The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 27520 sells for about $389,990, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are down 1.5% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 107 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,605 a month.
ZIP 27520 — Clayton
The 27520 housing market is currently balanced, with a high volume of sales activity despite a slight year-over-year decline in median home values. Strong demand from commuters and families moving to the area continues to support market stability, though inventory levels remain a factor in price fluctuations.
This ZIP is ideal for family buyers and commuters seeking suburban living with access to the Research Triangle, offering a balance of affordability and modern amenities compared to the urban core.
Median prices moved down 1.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 107 days on market with 0.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 99% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.7% · poverty 6.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 27520, Johnston County NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in Clayton are generally considered lower than the national average, with local law enforcement maintaining a focus on community-oriented policing to manage growth-related impacts.
Schools serving the area are part of the Johnston County Public Schools system, which maintains a mix of ratings with several elementary schools performing above the state average.
The area is subject to standard regional risks including tropical storm remnants and occasional flooding in low-lying areas, with insurance premiums reflecting typical North Carolina coastal-adjacent climate exposure.
Clayton is experiencing significant economic momentum driven by its proximity to the Research Triangle Park, attracting major manufacturing and life sciences employers to the region.
Property taxes are levied by Johnston County and the Town of Clayton, with rates determined by annual assessments; special districts for fire and school services are common across the jurisdiction.
Commuters primarily utilize US-70 and I-40 to access the Raleigh-Cary employment core, with average commute times reflecting the suburban nature of the area.
The area features extensive greenway systems, local parks like East Clayton Community Park, and proximity to the Neuse River for outdoor activities, alongside growing retail centers.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand driven by regional job growth, with a mix of single-family rentals and newer apartment developments maintaining moderate vacancy pressure.
The economy is anchored by manufacturing, life sciences, and healthcare, with significant employment spillover from the nearby Research Triangle Park.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicles, with major highway corridors providing the primary link to regional employment hubs.
Development is focused on residential subdivisions and commercial infill projects to accommodate the rapid population growth in the Johnston County corridor.
Johnston County Tax Administration conducts periodic revaluations to ensure property assessments align with market values.
Parcels are subject to Johnston County school taxes and various municipal service districts for fire and utility provision.
Property insurance markets are stable but sensitive to regional weather patterns, with premiums reflecting standard North Carolina risk profiles.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter and ACS 2023 profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Features sports fields and walking trails.
Provides recreational boating and fishing access.
Historic district with local boutiques and restaurants.
No county-record distress flags across 2 researched properties on the ARED base layer. Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).