countyscore
41.6
County Score
Health 89.3Income & Jobs 83Soil 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.

2040608010026.821.115.489.3578326.36242.9Tax26.8Cost21.1Safety15.4Health89.3Schools57Income83Risk26.3Water62Weather42.941.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Clay County DNA

Foverall

How Clay County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Clay County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (89.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (15.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.8-25.2
Cost
21.1-26.9
Safety
15.4-39.6
Health
89.3+39.3
Schools
57
Income
83+32
Risk
26.3-20.7
Water
62
Weather
42.9-13.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Clay County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$265,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,019/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$265,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,172/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $77,633
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Median income: $95,548
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Madison County
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St. Bernard Parish
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Noble County
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Lampasas County
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Panola County
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Median income: $64,894
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Nearby counties

Cass County
North Dakota
38.5
Norman County
Minnesota
68.8
Wilkin County
Minnesota
64.7
Richland County
North Dakota
52.4
Becker County
Minnesota
52.9
Traill County
North Dakota
64.8
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
50.5
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47.5

Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 41.6 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 $3,013, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 26.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Minnesota is $81,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 83/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Clay County scores 41.6/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.