countyscore
56.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.6Cost of Living 88.8Water 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.

2040608010036.588.848.521.781.710.291.68642.2Tax36.5Cost88.8Safety48.5Health21.7Schools81.7Income10.2Risk91.6Water86Weather42.256.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Clay County DNA

Foverall

How Clay County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Clay County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.6/100) but notably weak in Income (10.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.5-15.5
Cost
88.8+40.8
Safety
48.5
Health
21.7-28.3
Schools
81.7+27.700000000000003
Income
10.2-40.8
Risk
91.6+44.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
42.2-13.799999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Clay County?

Many homeowners in Clay County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$536/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,147/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Clay County with Dawson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Dawson County
Georgia
Median income: $92,991
56.5
Quitman County
Georgia
Median income: $40,179
56.5
Lemhi County
Idaho
Median income: $53,202
56.5
Todd County
Kentucky
Median income: $61,103
56.5
Wright County
Minnesota
Median income: $107,209
56.5
Clinton County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $60,816
56.5
Venango County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $61,522
56.5
Decatur County
Tennessee
Median income: $45,375
56.5

Nearby counties

Henry County
Alabama
56.2
Quitman County
Georgia
56.5
Randolph County
Georgia
50
Early County
Georgia
43.1
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.8
Barbour County
Alabama
45.8
Stewart County
Georgia
58.3
Terrell County
Georgia
49.1

Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 56.5 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 #21 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 $937, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Georgia is $49,147 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Georgia a good place to live?
Clay County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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