CountyScore

Clay County

Arkansas · AR

#43 in Arkansas
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, Arkansas

Clay County delivers solid national livability

Clay County's composite score of 69.8 nearly doubles the national median of 50.0, confirming strong livability across key dimensions. Though just slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, the county outperforms most of America.

Competitive standing among Arkansas counties

With a score of 69.8, Clay County ranks near the state median, sitting 0.5 points below Arkansas's average. It occupies the middle tier of the state's livability landscape.

Exceptional affordability and tax efficiency

Clay County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.521%) among these eight counties, combined with excellent cost scores (87.4) and median home values of just $88,100. Renters also benefit from affordable rent at $696 per month, making the county highly accessible for cost-conscious residents.

Risk resilience and income gaps present obstacles

Clay County's risk score (28.4) is the lowest among these peers, indicating vulnerability to natural disasters or economic shocks that require attention. The income score of 15.1 reflects a median household income of $48,500, limiting long-term wealth building for families.

Best for stability-seeking households on tight budgets

Clay County suits families prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal tax burden, particularly those seeking small-town living and strong community roots. The low risk score warrants caution for those vulnerable to economic downturns, but the ultra-low housing costs offer genuine financial relief for lower-income households.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.6Cost87.4SafetyComing SoonHealth60.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.1Risk28.4WaterComing Soon
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clay County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Liberty County
Florida
69.8
Median income: $53,824
McDuffie County
Georgia
69.8
Median income: $54,058
Webster County
Kentucky
69.8
Median income: $58,786
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
69.8
Median income: $42,273
Piscataquis County
Maine
69.8
Median income: $55,234

Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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