CountyScore

Clay County

Iowa · IA

#36 in Iowa
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, Iowa

Strong livability, well above national median

Clay County's composite score of 71.1 is 42% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper range of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates balanced strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Exceeding Iowa's average performance

At 71.1, Clay County outperforms Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 1.8 points, ranking among the state's stronger performers. The county shows consistent quality across key quality-of-life factors.

Best-in-group health and strong affordability

Clay County leads with a Health Score of 79.0—the highest among these eight counties—reflecting excellent health outcomes and care access. Its Cost Score of 80.2 and median home value of $171,500 pair strong health with reasonable housing costs.

Limited income potential and modest tax benefits

The county's Income Score of 25.2 and median household income of $64,082 lag regional expectations for wage growth. A Tax Score of 69.0 is solid but not exceptional compared to top performers in this group.

Excellent for health-conscious rural families

Clay County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing healthcare access and outcomes, remote workers, and those seeking stable small-town living. The county's health advantages make it particularly attractive for aging populations.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth79SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.2Risk63.6WaterComing Soon
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.6
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

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

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 sits near national average

Clay County's effective tax rate of 1.183% falls modestly below the national median of 1.347%, placing it around the 45th percentile nationally. The county's $2,028 median property tax remains 25% below the national median of $2,690.

Moderate taxes for Iowa

At 1.183%, Clay County's effective rate runs slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, keeping the county in the middle range statewide. The county's $2,028 median property tax sits between the state median of $2,160 and neighboring county averages.

Balanced taxes in north-central Iowa

Clay County's 1.183% rate falls between Cherokee's low 1.076% and Cerro Gordo's high 1.496%. The county offers a middle ground for homeowners seeking reasonable taxes without the extreme burden of Clarke or Clinton counties.

Mid-range bill on median home

A home valued at $171,500—Clay County's median—generates approximately $2,028 in annual property taxes under the 1.183% rate. With a mortgage, expect closer to $2,081; without, around $1,970.

Challenge inflated assessments

Even counties with moderate tax rates benefit from homeowner appeals when assessments exceed market value. Iowa's informal review process gives you a chance to lower your assessment at zero cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County rents strain household budgets

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% edges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, squeezing renters despite below-average wages of $64,082. Housing costs consume a notably higher share here than in better-balanced markets, requiring careful financial planning.

Middle-of-the-road affordability in Iowa

Clay County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Iowa's state average, ranking it in the less-affordable tier of the state's counties. Monthly rent of $798 runs close to the state median of $812, suggesting typical regional pricing.

Rents moderate, but ownership pricey

Clay County's $798 rent is middle-of-the-pack regionally, but median home values of $171,500 rank among the highest in this eight-county group. This split suggests strong homeowner demand pushing property values up while rental market remains steady.

Owner costs jump $115 above rent

Renters spend $798 monthly while homeowners allocate $913, a $115 gap reflecting the county's elevated property values. With median home values of $171,500 and median income of $64,082, homeownership requires substantial down-payment savings or outside financial support.

Clay County works best for renters with capital

If relocating to Clay County appeals, expect modest rents ($798) but expensive homeownership ($171,500 median value)—a mismatch for aspiring owners on local wages. Compare against Cherokee or Crawford if affordability is your priority, or against Chickasaw if you seek wage-to-housing balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County income lags nationwide trends

Clay County's median household income of $64,082 falls 14.3% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the lower-income category nationally. This gap reflects broader rural income challenges and limited wage growth in smaller Iowa communities.

Below average within Iowa

At $64,082, Clay County ranks among Iowa's lower-income counties, trailing the state average of $69,830 by $5,748. Its per capita income of $37,963 slightly exceeds the state average of $37,136, suggesting relatively even income distribution across residents.

Lower earner among regional peers

Clay's $64,082 median income ranks near the bottom of this eight-county cluster, just ahead of Clayton County's $62,326. Only Clayton and Cherokee (at $64,478) approach Clay's income level, while Chickasaw's $73,421 represents a nine-county income advantage.

Tight but sustainable housing costs

Clay's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing expenses with modest financial breathing room compared to national stress levels. However, with a median home value of $171,500—the highest among these eight counties—Clay households face the steepest homeownership challenge relative to income.

Smart saving strategies for Clay County

Clay households earning $64,082 must balance higher home values with moderate income, making disciplined saving essential—prioritize a fully-funded emergency fund before aggressive investing. Automate contributions to a Roth IRA or employer 401(k) to capture tax advantages and employer matching, building wealth systematically despite tighter margins.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Strong life expectancy and health outcomes

Clay County residents live an average of 78.4 years, about 0.1 years above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 14.8% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average of 15%, indicating strong overall health management.

Among Iowa's healthiest counties

At 78.4 years, Clay County's life expectancy exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year average, placing it in the state's top tier for health outcomes. This leadership position reflects strong healthcare infrastructure and community health practices.

Exceptional mental health provider network

Clay County stands out with 406 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the region and nearly double Cerro Gordo's rate. Combined with 85 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers robust mental health support and preventive care access.

Best-in-class insurance coverage

Clay County's 4.9% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region and well below Iowa's 5.7% average, meaning nearly all residents have healthcare coverage. This broad insurance access, paired with abundant providers, enables residents to pursue preventive care that supports the county's strong health outcomes.

Keep your coverage strong

Even with Clay County's excellent coverage, uninsured residents should enroll through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid to access the county's outstanding provider network. Insurance ensures you benefit from the exceptional mental health and primary care resources available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County ranks very low nationally

Clay's composite risk score of 36.39 falls just below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the lower-risk tier nationally. This county experiences relatively modest natural disaster exposure compared to most American regions.

Below-average risk for Iowa

Clay ranks in the safer half of Iowa's 99 counties, with a 36.39 score that reflects below-average hazard exposure across most categories. The county sits among Iowa's more stable communities from a disaster perspective.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Clay's 36.39 score aligns with Cherokee (34.13) and Chickasaw (31.74), reflecting consistent low-risk patterns across north-central Iowa. All three counties share similar protective geographic and climatic advantages.

Tornado and flood are main concerns

Clay faces tornado risk of 53.78 and flood risk of 53.75—nearly equal exposures that drive the county's modest composite score. Wildfire (29.64) and earthquake (14.19) risks remain significantly lower.

Secure tornado and flood coverage

Clay residents should add windstorm and flood insurance to standard homeowners policies, as both hazards represent meaningful exposure. Identify or construct a basement safe room for tornado season protection.

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.