countyscore
55.7
County Score
Cost of Living 87.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.8

County Report Card

About Clay County, Arkansas

Clay outperforms the national average

Clay County's composite score of 55.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 5.7 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. Residents here enjoy livability advantages compared to the typical county nationwide.

Among Arkansas's strongest counties

Clay ranks notably above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, putting it in the top tier of the state's 75 counties. The county stands out as a livability leader within Arkansas.

Water quality and affordable living

Clay shines with an 86.0 water score, ensuring clean and reliable drinking water for residents. Combined with an 87.5 cost score and a low effective tax rate of 0.521%, the county offers exceptional affordability with strong environmental quality.

Health and income gaps persist

Health outcomes lag at 28.7, suggesting limited healthcare access or elevated chronic disease rates. Median household income of $48,500 also trails state averages, indicating fewer high-wage job opportunities.

Ideal for families prioritizing stability

Clay County suits families and retirees seeking a livable, tax-efficient community with excellent water infrastructure and low housing costs. The solid safety and school scores make it particularly attractive for households with children.

Score breakdown

Tax83.8Cost87.5Safety41.8Health28.7Schools44.8Income11.9Risk28.4Water86Weather63.6
🏛83.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40
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

Dunklin County
Missouri
40.9
Greene County
Arkansas
41.3
Butler County
Missouri
37.9
Ripley County
Missouri
49.8
Craighead County
Arkansas
38.8
Randolph County
Arkansas
51
Pemiscot County
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34.6
Lawrence County
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51.8

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 among lowest in nation

Clay County's effective tax rate of 0.521% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, roughly one-sixth the U.S. median property tax burden. Median home values of just $88,100 combine with low tax rates to create one of the most affordable property tax environments in the country.

Below-average rate across Arkansas

At 0.521%, Clay County's effective rate falls slightly below the state average of 0.532%, ranking it among the lowest-tax Arkansas counties. The median tax bill of $459 is the third-lowest in the state, well below the state median of $705.

Lowest taxes in the local region

Clay County's 0.521% rate is the lowest among neighboring Chicot (0.546%), Clark (0.570%), and Conway (0.524%) counties. Its median home value of $88,100 ensures tax bills stay lean even with the county's reasonable tax rate.

Budget roughly $459 per year

A median-priced Clay County home valued at $88,100 incurs an estimated annual property tax of $459. The variance is minimal: with a mortgage the tab is $498; without, it's $428.

Low taxes don't mean skip the appeal process

Even in counties with modest tax bills, property assessments can still exceed fair market value and deserve scrutiny. A free appeal through the county assessor could catch overpayments that add up year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County offers solid national affordability

At 17.2%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio beats Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it among more affordable U.S. markets. The median household income of $48,500 is below the national average of $74,755, but housing costs remain manageable relative to local earnings.

Clay ranks above average for affordability

Clay County outperforms most Arkansas counties on housing affordability, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $88,100. This positions Clay as one of the state's more accessible markets for renters and budget-conscious buyers.

Clay's rents undercut state norms

Clay's median rent of $696 falls below Arkansas's state average of $760, and its 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in its region. Compared to nearby Cleburne County ($853/month), Clay offers significantly lower rental costs.

Clay renters spend 17% on housing

Clay County households earning $48,500 annually pay $696 monthly for rent—about 17% of income, well-balanced for financial stability. Owner costs average $564 monthly, and median home values of $88,100 make homeownership attainable for working families.

Clay County rewards cost-conscious movers

Clay County delivers strong affordability metrics for renters and first-time homebuyers seeking rural Arkansas living at accessible prices. If you're evaluating the region, Clay's combination of low rents and home values edges out nearby Chicot and Cleburne counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay trails the national baseline

Clay County's median household income of $48,500 lags the national median of $74,755 by 35%. The county ranks among the lower-income regions in the country, though above Chicot.

Below-average earner in Arkansas

At $48,500, Clay County falls 5% below Arkansas's state average of $51,156, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The per capita income of $27,614 nearly matches the state average of $28,096, indicating relatively even income distribution.

Modest income relative to neighbors

Clay's $48,500 compares unfavorably to Cleburne ($55,979) and Conway ($51,212), though it edges slightly above Columbia ($47,363) and Chicot ($39,683). The $3,000-$7,500 gap to top-performing neighbors suggests room for wage growth.

Housing affordability holds steady

The 17.2% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well below the danger zone, offering households financial flexibility. Median home values of $88,100 provide affordable entry points for property ownership.

Start small, build consistently

Clay households can benefit from automatic savings programs that move even $50-100 monthly into dedicated investment or emergency accounts. Over time, these habits compound into meaningful wealth regardless of starting income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety marks in Clay County

Clay County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.9, one of the highest in the region. Its total crime rate of 1,313.9 per 100K is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Far safer than the state average

While the Arkansas average crime rate is 2,326.8 per 100K, Clay County reports a much lower 1,313.9. This results in a safety score that outpaces the state benchmark of 96.3 by a full 1.6 points.

Leading neighboring counties in safety

Clay County is significantly safer than Craighead County, which sees over 3,421 incidents per 100K. Local residents enjoy some of the lowest crime figures in the northeastern corner of the state.

Minimal violent and property crime threats

Violent crime is very rare here, with a rate of only 227.0 compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is similarly constrained at 1,086.9, which is nearly 50% lower than the national average.

Maintaining a secure local community

In a low-crime area like Clay County, staying vigilant helps maintain these positive trends. Neighborhood watch programs and basic exterior lighting continue to be effective tools for residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay exceeds Arkansas but lags U.S. norms

Clay County's 72.8-year life expectancy beats Arkansas's 72.3-year average and exceeds the county's own poor/fair health rate of 25.4%. However, the county still falls about 3.6 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, typical for rural Arkansas.

Upper-middle health outcomes statewide

At 72.8 years, Clay County ranks above the Arkansas average and lands in the upper third of the state's county health rankings. The 25.4% poor/fair health rate, while substantial, positions the county better than state peers like Chicot and Cleveland counties.

Outperforms some peers, trails others

Clay's 72.8-year life expectancy exceeds Chicot (69.8) and Cleveland (71.5) counties but falls short of Cleburne (75.3) and Craighead (74.4). The 9.6% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, though most residents maintain coverage.

Primary care severely limited in this county

Clay County faces a significant access challenge with only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region and well below even rural Arkansas norms of 40-60. Mental health support is equally scarce at 99 providers per 100,000, though residents may access care in nearby counties.

Coverage ensures access to regional care

With limited local providers, Clay County residents need insurance to access care in neighboring counties' health systems. Checking marketplace and Medicaid options ensures coverage is in place when seeking care outside the immediate county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation Across Three Districts

Clay County's education system is powered by seven public schools serving 2,297 students. Three distinct school districts manage a network of three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

The county achieves an excellent 93.1% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. While per-pupil spending of $5,925 is slightly below the state average, the county's composite school score of 52.8 remains above the Arkansas median.

Piggott and Corning Anchoring the County

The Piggott and Corning districts are the largest, with Piggott serving 849 students and Corning enrolling 832. The Rector School District rounds out the county's public options with 616 students across two schools.

School Life in Clay County Towns

Education here is centered in town locales, where five of the seven schools are located. Piggott Elementary is the largest campus with 488 students, while Corning Middle School offers a more focused environment with 255 students.

Home Buying in High-Graduation Districts

Clay County is an ideal destination for families valuing high graduation rates and a town-centric school feel. Look for properties in Piggott or Corning to stay close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County's Surprising Risk Profile

Clay County scores 71.63 on the composite risk scale—higher than the national average—yet earns a "relatively low" rating due to its specific hazard mix. Your exposure concentrates in earthquakes (93.89) and tornadoes (71.12), while floods and wildfires remain manageable. This uneven distribution means your true risk lies in a few targeted hazards.

Above-Average Risk, Solid State Standing

Clay County's 71.63 exceeds Arkansas's 55.51 state average by 29%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk. Your score ranks above roughly half of Arkansas counties, driven largely by exceptional earthquake exposure. Despite this elevation, you still rate "relatively low" overall—a testament to manageable risk in other categories.

Riskier Than Nearby Clark County

Clay's 71.63 substantially exceeds Clark County's 41.09—a 74% higher risk level—reflecting Clay's dramatic earthquake hazard at 93.89. Your neighbors in Clark and Chicot counties enjoy more balanced risk profiles. This difference underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness specific to your county.

Earthquakes Dominate Your Exposure

Earthquakes pose an exceptional risk at 93.89—among the highest in the state—making this your defining natural disaster concern. Tornadoes add secondary pressure at 71.12, while floods and wildfires pose much lower threats. Your disaster planning should center almost entirely on seismic safety and tornado sheltering.

Earthquake Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Standard homeowner's policies exclude earthquake damage, but your 93.89 risk score demands standalone earthquake coverage as a top priority. Pair this with comprehensive tornado protection—your 71.12 score warrants quality wind and hail riders. This two-pronged approach directly targets your actual hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Peaks in Northeast Arkansas

Clay County averages 59.5°F, which is notably warmer than the U.S. median but cooler than southern Arkansas. It receives 49.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the State Average

The county stays below the Arkansas average annual temperature of 61.0°F. Its 3.8 inches of snow is higher than many counties in the southern half of the state.

Regional Cold Spot

Compared to Craighead County's 59.9°F, Clay is slightly cooler on average. Both counties experience roughly 50 inches of rain per year, slightly below the state average.

Distinctive Seasonal Swings

Clay sees 54 extreme heat days above 90°F during its 78.9°F average summer. Winter averages 39.0°F, marking a significant seasonal transition for the region.

Equipping for Snow and Sun

Prepare for nearly 4 inches of snow during the winter months, which is high for the state. Homeowners should also plan for 54 days of intense summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam Ultisols in Clay County

Clay County features silt loam soil belonging to the taxonomic order of Ultisols. The pH of 5.69 is slightly less acidic than the state average but remains well below the 6.5 national median. These weathered soils provide a reliable base for the diverse agriculture found in this part of the state.

Silt Dominates the Landscape

Silt dominates the composition at 56.0%, blended with 26.1% sand and 17.9% clay. This silt loam texture provides excellent workability and a smooth feel for gardeners and farmers alike. The high silt content allows for good moisture distribution throughout the root zone.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter is low at 1.42% compared to the 4.15% state average, suggesting a need for supplemental fertilization. However, the water capacity of 0.187 in/in significantly outperforms the state average of 0.148 in/in. This ensures that crops remain hydrated even during the hot Arkansas summer months.

Well Drained for Productive Farming

This well-drained soil belongs to Hydrologic Group B, meaning it has a moderate infiltration rate. It moves water effectively through the profile, which reduces the risk of root rot for sensitive plants. This drainage class makes the land ideal for large-scale agriculture and reliable home gardening.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7b

Zone 7b provides a moderate climate perfect for cool-season greens and sturdy perennials. You can thrive as a gardener here by capitalizing on the excellent water storage of the silt loam. With a soil score of 42.5, Clay County offers some of the more productive ground in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Start in Clay County

With a lawn difficulty score of 40.0, Clay County is actually easier to maintain than the state average of 37.3. Though it still trails the national average of 50.0, the Zone 7b climate offers a more temperate environment for various grass types.

Ideal Rainfall for Easy Growth

Clay County receives 49.9 inches of rain annually, which hits the sweet spot of the 30-50 inch ideal range perfectly. With only 54 extreme heat days, turf here avoids the worst of the summer scorch seen in southern Arkansas.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Advantage

Your lawn likely sits on well-drained silt loam, a high-quality texture for growing healthy turf. However, the pH of 5.69 is slightly acidic, so testing your soil for lime requirements is a smart first step.

Total Coverage Severe Drought

While the climate is usually mild, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. Following 30 weeks of drought over the past year, using rain barrels and drought-resistant seeds is critical for long-term resilience.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

The window for seeding opens after the March 27 frost and remains favorable throughout the summer. Consider tall fescue for its resilience or Bermuda grass to take advantage of the 4,852 growing degree days available.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Arkansas?
Clay County ranks #14 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $459, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 83.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Arkansas is $48,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 11.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Clay County scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Arkansas. 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.