countyscore
56
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.6Cost of Living 87.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Clay County, Georgia

Outperforming national livability medians

Clay County earns a composite score of 56.0, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the majority of the United States.

A top-tier Georgia county

With a score of 56.0, Clay far exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as one of the most livable counties in the state when accounting for cost and environmental safety.

Top schools and low risk

The county excels with a school score of 81.7 and a risk score of 91.6, making it one of the safest and best-educated spots in the region. Housing is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 87.2 and rents averaging $578.

Low income and health access

The county’s income score of 12.3 and health score of 21.7 are the primary areas of concern. While housing is cheap, the median household income of $48,715 suggests a limited local job market.

Ideal for families and retirees

Clay is a hidden gem for families prioritizing education and safety on a budget. It is an excellent choice for those with remote jobs or retirement income who want to trade high city salaries for security and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax34.8Cost87.2Safety48.5Health21.7Schools81.7Income12.3Risk91.6Water86Weather42.2
🏛34.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.4
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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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's rates are among highest

Clay County's effective tax rate of 1.044% ranks in the 69th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 0.84%. Despite median homes valued at only $92,500, the median tax bill of $966 reflects one of the state's most aggressive tax rates on rural property.

Well above Georgia average

At 1.044%, Clay County's effective rate notably exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it among the state's highest tax counties. The median property tax of $966 remains below the state median of $1,529, primarily because homes here are valued much lower than statewide averages.

Highest rate among rural peers

Clay County's 1.044% rate significantly outpaces neighbors like Chattooga County (0.855%) and even edges past Chattahoochee County (0.990%). For rural residents with modest home values, Clay's aggressive tax rate places a heavier burden than comparable counties in the region.

Under $1,000 for typical homes

A Clay County homeowner with the median property value of $92,500 pays approximately $966 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related costs factored in, the estimated annual burden reaches around $1,484.

High rate demands assessment review

Clay County's above-average tax rate makes it especially important to verify your property valuation is accurate. Filing an assessment appeal is crucial if your home has declined in value or if comparable local sales suggest your assessed value is too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County's housing is a national bargain

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.2%, Clay County residents spend barely one-seventh of earnings on rent—well below the U.S. average of roughly 21%. At $578 monthly rent, this is one of Georgia's most affordable rental markets.

Georgia's most renter-friendly county

Clay County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is Georgia's best, nearly 4.4 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. Median rent of just $578 undercuts the state average by $349, making this rural southwest Georgia county unmatched for affordability.

Clay: the regional affordability champion

At $578 monthly, Clay rents run the lowest in this eight-county comparison—well below Clinch ($505) but with stronger income at $48,715. The $92,500 median home value ranks among the region's most accessible, pairing low rents with low home prices.

Modest means, minimal housing burden

Renters allocate just 14.2% of income to rent, leaving nearly 86% for all other expenses and savings. Homeowners dedicate 16.1% to ownership costs, so both renters and buyers enjoy genuine affordability relief here.

Clay County: affordability reimagined

If stretching housing dollars matters most, Clay County delivers unmatched value in Georgia—the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this region. Trade-offs include rural isolation and limited job diversity, but housing security here is Georgia's best-kept secret.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County earns 35% below national average

Clay County's median household income of $48,715 falls $26,040 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 35% gap underscores the economic struggles of rural southwest Georgia, where job opportunities and wages significantly lag the national economy.

Among Georgia's most economically challenged

At $48,715, Clay County's median income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $11,773, positioning it near the lowest-earning counties in Georgia. Per capita income of $29,009 also falls below the state average of $31,115.

Second-lowest earner in the region

Clay edges Chattooga ($47,785) but significantly trails all other nearby counties, including Clinch ($55,549), Clayton ($58,507), and Clarke ($52,267). The disparity reflects Clay's isolation and limited economic base in rural Georgia.

Lowest rent burden, but affordability illusion

Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% is the lowest among these counties, appearing to offer exceptional housing affordability. However, with incomes of just $48,715, the real challenge is saving enough for down payment or managing other essentials beyond rent.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

Clay County's exceptional rent affordability—costing just 14.2% of income—creates a rare opportunity: households can redirect savings toward emergency funds and down payments at rates other counties cannot match. Prioritize building a 3-6 month emergency fund, then target homeownership as a reliable wealth-building mechanism.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Clay County reports a total crime rate of 1,155.8 per 100,000 residents, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 98.2.

Safer than the Georgia Average

Clay's safety score of 98.2 exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state average of 1,412.9, making it a relatively quiet area.

Violent Crime Higher than Neighbors

Despite a low total crime rate, Clay’s violent crime rate of 560.4 is higher than the national average of 369.8. This concentrated figure comes from a single reporting agency and should be viewed with context.

Violent Crimes Outpace Property Incidents

The violent crime rate of 560.4 is nearly equal to the property crime rate of 595.4. This creates a safety profile where personal safety is as much of a concern as property protection.

Focus on Personal and Home Safety

Given the higher violent crime rate, residents should prioritize secure entry points and personal safety awareness. Motion-activated cameras and well-lit walkways can help deter physical incidents near the home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County health lags national averages

Clay County residents live to 72.6 years on average, trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.5 years. With 22.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces serious, compounding health challenges.

Below Georgia's state average

At 72.6 years, Clay County's life expectancy falls below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years—one of the state's weaker performers. The county's 22.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among Georgia's highest health burdens.

Struggling in a healthier region

Clay's 72.6-year life expectancy significantly trails nearby Clarke (77.3 years) and Chattooga (70.6 years)—though it edges slightly above Chattooga. At just 35 primary care providers per 100K, Clay has limited provider capacity compared to better-resourced neighbors.

Limited access, modest coverage gaps

Clay County's 14.3% uninsured rate runs below Georgia's 15.0% state average, but provider shortages remain concerning at 35 primary care providers per 100K. Mental health data is unavailable, but anecdotal reports suggest limited behavioral health infrastructure.

Secure coverage and explore options

Although 14.3% uninsured is slightly better than state average, Clay residents still face barriers to care due to provider shortages. Check healthcare.gov for plans and ask about telehealth options to access specialists in nearby regions.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Tiny, Rural Learning Environment

Clay County operates one of Georgia's smallest educational systems with only 2 public schools. The infrastructure consists of one elementary and one middle school serving a total of 200 students. There is no local high school within this specific data set, requiring a unique path for secondary education.

Small Scale with Above-Average Funding

Clay County spends $9,407 per pupil, significantly outstripping the Georgia state average of $7,405. Graduation data is not currently available due to the lack of a traditional high school in the local district. The current school score of 26.9 suggests that despite high investment, the district faces challenges in this small rural setting.

A Single, Focused School District

The Clay County school district manages both local schools and all 200 students in the area. There are no charter or alternative schools present, ensuring all resources are concentrated on the two main campuses. This high-focus environment allows for a 1:1 relationship between the district and its only two schools.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

With an average school size of just 100 students, Clay County offers an extremely intimate rural educational experience. Clay County Elementary serves 138 students, while the Middle School has only 62. Both schools are located in rural settings, offering a quiet environment far from the bustle of Georgia's larger suburban systems.

Seeking Peace and Personal Education

Families who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle will find Clay County provides a unique setting. The high per-pupil investment ensures that the very small student body has access to significant resources. Consider this area if you are looking for a home where the school environment is exceptionally quiet and personal.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County is exceptionally safe

Clay County's composite risk score of just 8.46 places it among the nation's safest counties, with a very low risk rating across nearly all hazard categories. Flood risk (9.10), tornado risk (32.92), and earthquake risk (22.42) are all minimal, reflecting the county's inland southwestern Georgia location. Only hurricane risk (71.80) approaches moderate levels, though direct coastal impacts remain geographically distant.

Georgia's second-safest county

Clay's 8.46 composite score ranks it second only to Chattahoochee (2.04) within Georgia, roughly 4.5 times safer than the state average of 39.49. The county consistently scores in the bottom percentile for flood, tornado, wildfire, and earthquake hazards. This exceptional safety profile makes Clay one of Georgia's most stable counties for long-term property investment.

Safest in rural southwestern Georgia

Clay's 8.46 score stands significantly below Clinch (20.74), Chattooga (54.36), and all metro counties, establishing it as the anchor of low-risk geography in southwest Georgia. Among its immediate peers, only Chattahoochee (2.04) rivals Clay's exceptional safety. This region's isolation and stable geology create remarkably favorable conditions for natural disaster avoidance.

Hurricane is the only meaningful concern

Hurricane risk (71.80) is Clay's sole moderate exposure, though this reflects distant tropical storm impacts rather than direct coastal vulnerability. Tornado risk (32.92) is low, flood risk (9.10) is negligible, and earthquake/wildfire risks are minimal. Residents face an unusually benign natural hazard environment.

Basic insurance coverage is sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance at competitive rates provides comprehensive protection for Clay County properties, given the county's minimal flood, wildfire, tornado, and seismic risk. Flood insurance is rarely necessary unless you own property in a specifically mapped floodplain—check FEMA maps to confirm. The county's exceptional safety profile means insurance costs reflect the region's true low-hazard status.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Warmth in Clay County

Clay County maintains a warm annual average temperature of 65.7°F, about 10 degrees higher than the national median. This climate is typical of the Deep South, favoring long growing seasons and mild winters.

Warmer Than the Georgia Average

Clay County's 65.7°F average temperature makes it warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This southern location avoids the cooler mountain air found in the northern part of the state.

Cooler Than the Far South

Clay County is milder than Charlton County, which averages nearly 70°F. While Charlton faces 109 extreme heat days, Clay residents deal with a more manageable 65 days above 90°F.

Extended Summers and Soft Winters

The summer average reaches 80.5°F, with 65 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Winter is mild with a low January average of 48.6°F, and although precipitation data is limited, snow is historically rare.

Beat the Southern Heat

With 65 extreme heat days, residents need to plan for high energy costs during the long summer months. Since winter averages stay around 50.3°F, heavy winter gear is rarely needed for local residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Western Border Soil Identity

Clay County’s soil taxonomic order and specific pH levels are not currently mapped. The state’s average pH of 5.26 remains the best reference point for local growers against the national 6.5 median.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently missing from the county records. Because texture dictates nutrient retention and workability, a professional soil test is recommended for serious growers.

Organic Matter and Capacity

Data regarding local organic matter and Available Water Capacity (AWC) is unavailable. Targeting the state average organic matter level of 1.83% can help improve soil health and crop yields.

Hydrology and Drainage Considerations

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for this region, making site assessment vital. Understanding how your land handles rainfall will help you plan more effective gardens and structures.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b is perfect for cotton, pecans, and heat-loving summer annuals. Grab your gloves and start a garden to enjoy the agricultural richness of western Georgia.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Difficulty Environment in Clay

Clay County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 22.4, the lowest in this group. This score is far below the Georgia state average of 35.8, indicating that maintaining a lawn here requires expert-level care. In Hardiness Zone 8b, environmental stressors are constant and demanding.

Intense Growth Cycles and High Heat

The county experiences 65 extreme heat days annually, matching the state average but still taxing for many grass types. With 6,094 growing degree days, the biological demand on your turf is high throughout the long summer. While precipitation data is unavailable, the heat alone necessitates a robust and consistent irrigation plan.

Testing the Ground for Success

In the absence of specific soil data, homeowners in Clay County must rely on site-specific soil testing to guide their efforts. Because the overall difficulty score is low, ensuring proper pH and drainage is more critical here than in most other counties. Improving soil health is your best defense against the intense local growing conditions.

Surviving Half a Year of Drought

Clay County has endured a staggering 28 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area in severe drought. This chronic lack of moisture is a primary reason for the low lawn score and requires extreme water conservation. Grouping plants and using high-efficiency nozzles can help keep your lawn alive through these long dry spells.

Planting Early for Maximum Resilience

Tough, heat-tolerant grasses like Bahia or Bermuda are the best bets for the 8b zone in Clay County. The last spring frost typically lands around March 13th, offering an early start to a very long and demanding growing season. Focus on establishing deep roots early in the spring to survive the intense summer heat and drought.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Georgia has a composite county score of 56 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 Georgia?
Clay County ranks #24 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $966, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Georgia is $48,715 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Georgia a good place to live?
Clay County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Georgia. 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.