Clayton’s Census Figures Stay Steady

February 25, 2011

The 2010 census figures indicate that the City of Clayton population is stable. Although the 15,939 population count appears to be a dramatic increase, the City of Clayton’s population has actually stayed steady since the 2000 census.

The apparent large increase is due to a discrepancy in the original 2000 Census figures that indicated Clayton’s population was 12,825. This figure failed to include the 2,000 students that reside in dorms on Washington University’s South 40 Campus. The City challenged the original 2000 population figures. Although the Census accepted the challenge and adjusted the count to 15,935, many sources still use the incorrect figure including the Census Bureau website. 

The City is conducting a full analysis of the detailed information contained in the data released by the Census Bureau yesterday including verification that all areas are included in the count, tract level data analysis and comparisons with records of building and construction activity in the past decade.

The City expects to complete the preliminary analysis process by Friday, March 4 and will release those findings at that time.