Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Clayton is a small city located in the state of New Mexico. The city has a population of 3,195 people. At 81%, the majority of the Clayton population is White; this is followed by 3% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Clayton are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 19% of the population also speak Spanish. Clayton is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 41% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Clayton offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Clayton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in New Mexico, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Clayton and in the areas around Clayton is a much easier task.
The livability score in Clayton is 67/100 and the city is ranked in the 66th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Clayton ranks very well for crime (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Clayton. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F).
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Clayton, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 21.98% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Clayton an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Clayton, the unemployment rate stands at 1.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Clayton market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Clayton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Clayton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Clayton are simply unattainable. The median home price for Clayton homes is $143,724, which is 49.3% lower than the New Mexico average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clayton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 23.8% lower than the New Mexico average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Clayton | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.0% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.2% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.1% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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