countyscore
46.1
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.

2040608010018.239.734.663.860.751.883.68645Tax18.2Cost39.7Safety34.6Health63.8Schools60.7Income51.8Risk83.6Water86Weather4546.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 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 (83.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (18.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.2-33.8
Cost
39.7-8.299999999999997
Safety
34.6-20.4
Health
63.8+13.799999999999997
Schools
60.7
Income
51.8
Risk
83.6+36.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
45-11
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

$155,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$937/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,176/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

per 100K

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
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Nearby counties

Geary County
Kansas
27.2
Riley County
Kansas
34.7
Dickinson County
Kansas
46.1
Ottawa County
Kansas
55.3
Cloud County
Kansas
43.6
Washington County
Kansas
61.6
Saline County
Kansas
38.6
Pottawatomie County
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56.4

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 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

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

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 46.1 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 $2,055, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 18.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Kansas is $66,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Kansas a good place to live?
Clay County scores 46.1/100 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.
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.