21.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the county, the population was spread out with 30.00% under the age of 18, 10.40% from 18 to 24, 35.40% from 25 to 44, 18.40% from 45 to 64, and 5.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 94.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.90 males.

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 for the county was $18,079. About 8.20% of families and 10.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.

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,^[12] while in 2006 the population was approximately 271,240 — 20% white and 80% minority.^[13]

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 259,424 people, 90,633 households, and 62,389 families residing in the county.^[14] The population density was 1,832.5 inhabitants per square mile (707.5/km²). There were 104,705 housing units at an average density of 739.6 per square mile (285.6/km²).^[15] The racial makeup of the county was 66.1% black or African American, 18.9% white, 5.0% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 7.1% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 13.7% of the population.^[14] In terms of ancestry, and 4.9% were American.^[16]

Of the 90,633 households, 42.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples living together, 25.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.2% were non-families, and 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.37. The median age was 31.6 years.^[14]

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 versus $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, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.^[17]

Crime and policing

The Clayton County Police Department has an authorized strength of 525 personnel. It is headed by Chief Michael Register.^[18] Other law enforcement services (courts, jail, warrants) are provided by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.^[19]

Economy

The unemployment rate in Clayton County, GA, is 5.8% as of April 2017, with job growth of 0.70%. Future job growth over the next ten years is 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 $44,454. ValuJet Airlines was headquartered in northern, unincorporated Clayton County, near William B. Hartsfield International Airport, in the 1990s.^[20]

Transportation

Airports

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Major highways

Mass transit

Bus

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

Rail

There is commuter rail service in the planning stages along the Norfolk Southern line, with proposed stations in Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro, and initially ending at Lovejoy. This line is projected to run to Macon eventually. However, it has been repeatedly stalled by the Georgia General Assembly, despite having federal funding already available for it.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's Airport station is located in Clayton.

Education

Clayton County Public Schools is the fifth largest school system in Georgia.^[21] On August 28, 2008, the district lost its accreditation, citing a 'dysfunctional' school board.

The district currently has 51,237 students enrolled in its 63 schools. Under the current Superintendent Dr. Edmond T. Heatley, the district has a strategic plan that includes the vision and mission statements. Clayton County has twenty-two elementary and five middle schools that have been deemed by the Georgia Department of Education as Distinguished Schools. This is based on the number of consecutive years of making AYP. Clayton County is fully accredited, April 2013

Special schools and programs

Lovejoy High School hosts the district International Baccalaureate Program (IB). The IB Diploma Program is designed as an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final exams that prepare students for success at the university level and life beyond.

CCPS has two charter schools. Unidos Dual Language, Georgia's first public dual language school is a model of excellence in language education. Unidos serves students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grades. The second charter school is the Elite Scholars Academy; the school serves grades 6-10 and will be expanding to the twelfth grade by 2014. The school operates on a year-round calendar. Any student in the district may apply to enroll. Selection is based on a random lottery.

Clayton County also has a Math and Science Magnet and two fine arts magnet programs at Jackson Elementary and Mount Zion High Schools. Enrollment is based on application and/or audition.

2008 de-accreditation

The 50,000-student school system was the first in the nation to lose accreditation since 1969. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) revoked the school district's accreditation on August 28, 2008.^[22] This makes only the second system in the nation to do so since 1960. A grand jury investigated and considered possible criminal indictments against the Clayton County School Board. At issue was whether the school board committed malfeasance in ignoring the shortcomings of the school system and violating its own rules concerning the awarding of bids of contracts.

School Board Chairwoman Ericka Davis announced her resignation on April 2, 2008, amidst the allegations. Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell has called for the resignations of all Clayton County School Board Members.^[23] 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.^[24]

The Clayton County Public School System was re-accredited by SACS on May 1, 2009.^[25]

Higher education

Clayton State University is located in Morrow.

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

• Bonanza
• Conley
• Irondale

Unincorporated communities

Politics

Previous Presidential Elections Results^[26]

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
2016	13.5% 12,645	83.6% 78,220	2.9% 2715
2012	14.7% 14,164	84.7% 81,479	0.6% 587
2008	16.6% 16,506	82.9% 82,527	0.5% 481
2004	29.0% 23,106	70.5% 56,113	0.5% 424
2000	32.5% 19,966	65.2% 40,042	2.3% 1,394
1996	37.3% 20,625	55.6% 30,687	7.1% 3930
1992	41.3% 23,965	44.7% 25,890	14.0% 8134
1988	65.4% 28,225	34.1% 14,689	0.5% 223
1984	72.8% 31,553	27.2% 11,763
1980	50.4% 19,160	46.1% 17,540	3.6% 1351
1976	37.6% 12,905	62.4% 21,432
1972	86.4% 23,681	13.6% 3,740
1968	35.2% 8,256	15.0% 3517	49.8% 11,665
1964	64.1% 10,488	35.9% 5,869	0.1% 10
1960	33.4% 2,953	66.6% 5,892
1956	22.4% 1,593	77.6% 5,522
1952	23.3% 1,230	76.7% 4,058
1948	23.0% 757	66.5% 2,192	10.5% 347
1944	11.8% 245	88.1% 1,828	0.1% 1
1940	10.4% 161	89.5% 1,382	0.1% 2
1936	11.4% 175	88.4% 1,352	0.2% 3
1932	2.5% 35	97.0% 1,361	0.5% 7
1928	50.3% 619	49.7% 612
1924	11.7% 46	69.3% 273	19.0% 75
1920	6.7% 34	93.3% 475
1916	12.6% 75	86.9% 517	0.5% 3
1912	20.2% 113	79.3% 443	0.5% 3

In popular culture

Parts of Margaret Mitchell's epic 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and the famous 1939 motion picture Gone with the Wind were set in Clayton County, including the location of the fictional plantation, Tara. Tara Boulevard was named for the plantation, and 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 TV Mini-Series also took place in Clayton County. Rhett Butler's People is a prequel, sequel, and companion to Gone with the Wind. Scarlett is a sequel to Gone with the Wind, also and also takes place briefly in Clayton County. In the above-mentioned novels, the fictional Twelve Oaks Plantation and others mentioned in the novels above, are located in and around Clayton County.

The 2012 film Flight features Clayton County throughout the film, with Hall's Flying Ranch in Hampton, Georgia, doubling as Denzel Washington's character's childhood home.

Parts of the film Smokey and the Bandit were also shot in and around Clayton County, namely in Jonesboro, as evidenced by a sign in the background of one of the scenes. Even though 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 actually the roads and the town of Jonesboro.

Trinidad James filmed his music video for the song "All Gold Everything" in Clayton County

Rap artist Waka Flocka Flame is also from Clayton County as he resides in Riverdale, Georgia.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Clayton County, Georgia

References

External links

• Clayton County Government
• Clayton County Visitors Bureau – For information on history, attractions, and events
• Clayton County historical marker

Adjacent places of Clayton County, Georgia
	Fulton County		DeKalb County
			Henry County
		Clayton County, Georgia
	Fayette County	Spalding County

Coordinates: 33°32′N 84°22′W / 33.54°N 84.36°W / 33.54; -84.36