Clay County's 76.8 composite score significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 35% of American counties. This elevated standing reveals a county with competitive advantages in affordability and tax structure.
2 / 5
Among Kentucky's better-scoring counties
Clay edges above Kentucky's 75.0 state average with a 76.8 score, placing it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's county rankings. The county's livability metrics prove resilient despite economic headwinds.
3 / 5
Exceptional affordability and low taxes
Clay's standout features are an 89.0 cost score—reflecting a median home value of just $87,300 and rent at $698/month—plus an 83.0 tax score with a 0.685% effective rate. Few counties nationwide offer such comprehensive housing and tax advantages.
4 / 5
Income levels remain a concern
Clay's income score of 9.3 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $39,607 that constrains household purchasing power. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality compounds the incomplete picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-focused, resilient families
Clay County appeals to retirees, remote workers, or families with modest income needs who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and minimal tax burden. Prospective residents should weigh the income trade-off carefully before relocating.
Clay County's 76.8 composite score significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 35% of American counties. This elevated standing reveals a county with competitive advantages in affordability and tax structure.
Among Kentucky's better-scoring counties
Clay edges above Kentucky's 75.0 state average with a 76.8 score, placing it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's county rankings. The county's livability metrics prove resilient despite economic headwinds.
Exceptional affordability and low taxes
Clay's standout features are an 89.0 cost score—reflecting a median home value of just $87,300 and rent at $698/month—plus an 83.0 tax score with a 0.685% effective rate. Few counties nationwide offer such comprehensive housing and tax advantages.
Income levels remain a concern
Clay's income score of 9.3 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $39,607 that constrains household purchasing power. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality compounds the incomplete picture.
Ideal for budget-focused, resilient families
Clay County appeals to retirees, remote workers, or families with modest income needs who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and minimal tax burden. Prospective residents should weigh the income trade-off carefully before relocating.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.