Clayton remains the seat of St. Louis County and the premier business hub of the metropolitan area. Its central location is anchored by two MetroLink passenger stations, which continue to support a daily workforce of approximately 45,000 individuals.

A Titan of Industry & Retail

The business community has grown to include over 3,400 businesses. The city’s skyline offers 10 million square feet of premier office space, maintaining its status as the region's most stable submarket. Meanwhile, the retail districts provide 1 million square feet of specialty boutiques, galleries, and high-end dining, catering to an affluent demographic with a median household income of approximately $128,898.

World-Class Education & Innovation

Education remains the cornerstone of the Clayton community, characterized by a seamless pipeline from top-tier public schooling to elite global research institutions.

  • The School District of Clayton: Consistently recognized as a national leader, the district is currently ranked the #2 Best School District in Missouri and #42 in America for 2026 by Niche. All schools within the district earned an A+ rating, with Clayton High School specifically ranked as the #1 Best Public High School Teachers in Missouri. The district is celebrated for its 10:1 student-teacher ratio and its commitment to "developing leaders who shape the world."

  • Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): As one of the world’s premier research universities, WashU continues to be a major anchor for Clayton. Beyond its academic prestige, it has become a global powerhouse for innovation. In 2026, WashU was ranked the #1 MBA Program for Entrepreneurship and is a Top 10 Entrepreneurial Institution nationally.

  • Concordia Seminary: Continuing its century-long presence in Clayton, Concordia Seminary remains a world-renowned center for theological education and a beautiful architectural landmark within the city’s residential fabric.

Cultural Landmark

The Saint Louis Art Fair continues to be a national draw, consistently ranked among the top fine art festivals in the United States. The city’s permanent public art collection features works by masters such as Fernando Botero and Alice Aycock, reinforcing Clayton's identity as a cultural destination.

Office of Economic Development

The Office of Economic Development serves as a "one-stop shop" to facilitate the city’s economic vitality for both global titans and local startups. To ensure a balanced and thriving marketplace, the office provides:

  • Small Business Support & Navigation: Dedicated assistance for entrepreneurs, including guidance on business licensing, permitting, and connecting owners with resources

  • Expansion & Retention: Facilitating the growth of existing Clayton businesses through strategic outreach and by providing updated demographic and real estate data for site selection.

  • Regional Collaboration: Active coordination with the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and Greater St. Louis, Inc. to advocate for small business interests, which helps maintain the vibrancy of Clayton's retail and dining corridors.

  • Planning & Events: Integrating economic goals with city planning and special events to ensure that Clayton remains a premier destination for visitors and a sustainable home for our 3,400+ businesses.