Comparing Real Estate in Layton vs. Clearfield, UT

Davis County offers a variety of housing options along the Wasatch Front, and buyers frequently compare the neighboring cities of Layton and Clearfield. To compare these markets, many buyers consult the best real estate agent in Layton, UT. Both municipalities sit in the northern half of the county, sharing a border and relying on the economic engine of nearby Hill Air Force Base.

While they occupy the same general geographic area, these two cities present distinct real estate markets. Layton serves as a major commercial center with a larger footprint, while Clearfield offers a more compact layout with immediate base access and lower entry prices for homebuyers.

Population and Layout in Northern Davis County

Layton is the largest city in Davis County, with a 2026 population hovering around 85,000 residents. Clearfield is a smaller community, home to roughly 33,000 people.

Layton covers a wide geographic area, stretching from the wetlands near the Great Salt Lake up to the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. This broad footprint provides diverse topography, with elevated eastern neighborhoods offering sweeping valley views.

Clearfield sits directly adjacent to Layton's northwest border, occupying a flatter section of the valley floor. Its layout centers on proximity to Hill Air Force Base, which borders the city to the east and shapes much of the local traffic flow.

Because the two municipalities share a border, residents frequently cross city lines for daily errands. The choice between the two often comes down to housing budgets and specific daily commute requirements.

Home Prices and Housing Options

As of mid-2026, the median sale price for a home in Layton is around $500,000. Homes in Clearfield offer a more affordable entry point, with a median price closer to $410,000.

Layton's housing market moves quickly, with properties spending roughly 30 days on the market before going under contract. Buyers looking here will find an active inventory of about 225 homes at any given time, ranging from established single-family houses to newer townhome developments near the highway.

Clearfield provides a lower barrier to entry for buyers focused on keeping their mortgage costs down. The housing stock includes mid-century single-family homes, multi-family residential units, and townhomes built near transit corridors. Buyers should expect slightly less overall inventory in Clearfield simply due to its smaller size.

Property taxes factor into the monthly payment in both locations. Davis County assesses a median effective property tax rate of roughly 0.58%. Utah homeowners benefit from the primary residential exemption, which excludes 45% of a property's fair market value from taxation as long as the home serves as the owner's primary residence.

Commuting to Hill Air Force Base and Salt Lake City

Clearfield borders the western edge of Hill Air Force Base. This location provides direct access to the installation's 24/7 South Gate.

Military personnel and civilian contractors often prioritize Clearfield real estate to minimize daily drive times. Layton residents also have straightforward access to the base via Interstate 15 or U.S. Route 89, though the drive adds a few extra miles depending on the specific neighborhood.

For those commuting south to Salt Lake City, the drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes from either city via I-15. Route 89 provides an alternative north-south artery for Layton residents, bypassing some of the main interstate traffic when heading toward Farmington or Salt Lake.

The Utah Transit Authority operates FrontRunner commuter rail stations in both Layton and Clearfield. Trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during non-peak times, offering a direct ride into downtown Salt Lake City or north toward Ogden.

Parks, Retail, and Outdoor Recreation

Layton contains the region's primary commercial hub. The area is anchored by the Layton Hills Mall and surrounded by dozens of restaurants and big-box retailers.

Residents in both cities utilize this retail corridor for major shopping trips and dining out. Just south of Layton in neighboring Farmington, Station Park offers an open-air commercial center with additional entertainment options and upscale retail.

Clearfield provides distinct local amenities, including the Clearfield Aquatic and Fitness Center and the Hill Aerospace Museum. The museum sits on the northwest corner of the base and displays dozens of historical aircraft for public viewing.

Outdoor access draws buyers to the entire northern Wasatch Front. Both cities maintain community parks, paved walking trails, and short driving routes to Antelope Island State Park, where visitors can explore the Great Salt Lake.

Schools and Community Infrastructure

The Davis School District operates the public educational system for both Layton and Clearfield. This regional approach unifies the academic framework across city borders.

Because a single district manages the region, administrative policies and district-wide resources remain consistent. Buyers should check current boundary maps, as specific school assignments depend entirely on a property's street address.

Higher education and specialized training centers serve the area as well. Layton hosts a regional campus for Weber State University, offering local degree programs that eliminate the commute to the main Ogden campus.

Local infrastructure supports daily living in both municipalities. Residents have access to Davis County library branches, local medical centers, and urgent care clinics within a short drive from most residential neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Clearfield from Layton, Utah?

Clearfield and Layton share a municipal border, so the distance is zero at the city limits. Driving from the center of Clearfield to downtown Layton takes about 10 minutes, covering roughly four to five miles along Main Street or I-15.

Which city is closer to Hill Air Force Base?

Clearfield sits directly against the western boundary of the base, making it geographically closer. The city provides immediate access to the South Gate, which operates 24 hours a day for military personnel and contractors.

What is the cost of living in Clearfield, Utah?

Clearfield generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to the broader Davis County average. With median home prices near $410,000, housing costs remain lower than in neighboring Layton, while utility and grocery expenses align with standard regional rates.

Is Clearfield, Utah a good place to live?

Clearfield provides strong commuter infrastructure and direct access to major employment centers. The city offers numerous parks, a large aquatic center, and more accessible housing price points for buyers entering the northern Utah market.

How do average home prices in Layton compare to real estate in Clearfield?

Layton's real estate market commands higher prices, with a median sale price of roughly $500,000. Clearfield homes list for closer to $410,000, offering a lower barrier to entry for buyers willing to trade Layton's larger retail footprint for better affordability.

Is the commute to Salt Lake City faster from Layton or Clearfield?

Layton is located a few miles south of Clearfield, shaving about five to ten minutes off the drive to Salt Lake City. Both cities offer FrontRunner rail stations, but the train ride from Layton is one stop shorter when heading south.

How do the public schools in Layton compare to Clearfield within the Davis School District?

Both cities fall under the jurisdiction of the Davis School District, meaning they share the same curriculum standards and administrative resources. Specific facility features and program offerings vary by individual campus, so parents should review the specific schools assigned to their target neighborhoods.