countyscore
41.3
County Score
Cost of Living 83Property Tax 64.2Water Quality 64

County Report Card

About Clay County, Mississippi

Facing National Headwinds

Clay County earns a composite score of 41.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county offers specific advantages, it faces broader systemic challenges compared to many U.S. counties.

Below the Mississippi Average

The county falls below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. Improving safety and income metrics could help bring the county in line with higher-performing neighboring regions.

Accessible and Affordable Housing

Affordability remains a key draw with a Cost Score of 83.0 and median home values of $115,600. The Tax Score of 64.2 also provides relief for homeowners via a 0.689% effective tax rate.

Safety and Income Struggles

Public safety is a primary concern with a score of 18.0, while the Income Score sits at a low 2.8. The median household income of $39,904 limits local economic expansion and purchasing power.

The Verdict: Best for Bargain Seekers

Clay County is a viable option for those prioritizing low-cost housing above all other factors. It suits budget-conscious residents who are willing to trade some amenities for significant savings on living expenses.

2040608010064.2831818.719.62.857.56446Tax64.2Cost83Safety18Health18.7Schools19.6Income2.8Risk57.5Water64Weather4641.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Clay County DNA

Foverall

How Clay County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clay County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83/100) but notably weak in Income (2.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.2+12.200000000000003
Cost
83+35
Safety
18-37
Health
18.7-31.3
Schools
19.6-34.4
Income
2.8-48.2
Risk
57.5+10.5
Water
64
Weather
46-10
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$115,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$718/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$115,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,904/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Muscatine County
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Caddo County
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Nearby counties

Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
33.7
Monroe County
Mississippi
47.5
Lowndes County
Mississippi
46.2
Chickasaw County
Mississippi
55.8
Webster County
Mississippi
62.3
Calhoun County
Mississippi
55.8
Lamar County
Alabama
66.3
Noxubee County
Mississippi
48.6

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's rate stays below US median

Clay County's effective tax rate of 0.689% remains below the national median of 0.88%, though it's closer to the national norm than most Mississippi counties. A median property tax of $797 is still just 30% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting how affordable Mississippi property remains overall.

Slightly below Mississippi average

At 0.689%, Clay County's effective rate falls just shy of Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it a typical mid-range county within the state. Its median tax bill of $797 is slightly below the state median of $931, positioning Clay as a reasonable choice for homebuyers.

Clay rates moderate compared to peers

Clay County's 0.689% rate sits squarely in the middle of this region: above Choctaw (0.452%), Clarke (0.499%), and Claiborne (0.582%), but below Chickasaw (0.743%) and well below Coahoma (1.240%). It appeals to buyers seeking middle-of-the-road tax stability.

Median home: $115,600 costs $797 yearly

A Clay County homeowner with the county's median property value of $115,600 pays approximately $797 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow typically includes about $1,053 per year; without, the tax obligation alone is $698.

Check your assessment against market values

Clay County homeowners should periodically review whether their assessed value aligns with recent sales of similar properties in their area. Filing an appeal with the assessor's office is free and could result in meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay's affordability gap widens nationally

Residents spend 21.6% of income on rent, exceeding Mississippi's average by 2 percentage points and reflecting a median household income of just $39,904. This puts Clay County among the less affordable regions when compared to the national median household income of $74,755.

Below average, but not the worst

Clay County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 19.6%, placing it in the lower-affordability tier of Mississippi counties. It mirrors the pressures of Coahoma and Clarke while outperforming only Claiborne in this cohort.

Mid-range rents, premium home values

Clay's median rent of $718 falls between cheaper Covington ($639) and pricier Clarke ($803), yet its median home value of $115,600 is the second-highest in the region. This suggests stronger property assets but tighter rental-market economics.

Both renters and owners squeeze budgets

Renters pay $718/month (21.6% of income) while homeowners pay $598/month (17.9%), with both groups dedicating substantial chunks of the $39,904 median income to housing. Neither path offers comfortable breathing room.

Strong property values, weaker rental options

If relocating to Clay County, prioritize homeownership: the median home value of $115,600 reflects market strength, while rents remain tight relative to incomes. Compare ownership costs carefully against neighboring counties like Copiah and Covington before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay income falls short nationally

Clay County's median household income of $39,904 is 47% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lower-earning rural counties. Significant economic barriers limit wealth-building potential for most residents.

Below average within Mississippi

Clay's $39,904 median household income trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $8,610, ranking it in the lower third of the state's 82 counties. The county faces persistent income challenges.

Struggling relative to nearby areas

Clay ($39,904) earns less than most neighbors including Chickasaw ($43,041), Choctaw ($48,321), and Covington ($47,001). Only Claiborne ($34,371) and Coahoma ($36,259) perform worse in this regional grouping.

Housing costs burden limited incomes

Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% means renters dedicate over one-fifth of household income to housing, above the 20% comfort mark. Combined with a median income of $39,904, residents have minimal resources for savings and unexpected costs.

Start small and compound gains

Clay residents should prioritize financial literacy and establish modest emergency savings through community credit unions or savings programs. Small, consistent steps can gradually improve financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County Safety Overview

Clay County reports a total crime rate of 2,183.0 per 100K, which is approaching the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 96.6.

Trailing the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.6 is below the Mississippi average of 98.4. Local data from three agencies suggests more active crime challenges than in other parts of the state.

Higher Crime Than Nearby Counties

Clay County’s crime rate is significantly higher than Chickasaw County’s 82.2. It also sees more activity than Clarke County, which reports a rate of only 212.2.

Breakdown of Local Crime Stats

Violent crime in Clay County is 559.2, which is higher than the national 369.8. Property crime is the largest factor, reaching 1,623.8 per 100K residents.

Take Proactive Home Safety Steps

Given the higher property crime rates, a monitored home security system is a wise investment. Ensure all outdoor areas are well-lit to deter nighttime activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Schooling in Clay County

Clay County serves 2,609 students through a single, consolidated district that manages eight schools. The system includes four elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and an alternative facility. This consolidated approach allows for streamlined resources across the West Point area.

Steady Graduation at National Levels

The county matches the national graduation rate of 87%, though it falls slightly behind the state’s average school score. Per-pupil spending is $5,538, which is lower than the $5,954 state average. Despite tighter budgets, the county successfully keeps its students on track to finish high school.

West Point Consolidated Power

The West Point Consolidated School District is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 2,609 students. There are no charter schools in Clay County, focusing all educational efforts through the main district. This single-district model simplifies the school search for local parents.

Town-Based Education with Larger Campuses

Unlike many neighboring counties, seven of the eight schools are located in town settings rather than rural areas. West Point High School is significantly larger than others in the region, with 1,071 students. This creates a more traditional, town-centered school experience with an average size of 435 students.

Live Near the Heart of West Point

Families will find the most school options in the town of West Point, where nearly all the county’s educational infrastructure is located. The consolidated district ensures a consistent experience from elementary through graduation. Consider the benefits of a town-based school environment when looking at local listings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County Below National Average

Clay County scores 42.53 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting below both the national average and Mississippi's state average of 50.94. North-central Mississippi residents face relatively modest natural disaster exposure overall.

Safer Than Average for Mississippi

Clay County ranks in the lower half of Mississippi's 82 counties for disaster risk, with a composite score 16% below the state average. This positioning reflects favorable hazard exposure relative to most other Mississippi counties.

Comparable Risk to Regional Peers

Clay County's 42.53 score closely mirrors Chickasaw County (43.92) but exceeds Choctaw (11.55) and Claiborne (24.75) to the south. The county faces notably lower risk than Coahoma County (62.50) to the west, which experiences exceptional earthquake exposure.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Pose Greatest Threat

Clay County residents face the highest exposure to tornadoes (75.10) and earthquakes (79.55), both well above national averages. While tornado risk is common across Mississippi, the elevated earthquake threat reflects the county's proximity to the Mississippi River seismic zone.

Reinforce Against Quakes and Tornadoes

Homeowners should obtain earthquake insurance and ensure structural reinforcement for tornado protection, including a safe room or shelter. Securing your home's foundation and anchoring your roof provide cost-effective protection against the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clay County

via WaterByCounty

Clay County Maintains Strong Compliance Grade

Clay County holds a Grade B for its drinking water quality, with only 1 health violation recorded over the past five years. The violation rate of 4.2 per 100,000 people is remarkably low compared to the national average and the state average of 92.1. This indicates a high level of reliability from local water providers.

Ecological Health Data Pending for Watersheds

Clay County's water bodies are not currently included in the federal §303(d) impaired waters list. Because these water bodies have not been assessed in the current ATTAINS cycle, no data exists on impairment causes. Establishing a monitoring baseline is the next step for ensuring long-term watershed health.

Sparse Monitoring Leaves Data Gaps

With only 138 measurements recorded at 8 sites over five years, monitoring in Clay County is relatively sparse. Data collection has primarily focused on physical and nutrient characteristics, but the low frequency of samples limits the ability to track trends. More consistent reporting is needed to build a robust profile of local water quality.

Tibbee Creek Gauge Lacks Current Data

The USGS monitors Tibbee Creek near Tibbee, covering a significant drainage area of 926 square miles. However, current discharge and long-term mean data are unavailable for this station at this time. Without live streamflow stats, it is difficult to assess the current impact of weather patterns on local water volume.

Consider Independent Testing Amid Sparse Data

Although the compliance grade is high, the low volume of recent monitoring measurements suggests residents should be proactive. Consider independent testing if you notice changes in your tap water's taste or odor. Stay engaged with local water boards to encourage more frequent chemical and nutrient sampling of local sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH in Clay County

Clay County features a pH of 5.58, which is significantly more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. It still trends more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the region.

A Rich Texture Blend

Despite its name, the soil is a balanced mix of 43.9% silt, 30.3% sand, and 23.6% clay. This diversity provides enough clay for nutrient storage and enough sand for reasonable workability.

Leading the State in Organic Matter

With 2.00% organic matter, Clay County hits the national average and exceeds the state average of 1.81%. This high fertility contributes to a strong soil score of 42.4, marking it as prime agricultural land.

Balanced Hydrology for Farming

The soil score of 42.4 puts Clay County well ahead of the 35.7 state average. The available water capacity of 0.169 in/in is nearly on par with the state benchmark, providing reliable support for local crops.

Heavy Feeders in Zone 8a

The rich organic matter makes this county perfect for heavy feeders like corn, squash, and tomatoes. Plant your garden today to take advantage of some of the best soil in Mississippi.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Clay County's Growing Season

Clay County has a lawn difficulty score of 35.8, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average of 30.9. However, it still requires much more effort than the national median of 50.0 to keep a lawn looking its best.

Dealing with Persistent Summer Heat

The county endures 78 extreme heat days per year, which is five more than the Mississippi average. With 58.0 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn receives plenty of moisture, though you must watch for heat stress in July and August.

Addressing Soil Acidity and Clay

The soil pH of 5.58 is below the 6.0-7.0 ideal, requiring lime to improve nutrient availability. With 23.6% clay content, the soil has good structure but may benefit from aeration to prevent compaction and improve drainage.

Recovering from Recent Dry Periods

The county spent 20 weeks in drought over the last year, though it is currently clear of all drought designations. This stable window is the perfect time to build a deeper root system to prepare for future water shortages.

Smart Choices for Clay County

Bermudagrass is an excellent choice to handle the 78 days of temperatures over 90°F in Zone 8a. While specific frost dates vary, starting your lawn in mid-spring is the best way to ensure survival through the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 41.3 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 Mississippi?
Clay County ranks #65 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $797, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 64.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Mississippi is $39,904 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 2.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Clay County scores 41.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Mississippi. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.