Clayton is the hub of the St. Louis metropolitan area and the seat of St. Louis County. With its central location and accessibility via several major thoroughfares, convenience is one of Clayton's main attractions. This convenience is enhanced by MetroLink’s Cross County Extension and its two passenger stations. The light rail route facilitates travel to and from Clayton for visitors and for the 45,000 individuals who come to work here each day.

Clayton's bustling business community includes 10,000,000 square feet of premier office space. Several titans of the corporate world are included in the 3,400 businesses that call Clayton home. Clayton's charming, neighborhood retail districts are filled with 1,000,000 square feet specialty boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Our community services are world-class. Exceptional parks programs meet citizens' year-round needs. The Center of Clayton offers state-of-the-art fitness, athletic and meeting facilities. Clayton’s School District consistently ranks as one of the best in the country. Three institutions of higher education: Washington University, Fontbonne University and Concordia Seminary also call Clayton home.

No other municipality in the region has a more impressive calendar of events, which includes Parties in the Park, Music and Wine Festival and the country’s #5 art fair, the Saint Louis Art Fair. World-class public art adds to the City’s cultural amenities with works by Carl Milles, Ernest Trova, Fernando Botero, Howard Ben Tre, James Surls and Alice Aycock.

Since the City's incorporation in 1913, Clayton has experienced a long, steady and prosperous growth. Today a special lifestyle is created by the unique balance between a vibrant business community and premier residential living, which is made possible through a united effort on the part of our residents, business community and city government.

Office of Economic Development

The office of Economic Development was created to facilitate the city’s economic development activities with existing and new businesses. The office provides assistance to businesses and compiles economic and real estate data. In addition, the office of Economic Development coordinates with other city departments on planning issues and special events.