[3] The town was named for New York Governor DeWitt Clinton.

In 1824, when Feliciana Parish was split into East and West, Clinton became the seat of East Feliciana Parish's government, replacing the town of Jackson in this capacity.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,340 people, 737 households, and 506 families residing in the town.

26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

East Feliciana Parish School Board serves Clinton.

Silliman Institute is the main private school in the area.