In a comprehensive study conducted by NerdWallet officials, the city of Santa Clarita was ranked as the 15th best city for young families in Southern California.

Santa Clarita’s top-rated public schools, median home prices and household incomes contributed to Santa Clarita’s high ranking in the  study.

For school quality, NerdWallet officials gathered GreatSchools data, which compares test scores and other statewide data, ranking schools on a 1-10 scale, with 10 as the highest rating.

Home affordability information was gathered from the U.S. Census bureau and was rated based upon median home values and monthly homeownership costs.

Median household income and long-term income growth since 1999 were used to determine cities’ growth and prosperity.

Santa Clarita received a rating of 59.41, with the highest ranking city, Irvine, receiving a score of 64.04, just five points higher.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Beaumont, Agoura Hills, Yorba Linda and Redondo Beach were  other cities that ranked among Santa Clarita in the top 20.

NerdWallet is a finance website offering unfiltered, unbiased numbers and study results to help readers interested in finance, investments and mortgages make informed decisions.

The site’s recent study compared data on 186 places in Southern California based on student test scores, statewide education data, median home values and monthly homeownership costs, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance costs and utilities.

Economic census figures and long-term income growth since 1999 were also considered.

“Santa Clarita is consistently ranked among the best cities in California for families because of our exceptional quality of life,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “The results of this latest survey are a testament to Santa Clarita’s excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and thriving economy, which are all important factors for residents starting a family.”

The city of Santa Clarita has seen an 18 percent job growth over the last five years, compared to an average job growth of about 10 percent nationwide and its public schools received an 8 out of 10 GreatSchools rating.

Santa Clarita is the largest Los Angeles County city among the top 20 cities ranked in the NerdWallet study.

To view the full survey results, visit NerdWallet’s website.

Photos courtesy of City of Santa Clarita