Clayton, NM
Population 2,680 · New Mexico
About Clayton, NM
Clayton is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 2,680 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,192 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clayton features a median home value of $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clayton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $637, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,238 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (661 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (267 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clayton shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clayton have an average one-way commute time of 11.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Clayton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 30.3% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 22.2% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clayton Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Clayton, NM
Compared to national averages, Clayton has a median household income of $40,192 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $637 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Clayton's income is 40% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 52% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Clayton, NM?
Clayton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $637/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,192) that falls below the national average. However, Clayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clayton has a population of 2,680 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Clayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Clayton
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Park | 2,699 | $25,433 | $0 | Compare |
| Chimayo | 2,726 | $52,305 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Ruidoso Downs | 2,629 | $31,413 | $55,400 | Compare |
| Tularosa | 2,584 | $45,147 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Dulce | 2,782 | $41,886 | $58,100 | Compare |
| La Mesilla | 2,531 | $74,385 | $266,900 | Compare |
| West Hammond | 2,519 | $49,795 | $185,800 | Compare |
| Agua Fria | 2,842 | $47,438 | $264,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Clayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clayton
What is the population of Clayton, NM?
The population of Clayton, NM is 2,680 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton, NM is $40,192 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton, NM is $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clayton?
The median monthly rent in Clayton, NM is $637, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clayton?
The unemployment rate in Clayton, NM is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clayton, NM a good place to live?
Clayton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,680 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clayton, NM?
13.6% of residents in Clayton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Clayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clayton, NM: median home value is $111,500 (54% below national), median rent is $637/month, and median household income is $40,192. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clayton?
The poverty rate in Clayton, NM is 26.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Clayton, NM?
Clayton's population is 30.3% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 22.2% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.