[1] The township was established by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company in the 1860s.

The company officially named the township in 1863, after the River Clyde in Scotland.

[1] French food company Danone operates milk factory at Clydevale,[2] which produces toddler infant formula brand Karicare.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.3% had no religion, 39.6% were Christian, 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% were Hindu, 0.9% were Buddhist and 0.7% had other religions.

Clutha Valley Primary School opened as a replacement in Clydesdale in 2008.