Clay County's composite score of 65.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, ranking it solidly above average nationwide. The score falls just below Minnesota's average of 70.9, reasonable for a regional hub county.
2 / 5
Mid-Range Standing in Minnesota
Clay County ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, just beneath the state average. As home to Moorhead and a regional economy, the county reflects moderate overall livability.
3 / 5
Health and Affordability Balance the Picture
Clay County's health score of 80.0 and cost score of 69.4 stand out, with median housing at $256,000 and rent at $1,000/month. The county maintains a low tax burden at 1.115% effective rate.
4 / 5
Income Levels Remain Below Potential
Median household income of $77,664 and an income score of 34.1 represent Clay County's weakest dimension. The county's risk score of 26.3 also suggests some economic vulnerability.
5 / 5
Best for Health-Conscious, Budget-Minded Families
Clay County suits families and professionals prioritizing health and moderate affordability over high incomes. It's a good option for those seeking regional hub amenities with reasonable housing costs.
Clay County's composite score of 65.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, ranking it solidly above average nationwide. The score falls just below Minnesota's average of 70.9, reasonable for a regional hub county.
Mid-Range Standing in Minnesota
Clay County ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, just beneath the state average. As home to Moorhead and a regional economy, the county reflects moderate overall livability.
Health and Affordability Balance the Picture
Clay County's health score of 80.0 and cost score of 69.4 stand out, with median housing at $256,000 and rent at $1,000/month. The county maintains a low tax burden at 1.115% effective rate.
Income Levels Remain Below Potential
Median household income of $77,664 and an income score of 34.1 represent Clay County's weakest dimension. The county's risk score of 26.3 also suggests some economic vulnerability.
Best for Health-Conscious, Budget-Minded Families
Clay County suits families and professionals prioritizing health and moderate affordability over high incomes. It's a good option for those seeking regional hub amenities with reasonable housing costs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛70.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Clay County's 1.115% effective tax rate sits 12% above the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 62nd percentile. The median property tax of $2,854 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by $164 despite slightly lower home values.
Minnesota's 20th-highest tax-rate county
Clay ranks 20th among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, noticeably above the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $2,854 significantly exceeds Minnesota's average of $2,168.
Elevated rates compared to northern peers
Clay's 1.115% rate stands well above nearby Clearwater (0.732%) and Cook (0.790%), making it the highest-taxing county in the northwest region. Only Carlton among northern counties approaches Clay's burden.
Median home taxes $2,854 per year
With a median home value of $256,000 and Clay's 1.115% effective rate, homeowners pay approximately $2,854 in annual property taxes. Whether mortgaged or not, annual taxes remain remarkably consistent around $2,850.
Appeal assessments to reclaim tax dollars
Clay County homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent sales of comparable properties in their immediate area, as discrepancies are common. Appealing can reduce taxes by $200–$400 annually if assessment errors are found.
Clay County residents spend 15.4% of their $77,664 income on rent—exceeding the national 14.5% benchmark by nearly a percentage point. While not severe, this ratio suggests tighter housing budgets than national norms.
Above Minnesota's affordability average
Clay's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the upper tier of housing cost burden. The county's modest income relative to regional peers contributes to this strain.
Clay costs more than most peers
Clay's $1,000 median rent exceeds Carlton ($967), Chippewa ($846), Clearwater ($740), and Cook ($886), positioning it among the pricier counties for renters. Combined with lower incomes than Carver or Chisago, Clay renters face steeper affordability challenges.
Housing claims notable income share
With $1,000 rent and $1,376 monthly owner costs on a $77,664 income, Clay residents dedicate roughly 15-21% to housing. The ratio suggests less discretionary income than regional counterparts earn.
Clay suits careful middle-income planners
Clay County works best for relocators earning $75,000–$90,000 who prioritize job access to the Fargo–Moorhead corridor over maximum affordability. Budget conscious households might find better margins in neighboring counties.
Clay County's median household income of $77,664 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 3.9 percent, keeping the county slightly above national baseline. This modest $2,909 advantage reflects a stable, working-class economy.
Modestly Above State Average
Clay ranks above Minnesota's state median of $75,757 by $1,907 annually per household. With per capita income of $38,791—just below the state average—the county performs steadily, reflecting a balanced local economy.
Solid Mid-Range Regional Position
Clay's $77,664 median positions it between Carlton ($80,042) and Chippewa ($69,192), representing typical upper-rural Minnesota economics. The county outearns lower-income Cass and Clearwater while trailing suburban and stronger regional centers.
Reasonable Housing-to-Income Balance
Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4 percent signals manageable housing affordability with median home values of $256,000. Households earning $77,664 can support homeownership without excessive cost burden.
Build Steady Wealth From Stability
Clay County's stable, moderate income provides foundation for consistent wealth-building through regular savings and long-term investing. Automated transfers to retirement and investment accounts help overcome the friction of modest earnings gains.
At 78.0 years, Clay County residents live just slightly below the U.S. average of 78.8 years. The 13.5% poor/fair health rate is close to the national average, reflecting typical American health outcomes overall.
Near Minnesota's health baseline
Clay's 78.0-year life expectancy is slightly below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years, positioning it as a middle-range county. The 13.5% poor/fair health rate aligns with state norms, indicating Clay performs near Minnesota's typical health standard.
Mid-tier regional health status
Clay's 78.0-year life expectancy sits between lower-performing neighbors like Carlton County (76.3 years) and higher-performing counties like Chisago County (79.4 years). The 13.5% poor/fair health rate positions Clay toward the middle of its regional peer group.
Good coverage, severe provider shortage
Clay's 4.8% uninsured rate is better than Minnesota's 6.0% state average, so coverage is relatively strong. However, the county critically lacks primary care providers at just 20 per 100,000 residents—one of the state's lowest densities—though mental health services are robust at 334 providers per 100,000.
Secure your coverage now
With 4.8% uninsured, Clay is doing well, but having coverage is critical given provider shortages. Visit MNSure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to ensure you're covered and connected to available healthcare.
Clay County's composite risk score of 73.66 with a "Relatively Low" rating places it well above the national average, indicating substantial exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county ranks among America's higher-risk regions, particularly for flooding and wildfire.
Clay ranks among Minnesota's riskiest counties
Clay County scores 73.66, significantly exceeding Minnesota's state average of 42.38 by 74 percent, making it one of the state's most disaster-prone counties. This elevation reflects the county's northwestern Minnesota geography and susceptibility to water-based and fire hazards.
Clay is the region's highest-risk county by far
Clay County (73.66) substantially exceeds neighboring Carlton (70.07), Chisago (44.53), and Chippewa (36.99), making it the region's clear risk leader. The county's extreme flood risk of 82.44 drives much of this elevation.
Flooding is Clay's defining natural disaster threat
Clay County's flood risk score of 82.44 is exceptionally high, reflecting the county's location in the Red River Valley with its documented flooding history. Wildfire (65.97) and tornado (62.02) risks compound the flood threat, creating a multi-hazard environment.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable for Clay residents
Clay County homeowners must secure flood insurance immediately, as the 82.44 flood risk score indicates severe and frequent inundation exposure—standard policies will not cover flood losses. Additionally, maintain wildfire defensibility and review tornado preparedness given the county's three-pronged hazard profile.