countyscore
46.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.6Soil Quality 68.5

County Report Card

About Clay County, Kansas

Modest National Ranking

Clay County earns a composite score of 46.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates some trade-offs in local livability compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Competing Within Kansas

Scoring 46.5 places Clay below the Kansas average of 49.5. It faces stiffer competition from neighboring counties in terms of safety and cost efficiency.

Superior Water and Health

Water quality and natural risk resilience are major assets, with both dimensions scoring above 83. The county also maintains a solid Health Score of 63.8 for its residents.

Safety and Cost Trade-offs

Safety is a notable weak point at 34.6, and the Cost Score of 42.5 reflects higher home values of $149,600 relative to local wages. The Tax Score of 18.0 also indicates a moderate fiscal burden.

Stability for Health-Conscious Residents

Clay County is a good fit for health-conscious individuals who prioritize reliable infrastructure and modern healthcare access. It serves those who want the stability of a well-resourced rural hub.

Score breakdown

Tax18Cost42.5Safety34.6Health63.8Schools60.7Income48.6Risk83.6Water86Weather45
🏛18
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.8
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

Geary County
Kansas
26.3
Riley County
Kansas
34.7
Dickinson County
Kansas
47.7
Ottawa County
Kansas
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Cloud County
Kansas
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Washington County
Kansas
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Saline County
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Pottawatomie County
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55.5

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 taxes near national average

At 1.378%, Clay County's effective tax rate falls slightly below the national median of 1.6%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county nationally. Homeowners pay $2,061 annually, 23% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to median home values of $149,600—the region's highest.

Below-average rate for Kansas

Clay County's 1.378% effective rate sits comfortably below Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, placing it in the lower-tax tier statewide. The median tax of $2,061, however, exceeds the state median of $1,943 because Clay County's homes are significantly more valuable than the state average.

Moderate rate with highest home values

Clay County's 1.378% rate matches or beats similar neighbors like Cloud County (1.788%) and Osborne County, while its median home value of $149,600 substantially exceeds the region. This combination of a favorable rate and higher-value homes drives a median tax bill above state average.

Pay roughly $2,061 per year

A Clay County homeowner with the median home value of $149,600 pays approximately $2,061 in annual property taxes. When mortgage credits apply, the bill rises to $2,105; without deductions, it drops to $2,007.

Appeal your assessment strategically

Even with favorable rates, Clay County homeowners should verify their assessments are current and accurate. If recent home sales in your area suggest lower values, file a formal appeal—many countywide assessments haven't been fully updated since the 2008 recession.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County: highest rent burden here

Clay County renters spend 17.3% of their income on housing—the highest ratio in this county group and well above the national average of 14.7%. The $911/month rent is the highest in the region, and though incomes are reasonable at $63,136, the rent burden remains significant.

Among Kansas's most challenging markets

Clay County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average, making it one of the least affordable counties examined. The $911/month rent is $124 above the state median, creating the steepest affordability challenge in this region.

Clearly the priciest option here

Clay County's $911/month rent towers over every neighbor—$198 more than Chautauqua, $153 more than Cheyenne, and $110 more than Chase County. This exceptional rent premium creates the region's toughest housing affordability challenge.

Steep rent burden despite decent income

Renters pay $911/month (17.3% of $63,136 income), while homeowners pay $867/month on the highest median home value in the region at $149,600. Clay County houses are premium-priced, and renters bear the heaviest burden relative to income.

Clay County demands careful budgeting

Clay County's significantly higher housing costs require careful financial planning—expect to spend roughly $200/month more on rent than most neighboring counties. If homeownership is your goal, the highest home values here suggest stronger property equity potential, but renting carries real affordability risk.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County Below U.S. Median Income

Clay County's median household income of $63,136 falls roughly $11,600 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. The gap reflects typical income patterns for small rural Midwestern communities.

Slightly Below Kansas State Average

At $63,136, Clay County trails Kansas's median household income of $64,428 by about $1,300. The county ranks solidly in the middle tier of Kansas's 105 counties for household earnings.

Mid-Range Earnings with Higher Homes

Clay County's median income of $63,136 sits between Chautauqua County ($54,592) and Coffey County ($67,377), positioning it as a middle performer regionally. However, its median home value of $149,600 is the second-highest in the eight-county region, creating relative affordability pressure.

Higher Housing Costs Pinch Budgets

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% is the highest in the eight-county region, indicating tighter housing affordability despite modest incomes. The median home value of $149,600 places significant pressure on household budgets, leaving less room for savings.

Strategic Budgeting for Future Growth

Clay County residents need disciplined budgeting to navigate higher housing costs while building wealth. Even small monthly contributions to savings or retirement accounts compound over time—starting today with whatever surplus you can find strengthens long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Lower Crime Than National Norms

Clay County earns a safety score of 97.6, indicating a solid level of public safety. The total crime rate of 1,520.8 per 100,000 is about 36% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here live in an area notably safer than the average American community.

Comparing Clay to Kansas Benchmarks

Clay County’s safety score of 97.6 sits just below the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,520.8 is higher than the state average of 1,282.2. Three reporting agencies coordinate to manage crime and safety across the county's jurisdictions.

Safe Haven Next to Cloud County

Clay County is significantly safer than neighboring Cloud County, which sees a much higher rate of 2,597.6 crimes per 100,000. While Clay has more crime than ultra-low areas like Chase, it maintains a stable middle-ground for the region. This makes it a relatively attractive option for those seeking a balance of safety and activity.

Higher Violent Crime Relative to State

Violent crime in Clay County occurs at 408.0 per 100,000, which is higher than both the state average (235.9) and national average (369.8). Property crime accounts for 1,112.8 incidents, which is about half the national average for such offenses. The data suggests that while theft is low, serious incidents require more attention.

Enhancing Personal and Property Security

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, residents should prioritize personal safety habits alongside home security. Installing alarm systems and staying aware of surroundings in public areas are wise choices. Strong community ties and fast reporting to local agencies help keep these numbers in check.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County tops national averages

At 78.2 years, Clay County residents live 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.7 years. With 17.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national rate—the county demonstrates strong health fundamentals.

State's healthiest life expectancy

Clay County's 78.2-year life expectancy ranks among Kansas's best, exceeding the state average of 75.4 years by 2.8 years. Its 17.6% poor/fair health rate also runs well below typical state levels.

Regional health champion

Clay's 78.2-year life expectancy ties or beats all nearby counties including Chase (78.0), Coffey (76.6), and Cheyenne (76.4). Its 17.6% poor/fair rate ranks among the region's lowest.

Well-insured with balanced provider access

At 9.4% uninsured—below the state average of 11.5%—Clay County residents enjoy strong insurance coverage. The county supports 136 primary care and 100 mental health providers per 100K, reflecting solid healthcare infrastructure.

Maintain excellent coverage

With only 9.4% uninsured, Clay County is a model for health access. Review your coverage annually through the Kansas marketplace to ensure continuous protection for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Unified School District

Clay County is served by a single school district that manages seven public schools for 1,344 students. The network includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Competitive Standards and Strong Funding

The county's 87.0% graduation rate meets the national average while per-pupil spending reaches a robust $10,163. This investment level significantly exceeds the Kansas state average of $9,009.

One District, Total Coverage

The Clay County school district oversees the entire student population of 1,344. There are no charter schools in the area, ensuring a unified and consistent public school curriculum.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

With four schools in town and three in rural areas, the county offers diverse locales for students. Lincoln Elementary is the largest hub with 384 students, while the average school size across the district is 192.

Plant Roots Near Clay County Schools

Clay County offers a well-funded district with a mix of small rural and larger town schools. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for families looking for quality education in a stable community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County faces very low national disaster risk

Clay County's composite risk score of 16.44 places it well below the national average with a "Very Low" rating, reflecting minimal multi-hazard exposure. The county's central Kansas location provides natural buffering against extreme disaster scenarios.

Safe by Kansas standards

At 16.44, Clay County scores substantially below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's lower-risk communities. This favorable position is driven by low flood risk and minimal earthquake exposure, though tornado exposure remains moderate.

Comparable to nearby counties

Clay County's risk profile is similar to neighboring Cloud and Washington Counties but outperforms riskier areas to the south and east. The county's central location balances tornado exposure with lower flood and earthquake threats.

Wildfire and tornado are primary threats

Wildfire risk reaches 73.47 in Clay County, with tornado risk at 44.21, representing the county's two most significant hazards. Both exceed state averages but remain manageable compared to southeastern Kansas counties.

Ensure comprehensive severe weather coverage

Homeowners should maintain robust tornado and wind protection alongside wildfire coverage in their property insurance policies. Clay County's moderate tornado exposure makes a reinforced safe room or shelter a valuable investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

The Heart of the Heartland

Clay County’s average temperature of 54.3°F aligns almost perfectly with the national median. It receives 31.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is typical for the Great Plains.

Typical Kansas Weather Patterns

The county’s 54.3°F average is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. Its 31.3 inches of rain also matches the state average of 30.3 inches very closely.

Warmer and Drier Than Cloud

Clay is slightly warmer than its neighbor, Cloud County, and sees about 7 inches less snow annually. It faces 54 days of extreme heat, compared to 48 in Cloud.

Cold Januaries and Hot Julys

The climate features sharp extremes, with July averaging 79.8°F and January dropping to 28.3°F. It records 10.7 inches of snow during the cold 30.8°F winter months.

Versatile Wardrobes for Big Swings

Residents need gear for both 10.7 inches of snow and 54 days of extreme heat. Quality attic insulation is recommended to handle the 50-degree swing between summer and winter averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Soils of North Central Kansas

Clay County soils feature a pH of 6.37, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This sits comfortably below the state average of 6.80 but remains within a very productive range. The county's soil score of 68.5 is well above the state average, signaling high agricultural potential.

A Silty Mix with Solid Balance

The soil is comprised of 51.6% silt, 25.1% sand, and 23.3% clay. This mixture provides enough sand for aeration while the high silt content ensures stability and nutrient storage. It is a versatile composition that supports a wide variety of row crops and garden vegetables.

Excellent Moisture and Nutrient Retention

With 2.53% organic matter, Clay County exceeds both the national (2.0%) and state (2.22%) averages. The available water capacity is also impressive at 0.190 in/in, surpassing the state benchmark of 0.180. This means the soil is naturally equipped to sustain growth during dry periods.

Steady Hydrology for Consistent Yields

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high available water capacity suggests these soils are efficient reservoirs. The balanced ratio of sand and clay likely promotes moderate infiltration and good root health. This is a dependable soil profile for both large-scale farming and home landscaping.

Hearty Gardens in Zone 6b

Clay County is in Zone 6b, a perfect spot for growing staples like tomatoes, corn, and sunflowers. The rich organic matter (2.53%) and high water capacity make it an ideal location for a vegetable garden. Your soil is already above average—just add seeds and basic maintenance to see great results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Care Required in Clay County

Clay County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.8, sitting slightly below the Kansas average of 59.1. As a Zone 6b region, it faces typical Midwestern challenges, including fluctuating temperatures and seasonal dry spells. While it beats the national average, growers here must stay vigilant to maintain healthy turf.

Thirty-One Inches of Variable Rainfall

Annual precipitation averages 31.3 inches, which is just above the state average but requires supplemental watering during summer peaks. The county sees 54 extreme heat days and 4,067 growing degree days, creating a standard growing cycle for the region. Regular mowing usually begins in late April following the last frost.

Fertile Foundation with Balanced Texture

The soil pH of 6.37 is excellent, falling right into the sweet spot for most common lawn varieties. With a texture comprising 23.3% clay and 25.1% sand, the soil offers a good mix of moisture retention and drainage. This balance minimizes the need for heavy soil amendments beyond standard fertilization.

Recovering from a Year of Drought

The county endured 38 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show 0% abnormal dryness. This history suggests that while current conditions are good, the area is prone to long-term dry cycles. Use high-quality mulch and taller mowing heights to protect grass crowns during future dry periods.

Tall Fescue is the Reliable Choice

Tall Fescue performs very well here and can handle the transition between the 30°F January lows and 79.8°F July highs. Optimal seeding time falls between late August and mid-September to allow for root growth before the October 19 frost. Start your prep now to capitalize on the current lack of drought.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Kansas has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Kansas?
Clay County ranks #70 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $2,061, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 18/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Kansas is $63,136 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Kansas a good place to live?
Clay County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Kansas. 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.