countyscore
55.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.6

County Report Card

About Clay County, Illinois

Strong Livability with High Marks

Clay County earns a composite score of 55.8, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. Its profile highlights a high degree of livability that is competitive with counties nationwide. It offers a rare mix of safety and resource quality that is highly desirable.

Leading the Pack in Illinois

Clay County outshines the Illinois state average of 52.8, proving itself as a regional standout. It provides a higher quality of basic services and safety than many higher-population counties. This ranking confirms its status as a reliable choice within the state.

Safety, Water, and Affordability

A near-perfect safety score of 97.5 defines this county as an exceptionally secure place to live. Water quality is also a major asset with a score of 86.0, alongside housing costs that are very manageable at a 74.6 cost score. These factors ensure a high baseline of health and financial security.

Education and Income Gaps

The primary challenge is the school score of 18.1, which indicates a significant need for educational investment. Income also lags with a score of 31.0 and a median household income of $57,266. While the cost of living is low, economic opportunities may be more limited.

The Verdict: A Haven for Peace and Quiet

This county is best for retirees or those prioritizing a quiet, low-crime lifestyle with excellent natural resources. It is perfect for those who are less dependent on the local school system or high-growth job markets. It offers an incredible level of safety and clean water at a very low price.

Score breakdown

Tax9.1Cost74.6Safety97.5Health60.9Schools18.1Income31Risk59Water86Weather55.5
🏛9.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.6
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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Nearby counties

Jasper County
Illinois
59.7
Richland County
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51.4
Effingham County
Illinois
49.7
Wayne County
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Marion County
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Cumberland County
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Fayette County
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Edwards County
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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 offers the lowest regional tax rate

At 1.615%, Clay County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.56%—the lowest in this eight-county cluster. The median property tax of $1,523 is among the nation's most affordable, reflecting both low rates and modest home values averaging $94,300.

Illinois's most tax-friendly county in this group

Clay County ranks 95th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate, placing it in the bottom 7%—the absolute most favorable for homeowners. At 1.615%, it runs 0.216 percentage points below the state average of 1.831%.

Lowest taxes in southern Illinois region

Clay County's 1.615% rate is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, beating even Clark County (1.684%) and Christian County (1.691%). It offers a significant advantage over Cass County (2.102%), Champaign County (2.070%), and Coles County (2.046%).

What an average Clay County home costs annually

The median Clay County home valued at $94,300 generates an estimated $1,523 in annual property taxes—the lowest in the region. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,902, while those without mortgages pay just $809.

Low taxes, but appeals still possible

Clay County homeowners can still pursue property tax appeals if they believe their homes are overassessed. The county assessor's office accepts reassessment requests at no cost—a smart move given the modest property values in the area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County rents stretch thin incomes

At 14.9% of income devoted to rent, Clay County ranks slightly above the Illinois average and reflects tight household finances. The $57,266 median income—more than 23% below the national median—makes even modest $709 rents feel substantial for working families.

Below-average income limits affordability gains

Clay County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio edges above the state average of 14.7%, but its struggle stems from below-average incomes rather than high rents. At $709 per month, the median rent ranks among Illinois's lowest, yet households earning only $57,266 still feel the squeeze.

Cheapest rents, but smallest incomes too

Clay County's $709 rent ranks lowest among central Illinois peers, yet its $57,266 income also trails neighbors like Clark ($70,625) and Cass ($64,907). This income disadvantage erodes the county's rent advantage, making it a trade-off between cost and earning potential.

Homeownership offers slight relief here

Renters spend $709 monthly while homeowners pay $734—a modest difference reflecting the county's overall affordability. The $94,300 median home value keeps ownership accessible, though the low median income means most households carry tight housing budgets regardless of tenure.

Clay County suits income-flexible relocators

Consider Clay County if you can afford lower incomes—it offers the state's cheapest rents at $709 and a 14.9% burden. But compare it against better-paying neighbors like Clark County before moving; a higher salary in a neighboring county may leave you better off financially despite slightly higher rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County well below national income standard

Clay County's median household income of $57,266 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $17,489. This significant gap reflects the county's rural character and limited job market diversity.

Among Illinois's lowest-income counties

At $57,266, Clay County earns $11,314 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county ranks in the bottom 10% of Illinois counties, consistent with southern Illinois's rural economic challenges.

Struggles financially vs. surrounding counties

Clay County ($57,266) underperforms nearly all nearby counties, trailing Christian ($59,253) and significantly lagging Clark ($70,625). Only Coles County ($56,040) approaches Clay County's income level.

Low income and moderate housing burden

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% indicates reasonable housing affordability, but the median income of $57,266 limits overall financial flexibility. Residents spend a manageable housing share on constrained household budgets.

Focus on emergency savings first

Clay County residents should prioritize building a three-month emergency fund before investing aggressively. Free or low-cost financial literacy resources and employer retirement matches provide essential foundations for building stability in economically challenging regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County Reports Zero Crime Incidents

Clay County maintains a perfect safety score of 100.0 with a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100K. This represents an ideal safety profile compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Top Tier Safety in Illinois

With zero reported crimes, Clay County leads the state's average safety score of 98.7. This ranking is based on data from two reporting agencies covering the 2022 period.

A Regional Leader in Security

Clay County's 0.0 rate is the lowest among its peers, even beating the very low 7.7 rate in Cass County. It remains the statistical benchmark for safety in this part of Illinois.

Understanding the Reporting Data

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded at 0.0 per 100K residents. While this may reflect limited reporting, it indicates an exceptionally quiet year for law enforcement.

Keep Your Neighborhood Secure

Even with no reported crime, home security remains a wise investment for long-term safety. Smart locks and door sensors can ensure your home stays as safe as the statistics suggest.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average

Clay County residents live to 75.8 years, just below the U.S. average of 76.1 years and Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 0.2 years. However, one in five residents reports poor or fair health—the highest rate among peer counties.

Slightly below Illinois state average

At 75.8 years, Clay County's life expectancy trails Illinois's average of 76.0 years by just 0.2 years, placing it near the middle statewide. The elevated poor/fair health rate (20.2%) suggests quality-of-life concerns despite near-average longevity.

High health burden compared to peers

Clay County matches Christian County at 75.8 years but trails Champaign (78.8) and Cass (76.8) notably. Its 20.2% poor/fair health rate is the second-highest in the region, indicating chronic disease prevalence.

Minimal primary care, high health burden

Clay County has only 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest regionally—while 5.9% lack insurance. Limited preventive care access may explain the high poor/fair health rate.

Enroll now to prevent health crises

With scarce primary care and high health burdens, insurance coverage is essential for managing chronic disease. Check Healthcare.gov for plans that emphasize preventive care and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lean Rural School Infrastructure

Clay County operates 8 public schools for 2,184 students, overseen by 3 primary school districts. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools.

Facing Investment and Performance Challenges

The county's graduation rate of 81.8% and school score of 47.8 both fall below state and national benchmarks. Per-pupil spending of $6,365 is significantly lower than the Illinois average of $9,250, indicating a leaner fiscal approach to education.

Flora CUSD Drives County Enrollment

Flora CUSD 35 serves as the major educational provider, enrolling 1,345 students across three schools. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, with no charter school alternatives available.

Primarily Rural and Moderate in Size

Six of the county's eight schools are located in rural areas, maintaining an average size of 273 students. Flora Elementary is the largest single campus with 681 students, while most other schools are much smaller.

Find a Home in Flora or Clay City

Families looking for a rural lifestyle will find Clay County offers a straightforward, district-based school system. Consider local homes that provide easy access to Flora's central campuses or the smaller schools in Clay City.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County's risk remains quite low

With a composite risk score of 41.06, Clay County ranks well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The Very Low risk rating indicates residents face minimal combined hazard threats compared to typical American counties.

Below-average risk for Illinois

Clay County (41.06) scores substantially lower than Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it among the state's safer regions. This protective position means Clay County residents experience fewer disaster risks than most Illinoisans.

Low-risk county in southern Illinois

Clay County (41.06) ranks safer than nearby Coles County (70.36) and Clinton County (65.59), though slightly riskier than Clark County (27.32). Among its immediate neighbors, Clay County maintains one of the more protective risk profiles.

Earthquake dominates Clay's hazard profile

Earthquake risk at 86.29 far exceeds other hazard scores in Clay County, though tornado risk (41.41) represents a secondary concern. Both remain below their respective state averages despite earthquake being the county's primary exposure.

Add earthquake coverage to your policy

Clay County residents should supplement standard homeowners insurance with earthquake protection given the county's elevated seismic risk score. Review your coverage annually to ensure adequate protection across all identified hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than the national median

Clay County is warmer than the national median, boasting an annual average temperature of 55.5°F. Its 47.0 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the wetter regions in the American Midwest.

Among the warmest spots in Illinois

Ranking well above the state average of 52.8°F, Clay is among the warmest counties in southern Illinois. It also exceeds the state’s average rainfall by over five inches per year.

Outpacing Clinton County in extreme heat

Clay’s 40 extreme heat days per year outpace the 32 days seen in neighboring Clinton County. However, both counties share similar winter profiles with approximately 10 inches of annual snowfall.

Intense summer heat with mild winters

Summer is intense here, with 40 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 77.3°F. Winters are the mildest in this group, with a January average of 30.9°F and just 10.2 inches of snow.

Maximize HVAC efficiency for high heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 40 days of extreme summer heat. Outdoor gear should focus on rain protection given the heavy 47-inch annual precipitation total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

The Slightly Acidic Ground of Clay County

Clay County soils have an average pH of 6.26, making them more acidic than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is common in Southern Illinois and can influence which nutrients are available to plants. While taxonomic data is sparse, this profile often requires occasional lime applications for optimal crop yields.

High Silt Content with Low Sand

Despite its name, the soil here is actually 64.4% silt and only 21.5% clay, with a low sand content of 14.1%. This silty-dominant texture means the soil can feel very fine and smooth but may be prone to erosion if left uncovered. The low sand percentage suggests the soil stays cool and moist for longer periods during the spring.

Challenging Organic Matter Thresholds

Organic matter is at 2.00%, which is the national average but significantly lower than the Illinois state average of 2.94%. Interestingly, the available water capacity is quite high at 0.211 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.204 in/in. This means while the soil is lean on nutrients, it is excellent at holding onto every drop of rain it receives.

High Capacity for Water Storage

Specific drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable, but the high water capacity of 0.211 in/in indicates a soil that retains moisture effectively. With a high silt percentage, the ground may stay saturated longer than in sandier regions, which is a key consideration for site drainage. Managing runoff is important here to protect the fine silty topsoil.

Extended Growing in Zone 6b

Clay County sits in Zone 6b, offering a warm environment where sweet potatoes and peppers love to grow. Because organic matter is lower at 2.00%, your garden will benefit greatly from mulching and natural soil amendments. With its high water-holding capacity, your plants will be well-protected against short-term summer droughts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Facing the Heat in Clay County

Clay County presents a tougher environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 59.6, the lowest in this group. While still better than the national median, it lags significantly behind the Illinois state average. The Zone 6b climate brings increased heat that demands a more resilient lawn strategy.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

A high annual precipitation of 47.0 inches helps counter the 40 extreme heat days experienced each year. With 4,089 growing degree days, the mowing season is long and intensive. Homeowners must manage high moisture levels during the spring to prevent fungal diseases in the humid summer heat.

Acidic Leanings in the Soil

At a pH of 6.26, the soil is slightly more acidic than the state ideal but still within the functional range for grass. The composition is 21.5% clay and 14.1% sand, which can lead to drainage challenges during those heavy 47-inch rain years. Periodic lime applications may be necessary to keep the pH from dipping too low.

Managing Moderate Drought Risks

About 53.7% of the county is currently in severe drought, which is an improvement over many northern neighbors. Despite 27 weeks of drought this year, the high annual rainfall often provides a buffer. Rain barrels are an excellent addition here to capture spring runoff for use during the 40 days of extreme heat.

Choosing Resilient Turf Varieties

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or Zoysia grass are top picks for surviving the long, 4,089-GDD growing season. The spring planting window opens early on April 10, while fall seeding should be wrapped up by October 24. These varieties offer the best defense against the county's frequent 90-degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.8 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 Illinois?
Clay County ranks #40 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $1,523, with an effective tax rate of 1.62%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 9.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Illinois is $57,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 31/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Illinois a good place to live?
Clay County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Illinois. 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.