countyscore
60.4
County Score
Property Tax 99.6Cost of Living 95.6Disaster Risk 73.3

County Report Card

About Clay County, Alabama

Clay County ranks among nation's top livability counties

At 60.4, Clay County substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong showing reflects genuine quality-of-life advantages across multiple dimensions.

Alabama's clear livability leader in this group

Clay County's score of 60.4 significantly outpaces Alabama's state average of 52.9, ranking at the top tier of state counties. It stands apart as a genuinely desirable place to live within the region.

Exceptional safety and cost profile

Clay County excels with a safety score of 60.3 and a cost score of 95.6, featuring the lowest median rent of all counties at $624/month and median home values of $144,700. A near-perfect tax score (99.6, effective rate 0.225%) and strong risk management (73.3) further enhance livability.

Income and schools need strengthening

Income (18.1) and school performance (22.8) represent relative weak points, suggesting limited job growth and educational gaps. Health (24.6) also trails state norms, indicating potential healthcare access issues.

Ideal for safety-conscious families on tight budgets

Clay County suits families and retirees prioritizing safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and minimal taxes over high wages or elite schools. Young professionals and education-focused parents may want to weigh alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax99.6Cost95.6Safety60.3Health24.6Schools22.8Income18.1Risk73.3Water44Weather67.5
🏛99.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Talladega County
Alabama
46.9
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9
Cleburne County
Alabama
57.6
Coosa County
Alabama
55.8
Calhoun County
Alabama
44.2
Tallapoosa County
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50.7
St. Clair County
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49.4
Shelby County
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58.5

Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clay County

via TaxByCounty

Clay County taxes rank among lowest

Clay County's 0.225% effective rate places it in the bottom 4% nationally, with homeowners paying just $326 annually on the median home—less than one-eighth the U.S. median of $2,690. This positions Clay among the most tax-friendly counties in America.

Well below Alabama's state average

At 0.225%, Clay County sits well below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking in the lowest tier among state counties. The county's median tax of $326 is 36% below Alabama's median of $511.

Lower rate than most regional peers

Clay County's 0.225% rate beats neighboring Chambers (0.382%), Cherokee (0.388%), and Chilton (0.336%), though remains higher than Choctaw's extraordinary 0.178%. Compared to Cleburne County at 0.289%, Clay residents enjoy the lower effective rate.

Just $326 on median home annually

On Clay County's median home value of $144,700, homeowners owe approximately $326 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, the annual bill reaches $377—remarkably affordable for county residents.

Verify assessments to lock savings in

Clay County homeowners should examine their property assessments for errors or overvaluation, which can occur even in low-tax counties. A free appeal process allows residents to challenge and potentially reduce their assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County leads on affordability index

Clay County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county cohort and well below the national norm, driven by a median household income of $51,852 paired with just $624 monthly rent. Residents here enjoy the strongest housing affordability relative to earnings of any peer county.

Top performer on Alabama affordability scale

Clay County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio dramatically underperforms Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's most affordable markets. The $624 median rent is the lowest in this sample, well below the state average of $799.

Unmatched rental savings in county group

Clay's $624 rent is $126 cheaper than Cherokee ($750) and $229 below Chilton ($855), offering the region's deepest rental discounts. The 14.4% rent-to-income ratio stands alone as the best bargain among its peers.

Minimal housing cost burden statewide

Monthly rent of $624 takes just 14.4% of Clay's $51,852 median household income, while homeownership averages $473 per month on $144,700-valued homes. Total housing costs consume roughly 21% of income—the lowest percentage in the entire sample.

Clay County: Alabama's affordability champion

For relocators prioritizing minimal housing expense without sacrificing income potential, Clay County delivers an unmatched combination of low rents, reasonable ownership costs, and strong affordability ratios. At 14.4%, its rent-to-income ratio beats every peer county decisively.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County earns 31% below national median

Clay County's median household income of $51,852 falls $22,903 short of the $74,755 national median, placing it in the lower-income tier across the nation. Per capita income of $29,268 closely mirrors Alabama's state average of $29,701, indicating balanced income distribution.

Slightly above Alabama's state average income

At $51,852, Clay County exceeds Alabama's median household income of $54,196 by 4%, ranking it in the middle of the state's 67 counties. The per capita income of $29,268 sits right at the state average, suggesting typical wealth concentration for rural Alabama.

Middle income among region's rural counties

Clay County's $51,852 sits between Cherokee County ($50,769) and Cleburne County ($53,319), clustering within a tight $3,000 range. These northeast Alabama counties share similar small-town economies and manufacturing-dependent employment.

Clay has the region's best rent affordability

At just 14.4%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among its neighbors and well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving room in household budgets. Median home values of $144,700 are within reach for families at the county median income.

Your affordability advantage enables savings

Clay County's exceptional housing affordability of 14.4% creates breathing room to save 10–15% of income toward retirement and investments. Establish automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account, then funnel surplus into low-cost index funds through an IRA or 401(k).

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County: A National Leader in Safety

Clay County earns an exceptional safety score of 98.6, making it one of the safest counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 914.9 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here enjoy a level of security far beyond the national norm.

Standing Tall Among Alabama Counties

Clay County far exceeds the Alabama state average safety score of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 914.9 is also much lower than the state benchmark of 1731.0. This performance ranks Clay as a premier location for public safety within the state.

Clay County’s Regional Safety Advantage

Clay County is significantly safer than neighboring Cleburne County, which holds a 97.4 safety score. It also maintains a crime rate nearly three times lower than Chilton County’s 2735.9. These comparisons solidify Clay's status as a regional leader in security.

Low Crime Numbers Explained

Property crime is remarkably low at 696.7 per 100K, while violent crime sits at just 218.2. These figures are both significantly below national and state averages. The result is a community where crime is an infrequent concern for the average person.

Preserving Peace of Mind

In highly safe areas like Clay, basic precautions go a long way in maintaining security. Keeping doors locked and being an active part of neighborhood watch groups helps preserve this safe environment. Simple upgrades like motion-sensor lights provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below national

Clay County residents live to 71.8 years, about 5.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years, with 24.6% reporting poor or fair health. The county reflects broader rural health disparities across the Southeast.

Near Alabama's state average

At 71.8 years, Clay County's life expectancy sits just below Alabama's 72.1-year average, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Its 24.6% poor/fair health rate is elevated relative to the state.

Middling health among surrounding counties

Clay's 71.8-year life expectancy trails Choctaw (73.1) and Cherokee (72.4) but edges past Chambers (71.9) and Clarke (70.0). Its 10.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among surveyed counties, yet health outcomes remain challenging.

Best insurance coverage, limited providers

Clay County leads the survey with just 10.6% uninsured—below the state average of 11.1%—but has only 28 primary care and 21 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Even well-insured residents struggle to find nearby physicians.

Keep existing coverage strong

Clay's impressive 10.6% uninsured rate shows progress, but protecting that coverage matters: every uninsured family is at risk. If you're among the 10.6% without insurance, enroll at healthcare.gov to join your neighbors with stable access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Schooling in Clay County

Clay County provides a streamlined education system with four public schools serving 1,784 students. This single-district county features two elementary schools, one middle school, and one central high school.

Steady Performance in a Traditional System

The county matches the national graduation rate average of 87% with a composite school score of 49.6. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $5,897, reflecting a lean but focused approach to rural education.

Unified Clay County District Focus

The Clay County school district manages all 1,784 students in the area across its four traditional campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, ensuring that all public funding and community support are centralized.

Purely Rural Learning Environments

All four schools in Clay County are situated in rural locales, providing a quiet and traditional educational backdrop. The average school size is 446 students, with Central High School being the largest campus at 524 students.

Find Tranquility and School Consistency

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with a straightforward, consolidated school system, Clay County is a perfect match. Explore local real estate near Central High or Lineville Elementary to find your place in this community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County Ranks Among America's Safest

Clay County's composite score of 26.69 ranks in the Very Low category, well below the national average. This exceptional safety profile means residents enjoy some of the best multi-hazard protection in the nation.

One of Alabama's Safest Counties Overall

At 26.69, Clay County dramatically underperforms Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the state's two safest counties. This protection spans most hazard types, though wildfire risk (71.09) remains notably elevated.

Safest County in Its Regional Cluster

Clay County's 26.69 score makes it substantially safer than neighboring Cleburne County (27.48), Chilton County (54.71), and Cherokee County (63.33). This relative isolation as a low-risk area reflects favorable geography across multiple hazard dimensions.

Wildfire Risk Stands Above Other Threats

Wildfire risk (71.09) represents Clay County's most notable hazard, despite the county's overall safety. Tornado risk (67.18) and hurricane risk (67.50) remain secondary concerns, all moderate compared to state standards.

Focus on Wildfire and Standard Coverage

Clay County homeowners should ensure standard homeowners insurance and evaluate wildfire-specific protections if near forested areas. Your county's exceptional overall safety means basic coverage typically suffices for most properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures and high rainfall

Clay County averages 61.1°F annually, placing it above the national median but cooler than much of the Deep South. The 59.7 inches of annual precipitation make it a particularly wet region nationally.

Cooler than the Alabama average

Clay's average temperature of 61.1°F is lower than the state average of 63.2°F. Its elevation and geographic position contribute to this slightly milder profile.

A middle ground for regional heat

Clay is warmer than neighboring Cleburne County (60.2°F) but significantly cooler than southern Clarke County (64.9°F). It experiences 40 extreme heat days, far fewer than the state's hotter southern regions.

Noticeable winters and wet summers

Residents see 1.6 inches of snow annually, which is high for Alabama. Summer averages stay a comfortable 76.9°F, while January dips to an average of 43.0°F.

Prepare for ice and rain

Given the 1.6 inches of snow and 59.7 inches of rain, winter weather supplies and heavy-duty roofing are important. The lower number of extreme heat days makes it ideal for outdoor recreation in the shoulder seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Deciphering Clay County's Soil Profile

With no local pH data available, the Alabama average of 5.21 serves as a probable indicator of the county's soil acidity. This sits well below the national median of 6.5, suggesting that most local gardens would benefit from pH adjustments. Taxonomy and texture are the next pieces of the puzzle to solve.

Particle Mix and Soil Workability

The specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay for Clay County are not currently recorded. This ratio is fundamental to soil workability, as too much clay can make the soil hard when dry and sticky when wet. Understanding your unique mix helps you time your tilling perfectly.

Evaluating Soil Health and Fertility

We currently lack specific numbers for organic matter in Clay County, but the state average is 1.74%. Aiming for the national average of 2.0% can help local farmers increase their yield and soil resilience. High organic content also boosts the soil's available water capacity, which averages 0.138 in/in statewide.

Planning for Water and Drainage Class

Our dataset currently lacks the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this area. These factors are key to understanding how your land will respond to the heavy rainfalls common in Alabama. Identifying these classes is vital for both agricultural success and sustainable development.

Start Your Garden in Zone 8a

Clay County's 8a Hardiness Zone is perfect for growing diverse crops like beans, melons, and berries. The region's climate supports a long, productive summer that can sustain a family garden with ease. Discover what your land can do by planting a small test plot this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Clay County's Favorable Lawn Outlook

Clay County offers a lawn difficulty score of 38.6, which is significantly better than the Alabama state average of 29.5. While it still trails the national median of 50.0, it is one of the more forgiving counties in the state for gardeners. This Zone 8a region strikes a better balance between heat and growth than its southern neighbors.

High Rainfall with Moderate Heat

The county receives a robust 59.7 inches of annual precipitation, which can actually lead to over-saturation issues if drainage is poor. With only 40 extreme heat days, turf here avoids the worst of the summer scorch seen elsewhere in Alabama. The growing window typically runs from April 4 through November 1.

Building a Healthy Ground Layer

Detailed soil metrics for Clay County are currently not recorded, so testing your own yard is essential. Local growers should focus on maintaining the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range to ensure turf can handle the high annual rainfall. Good drainage is particularly important here to prevent waterlogged roots during wet Alabama winters.

A Stable Year for Water Management

Clay County has experienced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, performing better than many surrounding areas. Currently, 100.0% of the county is abnormally dry, but there are no areas in severe drought (D2+). Monitoring soil moisture and using mulch in garden beds can help preserve the water your lawn receives.

Growing Success in Zone 8a

Zoysia and Centipede grass are excellent, low-maintenance choices for Clay County's Zone 8a climate. Plan to seed your lawn in early April once the last frost has passed to maximize the 4,874 growing degree days. With less extreme heat than the state average, your lawn has a great chance to thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Alabama has a composite county score of 60.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Clay County rank among counties in Alabama?
Clay County ranks #11 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Clay County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $326, with an effective tax rate of 0.23%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 99.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Alabama is $51,852 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Alabama a good place to live?
Clay County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Clay County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Clay County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.