countyscore
41.8
County Score
Health 89.3Income & Jobs 81.1Soil Quality 71.4

County Report Card

About Clay County, Minnesota

Lagging Behind National Averages

Clay County receives a composite score of 41.8, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates several challenges in local quality-of-life metrics.

A Challenging Minnesota Profile

Compared to the Minnesota state average of 55.8, Clay County is a notable underperformer. It ranks lower than many of its neighbors across the central and western parts of the state.

Strong Health and Solid Incomes

The county performs well in health with a score of 89.3 and maintains a high income score of 81.1. Residents earn a median household income of $77,664, providing decent financial stability.

Significant Safety and Risk Concerns

The safety score of 15.4 is among the lowest in the state, and the risk score of 26.3 suggests low resilience. Additionally, a cost score of 20.1 reflects relatively high expenses for the region.

The Verdict for Healthcare Professionals

This county is best for health-conscious professionals who prioritize proximity to medical infrastructure over safety rankings. It suits those with stable incomes who are comfortable navigating a higher-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax30.1Cost20.1Safety15.4Health89.3Schools57Income81.1Risk26.3Water62Weather42.9
🏛30.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.2
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

Cass County
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38.9
Norman County
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68.8
Wilkin County
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65.3
Richland County
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Becker County
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Traill County
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Otter Tail County
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Mahnomen County
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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 rise above national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay's rents edge above comfort zone

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay Meets National Income Norms

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County Safety in National Context

Clay County reports a total crime rate of 2364.2 per 100K, which is slightly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This activity level results in a safety score of 96.3 out of 100.

Higher Activity Levels Than State Average

Clay County’s safety score of 96.3 is lower than the Minnesota state average of 98.2. The total crime rate of 2364.2 per 100K is more than double the statewide average of 1123.5.

Regional Hub Safety Comparison

Due to its proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead metro area, Clay County experiences higher crime rates than its rural neighbors. The 2364.2 rate reflects the urban dynamics of the county's major population centers.

Property Crime Focus in Moorhead Area

Property crime is the primary concern, with 2058.0 incidents per 100K residents compared to 306.2 for violent crime. While property crime is high for Minnesota, the violent crime rate stays below the national average.

Advancing Your Home Security

With property crime rates exceeding 2,000 per 100K, advanced security systems are a wise investment. Using alarm systems and smart monitoring helps protect residents in this active regional hub.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay matches U.S. life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure in Clay County

Clay County supports 30 schools across 7 districts, educating 11,326 students. The system is well-equipped with 11 elementary schools and 13 high schools.

Graduation Rates Above the Curve

The 89.1% graduation rate surpasses both the state average of 86.6% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending is efficient at $8,284, just under the state average of $8,463.

Moorhead Area Schools Dominance

Moorhead Area Public Schools is the largest district, serving 7,412 students across 16 schools. The county currently hosts no charter schools, keeping the focus on its robust traditional districts.

Suburban Reach and Large Campuses

The county features 13 schools in suburban settings and 17 in rural areas. Horizon Middle School is a notable outlier in size, serving 2,158 students, while the countywide average is 453.

Relocate Near Moorhead's Best Schools

Clay County's high graduation rates and large-scale educational resources make it a magnet for families. Look for housing in the Moorhead area to benefit from the county's strongest academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County faces elevated U.S. disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Frontier Climate on the Plains

Clay County averages 42.2°F annually, placing it well below the national temperature median. This region is known for its wide-open landscape and exposure to Arctic air masses.

A Dry and Average Temperature Profile

Clay County’s 42.2°F average is nearly identical to the state average of 42.8°F. However, it is significantly drier than much of the state, receiving only 25.4 inches of precipitation compared to the 30.0-inch norm.

Drier and Sharper than Eastern Neighbors

Clay is notably drier than Chisago or Carlton, reflecting its position on the edge of the Red River Valley. It faces more extreme temperature fluctuations because it lacks the moderating influence of heavy forest cover or large lakes.

Intense Winter Chills and Bright Summers

January is very cold with an average of 8.3°F, while July heats up to 71.0°F. The county experiences 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F and 46.8 inches of annual snow.

Invest in Windbreaks and Cold-Weather Gear

The flat terrain makes wind protection essential for homes and livestock during the cold 8.3°F January stretches. With 11 extreme heat days and lower rainfall, residents should also plan for efficient lawn and garden irrigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral valley soils in Clay

Clay County soil features a pH of 6.89, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average but very close to the national median. This neutral profile is ideal for the intensive agriculture of the Red River Valley.

Balanced and clay-rich

Despite its name, the soil is a diverse mix of 41.7% sand and 20.9% clay. The 34.6% silt content helps bridge the gap, creating a soil that is both durable and nutrient-dense.

High productivity potential

Organic matter is solid at 8.41%, which is four times the national average. While the water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly below the state average, the clay content helps maintain moisture during the growing season.

Managing Red River drainage

Detailed drainage class data is unavailable, but the 20.9% clay content is typical for the region's flat, slow-draining landscape. Proper field management is key to navigating the heavy moisture cycles of the valley.

Thriving in Zone 4a

Zone 4a in Clay County is world-renowned for sugar beets and wheat. Home gardeners can grow impressive root vegetables like carrots and beets in this nutrient-rich, neutral soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Growing in Western Minnesota

Clay County matches the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 63.2. While the Zone 4a winters are harsh, the growing conditions remain more favorable than the national baseline score of 50.0.

Sunnier Days and Lower Rainfall

The annual precipitation of 25.4 inches is lower than the state's 30.0-inch average, requiring more active irrigation. With 11 extreme heat days and 2,439 growing degree days, the climate supports steady, healthy grass growth.

Superior Soil for Grass

At a pH of 6.89, Clay County soil is nearly perfect for lawn health. The balance of 20.9% clay and 41.7% sand provides a stable, nutrient-rich foundation that most lawn grasses find ideal.

Watch for Dry Surface Soils

Currently, 77.1% of the county is abnormally dry, following 10 weeks of drought in the past year. Since rainfall is naturally lower here, utilizing smart irrigation controllers can help maintain turf without wasting water.

Establish Lawns by Early May

Kentucky Bluegrass is a regional favorite that thrives in this high-quality soil. Aim to plant after May 9 to maximize the growing season before the first frost arrives in early October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Minnesota?
Clay County ranks #81 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $2,854, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 30.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Minnesota is $77,664 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 81.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Clay County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Minnesota. 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.