CountyScore

Clay County

Florida · FL

#29 in Florida
63.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, Florida

Clay County doubles the national livability baseline

Clay County's composite score of 66.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 33%, placing it solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a balance of economic opportunity and tax efficiency, though affordability presents a trade-off. The county appeals to households seeking stronger income levels than the national norm.

Slightly below Florida's average performance

With a score of 66.7, Clay County ranks just below Florida's state average of 69.4, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county outperforms about half of Florida's counties and underperforms the other half, making it a representative Florida community. Its income score of 39.6 positions it above several rural Florida counties but below wealthier suburban areas.

Higher incomes and favorable tax structure

Clay County's income score of 39.6 translates to a median household income of $86,094, significantly above state and national medians. The tax score of 81.5 reflects an effective rate of 0.739%, keeping the overall tax burden manageable despite higher property values. For professionals and dual-income households, these metrics indicate strong earning potential in the local economy.

Housing costs rising with suburban growth

The cost score of 62.3 reveals increased affordability pressure, with a median home value of $281,500 and median rent of $1,464/month—both above state averages. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality prevent a complete picture of livability. Families on tighter budgets should carefully evaluate housing costs before relocating.

Best fit for established professionals and growing families

Clay County appeals to established professionals, growing families, and dual-income households seeking moderate livability with higher earning potential. The combination of above-average incomes and reasonable tax rates offers financial stability, though housing costs demand careful budgeting. The county represents suburban Florida's middle ground—more economically dynamic than rural areas, more affordable than premium markets like Collier.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.5Cost62.3SafetyComing SoonHealth70.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.6Risk18.9WaterComing Soon
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.9
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

Jefferson County
Alabama
63.7
Median income: $64,589
Putnam County
Florida
63.7
Median income: $47,256
Decatur County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $50,485
Lowndes County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $55,887
Montgomery County
Illinois
63.7
Median income: $61,863

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 slightly above average

At 0.739%, Clay County's effective tax rate edges above the national median of 0.731%, placing it in the upper-middle 50% of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $2,080 annually on a median home valued at $281,500—close to the national median home price of $281,900.

Just above Florida's typical rate

Clay County ranks slightly above average among Florida counties with a 0.739% effective rate compared to the state average of 0.731%. Annual taxes here average $2,080 versus Florida's statewide median of $1,885.

Higher taxes than most regional peers

Clay County's 0.739% rate tops Citrus (0.591%) and Escambia (0.600%) counties but matches Columbia County's 0.743%. It significantly undercuts Duval County's 0.779% effective rate.

What $281,500 home costs annually

On Clay County's median home value of $281,500, residents pay approximately $2,080 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related taxes, annual costs rise to about $2,273.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Florida homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, and Clay County residents can file an appeal with the Property Appraiser's office. The process is typically free and could lower your taxable assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay offers strong affordability above national baseline

Clay County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national comfort threshold of 30%, putting residents in a healthy housing position. With a median household income of $86,094—15% above the national average of $74,755—Clay households have more flexibility to absorb housing costs while maintaining financial stability.

Clay ranks among Florida's most affordable counties

At 20.4%, Clay County beats Florida's average rent-to-income ratio of 22.5%, placing it in the upper tier for affordability statewide. The county achieves this while maintaining higher incomes than most Florida peers, creating a rare combination of strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.

Clay balances costs better than upscale Collier

Clay County's renters pay $1,464 monthly—$288 less than Collier County's $1,752 despite similar median incomes around $86,000. Homebuyers see the same pattern: Clay's median home value of $281,500 undercuts Collier's $486,800 by $205,300, making Clay the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Housing remains manageable for most households

Clay renters spend 20.4% of their $86,094 income on rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 17.5% to monthly ownership costs on a $281,500 median home. Both figures leave substantial room in household budgets for savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending.

Clay County rewards financially stable movers

If you've built solid income and seek genuine affordability, Clay County delivers—combining above-average earnings with below-average housing costs. The county offers the rare Florida advantage of breathing room in your budget without sacrificing suburban convenience.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County outpaces national income levels

Clay County's median household income of $86,094 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by over $11,000—a 15% advantage. This strong performance places Clay County well above the typical American household, ranking it among higher-earning Florida counties.

Florida's top income earners

At $86,094, Clay County surpasses Florida's state average of $65,468 by more than $20,000. This income level places Clay County in Florida's upper tier, reflecting a robust local economy and higher-wage employment base.

Outearns comparable county rivals

Clay County's $86,094 income outpaces neighboring Duval County ($68,447) by roughly $18,000 annually. This gap reflects Clay County's appeal to affluent commuters and professionals, particularly those working in Jacksonville-area industries.

Income comfortably covers housing costs

At 20.4%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio sits right at the ideal benchmark, meaning renters spend about $1,460 monthly on housing. The median home value of $281,500 remains within reasonable reach for households at this income level, supporting both stability and wealth building.

Prime position for long-term investing

Households earning $86,000+ have meaningful capacity to invest beyond basic savings. Diversifying into index funds, real estate, or tax-advantaged retirement accounts can accelerate wealth creation and position families for generational financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay exceeds national health benchmarks

Clay County residents live to 75.4 years on average, just shy of the U.S. average of 78.1 years, demonstrating above-average longevity for a Florida county. With a 15.7% poor/fair health rate well below the national median, Clay residents report stronger overall health status than most Americans.

Clay is Florida's health success story

Clay County's life expectancy of 75.4 years nearly matches Florida's state average of 75.8 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. An uninsured rate of just 10.3%—significantly better than Florida's 14.4% average—shows strong health insurance penetration across the community.

Outpacing surrounding Jacksonville counties

Clay County's 75.4-year life expectancy outperforms its neighbor Duval County (74.3 years) and beats the regional average. With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clay has competitive healthcare access that rivals larger urban centers.

Strong primary and mental health access

Clay County's 10.3% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county offers 54 primary care providers and 145 mental health providers per 100,000 people, creating an accessible healthcare network for preventive and behavioral services.

Keep your coverage strong and current

Clay County's high insurance rate reflects smart health decisions by residents, but annual open enrollment ensures you can review and update your coverage. Visit healthcare.gov during open season to confirm your plan meets your family's changing needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay's risk exceeds most U.S. counties

Clay County's composite risk score of 81.08 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the typical American county's exposure to natural hazards. The score reflects balanced threats from hurricanes (89.78), flooding (85.91), and tornado activity (83.17) across the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

Mid-range risk within Florida

At 81.08, Clay County scores above Florida's state average of 75.74, ranking it among the moderate-to-high risk counties statewide. The county's position in Northeast Florida, where Atlantic hurricane exposure combines with regional tornado and flood patterns, drives this elevated profile.

Riskier than inland, safer than coastal

Clay County (81.08) sits between lower-risk Columbia County (69.72) to the south and much higher-risk Duval County (97.20) immediately to the east. As a suburban Jacksonville county, Clay absorbs hurricane and flood threats without the extreme coastal vulnerability that defines Duval's risk profile.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornado corridors

Hurricane risk at 89.78 and flood risk at 85.91 reflect Atlantic exposure and regional drainage patterns, while tornado risk of 83.17 is notably high for Florida. This three-threat combination means residents face compounded seasonal risks during Atlantic hurricane season (June–November) and severe weather season.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy recommended

Homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage for wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate flood insurance given the 85.91 flood score. Reinforcing garage doors and installing a safe room provides additional protection against the tornado risk that sets Clay County apart from pure coastal Florida counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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