CountyScore

Clay County

Kansas · KS

#31 in Kansas
69.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, Kansas

Clay County exceeds national livability standard

Clay County scores 66.3 on the composite index, 32% above the national median of 50.0. The county delivers above-average livability by national standards.

Right in line with Kansas average

Clay County scores 66.3, nearly matching the Kansas statewide average of 66.0. The county sits squarely in the middle tier of Kansas communities for overall livability.

Solid income and reasonable taxes

Clay County combines a tax score of 63.5 with an effective rate of 1.378% and an income score of 24.6, reflecting median household income of $63,136. The county offers better wage prospects than most rural neighbors.

Higher housing costs limit affordability

Clay County's cost score of 78.8 is the lowest in this group, with median home value at $149,600 and rent at $911/month. These are notably higher than other rural Kansas counties, reducing overall affordability.

Best for professionals seeking rural comfort

Clay County attracts working professionals and established families with higher incomes who value reasonable taxes and reasonable wages. The higher housing costs are offset by better job prospects and moderate tax rates.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.5Cost78.8SafetyComing SoonHealth72.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk83.6WaterComing Soon
🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.6
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

Sierra County
California
69.2
Median income: $60,000
Teller County
Colorado
69.2
Median income: $80,666
Haralson County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $65,016
White County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $69,747
Stark County
Illinois
69.2
Median income: $62,284

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 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

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

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

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.