Clayton, NC vs San Marcos, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Clayton
67.4
#1425 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
Clayton leads in cost of living index (103 vs 166). San Marcos leads in median household income ($99,413 vs $71,698). Clayton leads in crime level (4.6 vs 6.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Clayton, NC | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1425) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 30,216 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $365,680 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $71,698 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 31.5 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | N/A | 33 |
| Crime Level | 4.6 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.5 | D+16.8 |
Data coverage note: Clayton is missing data for 1 metric that San Marcos has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
D+
67.4 Score
Clayton, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$365,680
Population
30,216
Crime
Moderate-Low
Median Income
$71,698
Southeast
View Clayton, NC →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →