countyscore
56.3
County Score
Cost of Living 91.9Safety 75.2Property Tax 64.7

County Report Card

About Clay County, Kentucky

Outperforming the national median

Clay County earns a composite score of 56.3, which places it above the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights its exceptional affordability despite specific economic headwinds.

Steady performance within Kentucky

The county's score of 56.3 is nearly in line with the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It holds its own against state peers by balancing low living costs with high marks in public safety.

Unmatched affordability and safety

Clay County excels with a cost score of 91.9 and a safety score of 75.2. Median home values are exceptionally low at $87,300, making it one of the most accessible markets for property owners.

Economic and health outcomes lag

Low marks in income (2.7) and health (21.1) reflect a median household income of just $39,607. Environmental risk and school quality also remain areas for potential local improvement.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

This county is a perfect match for individuals with outside income sources looking for maximum safety and minimal housing costs. It offers a peaceful, low-tax environment for those not reliant on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax64.7Cost91.9Safety75.2Health21.1Schools34.6Income2.7Risk32.9Water48.9Weather64.3
🏛64.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.7
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

Owsley County
Kentucky
68.8
Leslie County
Kentucky
70.1
Knox County
Kentucky
56.5
Laurel County
Kentucky
51.1
Jackson County
Kentucky
62.7
Perry County
Kentucky
60.6
Bell County
Kentucky
53
Lee County
Kentucky
61.7

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 are well below national average

Clay County's effective tax rate of 0.685% sits below the national median of 0.54%—wait, that's actually slightly above, but its median home value of $87,300 is far below the national norm of $281,900. The result is a median property tax of just $598, roughly 22% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes in Kentucky's rankings

Clay County's 0.685% effective rate ranks 65th in Kentucky, below the state average of 0.719%. Its median property tax of $598 is significantly lower than Kentucky's state median of $1,093, making it one of the state's more affordable counties.

Among the lowest-tax counties in eastern region

Clay County's 0.685% rate and $598 median tax rank it among the cheapest in the eastern region. Elliott County (0.689%) is nearly identical, while Clinton County (0.550%) edges it out as the region's lowest.

Minimal annual tax on modest home values

The median home in Clay County is worth $87,300, resulting in an estimated $598 annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $923 when escrow is included, while those with paid-off homes pay approximately $521.

Even small savings add up over time

Even in low-tax Clay County, a reassessment error could inflate your bill unnecessarily. Requesting a property tax appeal costs nothing and may reduce what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County Renters Face Housing Squeeze

At 21.1% of income, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds both the national 30% threshold concern level and Kentucky's 17% state average. With a median household income of just $39,607 and median rent of $698, housing absorbs a larger portion of household budgets here than across most of Kentucky.

Among Kentucky's Most Strained Housing Markets

Clay County ranks among the least affordable counties in Kentucky by rent-to-income ratio, despite having below-average rents. The county's challenge stems from low median incomes, not high housing costs—a pattern common in eastern Kentucky.

Similar Affordability Crisis Across Appalachia

Clay County's 21.1% rent burden mirrors the struggle in neighboring Cumberland County (16.7%) and Elliott County (12.8%), though Clay faces the highest ratio among these eastern Kentucky communities. All three counties grapple with income levels well below the state median.

Homeownership Offers More Relief

While renters spend $698 monthly, homeowners pay just $456, with median home values of $87,300—the lowest in this dataset. For those able to buy, homeownership provides significantly better affordability than renting in Clay County.

Budget Carefully Before Relocating Here

Clay County offers the lowest home prices in this region, but median incomes are also among the state's lowest. If relocating here, prioritize remote work or employment with wages significantly above the $39,607 median to ensure housing remains manageable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County faces significant income gap

Clay County's median household income of $39,607 falls 47% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties in the nation. Per capita income of $21,888 is roughly 26% below Kentucky's state average, indicating widespread economic hardship.

Among Kentucky's lowest earners

Clay County ranks near the bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties, with median household income roughly 29% below the state average of $55,909. This deep income gap reflects limited job opportunities and lower wage industries concentrated in the region.

Struggling compared to Appalachian peers

Clay County's $39,607 income ranks below neighboring Perry County and Owsley County, with households earning $5,000 to $10,000 less annually than similar Appalachian counties. The disparity reflects Clay's reliance on declining coal and agriculture sectors.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

At 21.1%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability threshold for many households, signaling housing stress among renters. The median home value of $87,300 may be accessible, but incomes are too low to support comfortable ownership and maintenance costs.

Start small with accessible savings goals

Even modest savings of $25–50 monthly through employer retirement plans or community credit unions can compound over time. Explore local microfinance programs, job training grants, and income-boosting opportunities that serve low-income workers in Appalachian communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County Boasts High Safety

Clay County is remarkably safe, with a crime rate of 590.4 per 100K that is roughly one-quarter of the national average. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 99.1.

Exceeding State Safety Standards

Clay County outpaces the state average safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 590.4 also sits comfortably below the Kentucky average of 786.2 per 100K residents.

Safe Haven Compared to Urban Areas

Compared to larger urban centers, Clay County maintains a low profile with only 34.4 violent crimes per 100K. This makes it significantly safer than more densely populated parts of the state.

Low Risk Across All Categories

Property crime represents the majority of local activity, totaling 556.0 incidents per 100K. With a violent crime rate far below the national average of 369.8, major safety concerns remain low.

Peace of Mind Through Protection

Most local incidents involve property rather than personal safety, making basic home security highly effective. Investing in simple deterrents provides lasting peace of mind in this quiet community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County faces significant health challenges

At 68.3 years, Clay County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 71.4 years by 3.1 years, signaling serious underlying health problems. Nearly one-third (31.2%) of residents report poor or fair health—nearly 50% worse than the national rate of 21%.

Worst health outcomes in Kentucky

Clay County ranks among Kentucky's lowest in life expectancy at 68.3 years, nearly 4 years below the state average of 72.2. Its 8.3% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 7.0%, compounding healthcare access barriers.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Clay County's 68.3-year life expectancy falls far short of neighboring Clinton County (71.7 years) and Crittenden County (71.8 years). Its 31.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest among peer counties, reflecting deeper chronic disease burden.

Limited provider access compounds uninsurance

With 8.3% uninsured and only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clay County faces a dual crisis of affordability and access. Mental health providers are sparse at 112 per 100K, limiting care for depression and substance use—major drivers of poor health outcomes.

Take action: get insured today

If you're among the 8.3% uninsured in Clay County, coverage can be life-changing—literally. Visit kynect.ky.gov immediately to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans; financial help is available for low-income households.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Rural Reach Across Clay County

Clay County supports 2,903 students through a network of 11 public schools, including seven elementary and two high schools. The single school district provides coverage for a wide geographic area with one middle school and one specialized center. This infrastructure focuses heavily on primary education to build a strong foundation for local youth.

Strong Graduation Success Despite Lean Funding

Clay County achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, which sits above the national average of 87.0% but below the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The district operates with $6,451 in per-pupil expenditure, falling short of both state and national spending benchmarks. However, the county maintains a 51.8 composite school score, showing resilience in academic results.

Unified District Leadership in Manchester

The Clay County school district manages 10 of the county's schools, centralizing all administrative and academic resources. Charter schools have zero presence in this region, representing 0.0% of the educational landscape. This traditional public model ensures that the single district remains the cornerstone of the community.

Small Rural Schools with Hub Activity

With eight schools in rural locales and three in town settings, the county averages a modest 290 students per school. Clay County High School is the largest institution with 717 students, while Paces Creek Elementary provides a smaller environment with 283 students. This mix offers families a choice between town-centered learning and quiet rural campuses.

Find a Home in a Community-Focused District

If you value a small-town school atmosphere with high graduation rates, Clay County is a compelling choice. Homebuyers can find properties nestled in rural landscapes that remain connected to the centralized district schools. Consider the local school quality as you research your next home in this tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County faces above-average national risk

With a composite risk score of 67.14, Clay County's risk profile is significantly higher than the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. This reflects meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types that warrant serious preparedness planning.

Among Kentucky's riskier counties

Clay County scores 67.14—well above Kentucky's state average of 44.21—placing it in the higher-risk tier of the state's counties. This elevated position reflects particular vulnerability to specific hazard combinations that distinguish your county statewide.

Notably riskier than surrounding counties

Clay County's 67.14 score significantly exceeds those of neighboring Perry and Owsley counties, making it one of the region's most hazard-exposed areas. Your county faces distinct challenges requiring more intensive disaster readiness than most eastern Kentucky neighbors.

Wildfire and flood risks are critical

Wildfire risk at 85.15 and flood risk at 80.98 dominate Clay County's hazard profile—both among the state's highest scores in these categories. Tornado risk also reaches 41.32, creating a complex threat environment that affects property and planning decisions.

Invest in comprehensive hazard coverage

Homeowners insurance should explicitly cover both wildfire and flood damage; standard policies exclude both, requiring separate riders or flood insurance. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead vegetation, and develop an evacuation plan for rapid fire or flood events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Humid Subtropical Climate

Clay County averages 55.7°F annually, aligning closely with the national median temperature. Its 51.5 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the typical U.S. county.

Typical Kentucky Weather Patterns

The county's average temperature of 55.7°F is just under the state average of 56.2°F. Its 51.5 inches of rain and snow sits nearly level with the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches.

More Snow than Christian County

Clay County sees 8.6 inches of snow, about an inch more than Christian County. It is also cooler on average than Christian, reflecting its different position within the state's topography.

Moderate Heat and Chilly Winters

The county experiences 25 days of 90°F heat during its 73.7°F summers. Winter temperatures drop to an average of 34.5°F in January, accompanied by 8.6 inches of snow.

Prepare for Damp Conditions

With 51.5 inches of precipitation, residents should prioritize moisture control in basements and crawlspaces. A standard HVAC system is sufficient to handle the 25 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Rich Mountain Soil

Clay County features a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.31, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This low pH is characteristic of the region but requires lime adjustments for traditional vegetable gardening. Despite the acidity, the county maintains a soil score of 50.7, indicating localized productivity.

Gritty Texture and Low Clay

This soil is surprisingly sandy at 38.6%, paired with 36.0% silt and only 14.5% clay. This high sand content suggests the soil is easy to work and resists the sticky compaction common in other parts of Kentucky. The light texture helps roots penetrate deeply, though it can drain quickly.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Clay County boasts a remarkable 9.62% organic matter content, nearly triple the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. This rich carbon store helps offset a lower-than-average water capacity of 0.158 in/in. The high organic load provides an incredible natural nutrient bank for forest and field alike.

Rapid Infiltration and Drainage

While specific drainage classifications are not recorded, the high sand and low clay percentages point toward fast-draining soils. These conditions prevent waterlogging but may require more frequent watering during Kentucky's humid summers. Gardeners should monitor soil moisture closely due to the lower available water capacity.

A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants

The Zone 7a climate and acidic soils are perfect for blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. With such high organic matter, your soil is already naturally enriched for mountain-style gardening. Use the longer growing season to cultivate a diverse backyard orchard or woodland garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a lawn in Clay County

Clay County earns a 62.7 lawn difficulty score, placing it just below the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Being in hardiness zone 7a means your lawn experiences milder winters but potentially more heat stress than northern neighbors.

High precipitation drives rapid spring growth

Annual precipitation of 51.5 inches exceeds the state average and may lead to soggy conditions in low-lying areas. With 3,788 growing degree days, lawns here see a robust and active growing season that requires frequent mowing.

Acidic soils require lime applications

A soil pH of 5.31 is significantly lower than the ideal range, meaning grass may struggle to absorb nutrients. Adding lime is a common necessity here to balance the 38.6% sand content and improve the growing environment.

Minimal drought stress over the last year

Clay County faced only one week of drought conditions in the past year and is currently drought-free. This consistent moisture allows homeowners to focus more on soil amendments than supplemental irrigation.

Leverage a long growing season

With a last spring frost on April 29 and a first fall frost on October 26, you have plenty of time for lawn projects. Seed with transitional turf like Turf-Type Tall Fescue during the September window for best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Kentucky?
Clay County ranks #81 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $598, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Kentucky is $39,607 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Clay County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Kentucky. 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.