Settlement of the area dates from the mid 1800s, with land used mainly for farming and market gardening. The area was once coastal heathland and first occupied by John O'Shannessy during the early 1840s, who took a squatting licence to encompass a 40,000-acre (160 km2) block, around suburbs known today as Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley and Heatherton. O’Shannessy later passed on his licence to John and Richard King, in 1846, which saw the transformation of the area. Some growth took place during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Clayton South Post Office opened on 15 July 1929 and closed in 1976. Westall Post Office opened in 1960 near the station and closed in 1971. Significant development occurred from the post-war years, with rapid growth during the 1960s and 1970s. The population declined slightly between 1991 and 2006, a result of few new dwellings being added to the area and a decline in the average number of persons living in each dwelling. The population and dwelling stock then increased slightly between 2006 and 2011. Immediately west of Clayton South is
Clarinda. During 1960s to 1980s it was regarded as a locality of Clayton South, but in the late 1990s it emerged as a separate suburb. Clayton South thus sits between Springs and Westall Roads. In any event Clarinda's shopping centre serves much of Clayton South. Other shopping areas for Clayton South's residents are at Clayton, Springvale and a small neighbourhood group of shops at Westall. ==Transport==