Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clayton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clayton, you need to earn at least $26,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,239, which means the typical resident is $6,639 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,825

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$465	$1,550	$18,600	$-14,639
1 Bedroom	$552	$1,840	$22,080	$-11,159
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$665	$2,217	$26,600	$-6,639
3 Bedroom	$811	$2,703	$32,440	$-799
4 Bedroom	$998	$3,327	$39,920	+$6,681

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Clayton's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,239

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,639

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Clayton

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clayton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$831

Studio

$465/mo

1 BR

$552/mo

2 BR

$665/mo

3 BR

$811/mo

4 BR

$998/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Clayton.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Clayton's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clayton

Living in Clayton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $6,639 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Clayton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clayton, a studio at $465/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $811/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $39,900 would position you well — though many residents in Clayton manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Clayton, New Mexico.

With a total population of 2,825, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 803 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,600 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

803

Active civilian employees in Clayton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clayton

What salary do I need to live in Clayton, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clayton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,600. The median household income in Clayton is $33,239.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clayton on $33,239?

The affordability verdict for Clayton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.0%, meaning median earners have a $6,639 surplus.

What is the average rent in Clayton compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Clayton is $552/month. With a median household income of $33,239, residents spend approximately 24.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clayton?

A studio in Clayton rents for approximately $465/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,600 to afford this.

Is Clayton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,639 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clayton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,600 to the local median household income.

How Clayton Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements