CountyScore

Clay County

Missouri · MO

#111 in Missouri
62.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, Missouri

Clay ranks 29% above U.S. median

Clay County's composite score of 64.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 29%, demonstrating adequate livability. However, it ranks lowest among the eight counties surveyed, primarily due to higher costs and taxes.

Significantly below Missouri's county average

With a score of 64.4 versus Missouri's state average of 74.8, Clay ranks among the weaker-performing counties in this survey. Housing and tax costs are the main drivers of this gap.

Second-highest incomes support residents

Clay's income score of 39.6 reflects a median household income of $86,150, enabling residents to afford the county's higher living costs. This earning power is necessary to sustain the county's suburban lifestyle.

Highest costs and taxes in the group

Clay's cost score of 65.3 and tax score of 71.4 are the lowest in this group, with median home values of $256,400 and $1,220 monthly rent. An effective tax rate of 1.099% is the highest, straining even higher-income households.

Suits affluent metro families only

Clay County is best for well-heeled families seeking suburban Kansas City amenities and willing to pay premium costs. It's unsuitable for budget-conscious households or those seeking affordable rural living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.4Cost65.3SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.6Risk10.2WaterComing Soon
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clay County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Brevard County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $75,817
Leon County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $65,074
Black Hawk County
Iowa
62.6
Median income: $64,581
Yazoo County
Mississippi
62.6
Median income: $40,974
Halifax County
North Carolina
62.6
Median income: $45,071

Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clay County

via TaxByCounty

Clay has the state's highest tax rate

Clay County's effective tax rate of 1.099% sits well above the national median of 0.93%, making it one of the highest-tax counties in America. Homeowners here pay $2,817 annually on a $256,400 median home, approaching the national median tax bill despite similar home values.

Highest effective rate in Missouri

Clay County claims the highest effective property tax rate among Missouri's 114 counties at 1.099%, significantly outpacing the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $2,817 more than doubles Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting the county's hefty tax burden.

Dramatically higher taxes than nearby counties

Clay County's 1.099% rate far exceeds all regional peers: Carroll (0.844%), Cass (0.879%), Cedar (0.587%), and Clark (0.969%). Only statewide comparison shows Clark approaching Clay's elevated tax pressure.

Nearly $2,800 yearly on typical home

A typical Clay County homeowner with a $256,400 home pays $2,817 in annual property tax, or about $235 per month. With a mortgage, escrow increases that to $2,885 as it bundles insurance, levies, and other property-related costs.

Appeals offer biggest savings potential here

Clay County's highest-in-state tax rate makes assessment challenges especially valuable—even small reductions in assessed value yield substantial annual savings. If you suspect overassessment, a free appeal is a smart financial move that could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay's premium costs exceed national norms

Clay County renters face a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, slightly above the national average near 16%, while median rent of $1,220 ranks among Missouri's highest. With a median household income of $86,150—about 15% above the national median—Clay's premium housing reflects the county's position as a prosperous Kansas City suburb.

Kansas City's priciest county housing market

Clay County's $1,220 median rent significantly exceeds Missouri's $768 state average, while its 17.0% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the state's 15.6%. Clay stands out as Missouri's most expensive county for renters, though higher incomes partially offset these elevated costs.

Most expensive suburban option in region

Clay County commands the highest median rent ($1,220) among all surveyed counties, exceeding neighboring Cass County's $1,147 and Christian County's $979. Its median home value of $256,400 similarly ranks among the highest, positioning Clay as the region's premium residential destination.

Highest costs, highest incomes collide

On a median household income of $86,150, Clay County residents allocate $1,220 monthly to rent (17.0%) or $1,367 to mortgage payments. While these absolute costs are the region's highest, they consume less than one-fifth of income, reflecting Clay's affluent demographic.

Clay for Kansas City's top earners

Clay County suits households earning $85,000 or more, particularly those prioritizing premium suburban schools and proximity to Kansas City's employment core. Compare Clay's $1,220 rent against your household income—it's an excellent fit for dual-earner professional families seeking Missouri's most affluent suburbs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County exceeds national income

Clay County's median household income of $86,150 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $11,395—a 15% advantage. This Kansas City suburb ranks in the top quartile nationally and reflects the region's strong professional employment base.

Second-wealthiest Missouri county

Clay County ranks as Missouri's second-most prosperous county with median household income of $86,150, exceeding the state average by $26,647. Per capita income of $42,336 is the highest or near-highest in the state, indicating widespread individual earnings power.

Peer to Cass County prosperity

Clay County ($86,150) matches Cass County ($87,413) as a Kansas City prosperity leader, both vastly outpacing all other comparison counties. The counties represent the region's most desirable address for affluent families and corporate professionals.

Housing affordable despite premium

Clay County households spend 17.0% of income on rent—slightly above Cass County but well within the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values at $256,400 and robust household incomes, homeownership and wealth accumulation are accessible to most families.

Advanced wealth strategies

Clay County's top-tier incomes support sophisticated wealth strategies including 529 college savings plans, charitable giving accounts, and real estate investment diversification. Families should work with financial advisors to optimize tax efficiency and create generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County: Missouri's health champion

At 78.0 years, Clay County residents live 3.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—the highest in this cohort and nationally impressive. The county's 15.7% poor or fair health rate significantly beats the national average of 21%, with residents enjoying excellent health across all measures.

Missouri's healthiest county profile

Clay County ranks as Missouri's clear health leader with a life expectancy of 78.0 years—3.7 years above the state average of 74.3. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best, making it a model for community health outcomes.

Unmatched regional health leader

Clay County's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds every regional neighbor by at least 1 year, including Cass and Christian counties (both 77.2). With 15.7% poor/fair health, Clay substantially outperforms all peers, establishing itself as the region's clear health standout.

Exceptional coverage and provider access

Clay County's uninsured rate of 7.7% is the lowest in this cohort and far below Missouri's 12.5%, meaning nearly all residents have coverage. The county leads with 60 primary care providers and 174 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest access levels, ensuring residents can reach care easily.

Protect your health in Clay County

Clay County's exceptional health outcomes reflect strong insurance coverage and provider density—if you're among the 7.7% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov today. With abundant healthcare resources, having coverage means you can fully access the excellent care your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County faces highest risk

Clay County scores 89.79—the highest among these eight counties and well above Missouri's state average of 50.56—earning a Relatively Moderate national rating. The county's extreme tornado exposure (96.18) and severe flooding (87.75) create the most challenging disaster risk profile in the region.

Missouri's riskiest county

Clay County ranks among Missouri's highest-risk jurisdictions, with a 89.79 score driven by exceptional tornado and flood vulnerability. Few Missouri counties face comparable natural disaster exposure.

Severe hazards dominate

Clay County's 89.79 score far exceeds all nearby counties, including Christian County (66.48) and Cass County (74.90). Its tornado risk of 96.18 stands as the highest recorded across these eight counties, making it a distinct severe-weather hotspot.

Tornadoes and flooding rule

Tornadoes present an extreme threat with a 96.18 risk score—the highest in the region—while flooding (87.75) poses an equally serious secondary hazard affecting basements, crawl spaces, and low-lying structures. Earthquake (63.71) and wildfire (69.12) risks compound the exposure.

Multi-layer protection critical

Clay County residents must invest in safe rooms or shelters, ensuring homeowners insurance includes tornado coverage with high limits and guaranteed replacement cost. Flood insurance is essential for any property near rivers, creeks, or low areas; review coverage annually and maintain emergency supplies year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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