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Clay County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#14 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.1
County Score
Property Tax 90.5Weather & Climate 79.1Disaster Risk 73.1

County Report Card

About Clay County, North Carolina

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Clay County achieves an impressive composite score of 56.1, well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall life quality relative to the rest of the country.

A Top Performer in NC

With a score of 56.1, Clay County far outpaces the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands out as one of the state's most desirable rural locales based on composite metrics.

Superior Tax Benefits and Resilience

The county boasts an elite tax score of 90.5 and a very low effective tax rate of 0.451%. Furthermore, a risk score of 73.1 suggests the area is exceptionally safe from natural disasters.

Low Incomes and Safety Needs

The income score of 22.0 highlights a modest local economy with a median household income of $53,645. A safety score of 33.4 also suggests that law enforcement and community safety are priorities for growth.

Perfect for Tax-Conscious Relocators

Clay County is a premier destination for those seeking the lowest possible tax burden and high environmental safety. It is particularly well-suited for retirees and remote workers looking to maximize their dollars.

2040608010090.562.333.449.156.92273.137.479.1Tax90.5Cost62.3Safety33.4Health49.1Schools56.9Income22Risk73.1Water37.4Weather79.156.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 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 Property Tax (90.5/100) but notably weak in Income (22/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.5+38.5
Cost
62.3+14.299999999999997
Safety
33.4-21.6
Health
49.1
Schools
56.9
Income
22-29
Risk
73.1+26.099999999999994
Water
37.4-20.6
Weather
79.1+23.099999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$263,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$791/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$263,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,645/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.8

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Towns County
Georgia
68.1
Union County
Georgia
62
Cherokee County
North Carolina
46.9
Macon County
North Carolina
56
Graham County
North Carolina
55.9
Rabun County
Georgia
50.8
White County
Georgia
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Habersham County
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55.5

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 ranks among America's lowest

At 0.451%, Clay County has the lowest effective property tax rate in North Carolina and ranks in the bottom 5th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $1,188 is less than 44% of the national median of $2,690, delivering extraordinary tax savings compared to most American counties.

Clay County's taxes are unbeatable

Clay's 0.451% rate is the absolute lowest in North Carolina, crushing the state average of 0.701% by 36 percentage points. At just $1,188 in median taxes, Clay homeowners pay roughly 83% of the state median, setting the gold standard for low-tax living in the state.

Clay beats all regional competitors

Clay's 0.451% rate stands unmatched in the western region, with only Cherokee County (0.501%) coming close statewide. The county's tax advantage grows wider when compared to eastern peers like Chowan (0.686%) and Cleveland (0.688%), making Clay an outlier even among low-tax areas.

Median home costs $1,188 yearly

A typical Clay home valued at $263,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,188. With a mortgage, the effective bill actually decreases slightly to $1,138 due to the way county assessments are structured.

Verify your assessment even here

Clay's low rate doesn't guarantee accuracy—assessments can lag market reality, and eligible exemptions are sometimes missed by county officials. Request a free assessment review from Clay County's assessor to confirm you're getting every tax break you deserve.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County rents stay manageable nationwide

Clay County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below national housing burden norms, with $791 median rent and $53,645 income creating a tight but viable balance. This Western North Carolina mountain community offers surprising affordability for those willing to trade urban amenities for rural quiet.

Below-state-average housing affordability

Clay County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio runs below North Carolina's 18.6% state average, making it slightly more affordable than typical within the state. The $791 rent reflects mountain region pricing while incomes remain stable enough to manage housing without acute financial strain.

Competitive pricing in Appalachian region

Clay's $791 rent undercuts Catawba County ($891) while running slightly above Caswell ($699) and Cherokee ($800), reflecting its mountain foothill position. However, Clay's median home value at $263,300 exceeds most rural peers, suggesting a growing market attracting retirees and second-home buyers.

Balanced but modest housing options

Clay renters dedicate 17.7% of their $53,645 income to housing, while homeowners commit 17.1% to mortgages—an unusually balanced split. This consistency suggests both rental and ownership pathways are equally viable for Clay County households, without strong advantage to either route.

Mountain gateway with rising home values

Clay County attracts relocators seeking Appalachian scenery with manageable rents at $791, though rising home values at $263,300 suggest gentrification pressures are building. Compare both pathways carefully—rental and ownership burdens are nearly equal at 17-18% of income, offering flexibility for your relocation plan.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay income significantly trails national norms

Clay County's median household income of $53,645 falls $21,110 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 28% deficit. The small, remote mountain county faces substantial economic disadvantages relative to national averages.

Well below North Carolina average

At $53,645, Clay's median household income lags the state average of $61,072 by $7,427. The county ranks in the lower third statewide, typical of western Appalachian mountain communities with limited economic opportunities.

Lower earnings despite high property values

Clay's $53,645 income ranks above Cherokee ($51,496) and Columbus ($48,184) but trails Caswell ($59,407) and Catawba ($64,544). The county's median home value of $263,300 is surprisingly high relative to local earning power, suggesting limited local employment and seasonal housing demand.

Housing represents major affordability challenge

Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% reflects tight housing affordability, with costs consuming nearly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $263,300 appears inflated relative to local wages, likely driven by second-home purchases and seasonal demand.

Explore location-independent income sources

Clay County residents with $53,645 incomes may benefit from pursuing remote work opportunities or side income streams to supplement local employment earnings. Strategic upskilling in high-demand fields and exploring regional job markets can help households build financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Mountain Safety in Clay County

Clay County earns a 97.5 safety score, marking it as a secure place to live by national standards. The total crime rate of 1,555.6 per 100K is well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

A Higher Safety Rating

Clay's safety score of 97.5 is better than the North Carolina average of 96.8. While data comes from a single reporting agency, the total crime rate remains lower than the state average.

Safer than Nearby Hubs

Clay County appears more secure than neighboring Cherokee County, which reports higher overall crime rates. This quiet mountain profile makes it a regional leader in residential safety.

The Property Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is recorded at 169.9 per 100K, but property crime is much more common at 1,385.7. Residents should be roughly eight times more concerned with theft than physical safety.

Keep Your Property Secure

Installing motion-sensor lights and alarm stickers can further reduce the risk of property theft. Vigilance remains the best tool for protecting homes in this peaceful county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Schools for a Small Community

Clay County operates a compact educational system consisting of 4 total schools that serve 1,314 students. The infrastructure is streamlined into two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Leading the State in Academic Results

Clay County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate and a school score of 55.2, both of which far exceed state averages. The county's per-pupil expenditure of $7,296 reflects a strong financial commitment to its student population.

Clay County Schools District

Clay County Schools is the single district serving the entire enrollment of 1,314 students. There are no charter schools in the county, allowing the community to focus entirely on its successful local public district.

A Purely Rural School Experience

All schools in the county are located in rural locales, creating a consistent and scenic educational environment. Hayesville High is the largest school with 393 students, while Hayesville Elementary is the smallest with 270 students.

Top-Tier Schools in a Mountain Setting

Clay County offers some of the highest academic scores in the state, making it a prime choice for families. Explore homes near Hayesville to take advantage of an education system that yields a 92.0% graduation rate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay ranks among America's safest counties

Clay County's composite risk score of 26.88 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural disasters.

North Carolina's lowest-risk county profile

At 26.88, Clay's composite risk score is among the lowest in North Carolina, where the state average stands at 66.72. The county ranks as one of the state's safest places to live from a natural disaster perspective.

Significantly safer than regional peers

Clay's 26.88 score makes it safer than neighboring Cherokee County (56.71) and substantially below Catawba County (80.57). The county stands out as the region's safest from a natural disaster risk standpoint.

Wildfire and flood create modest concerns

Wildfire risk at 64.31 represents Clay's highest single hazard score, though still moderate by statewide standards, while flood risk stands at 43.83. Tornado, earthquake, and hurricane risks all remain well below state averages.

Standard coverage adequate for Clay County

Clay residents benefit from low overall risk, making standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient for most properties. Focus your coverage review on wildfire protection if you live in forested areas, given the county's 64.31 wildfire score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clay County

via WaterByCounty

Clay County Faces Grade F Compliance Rating

Clay County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance due to its high health violation rate relative to its population. One health violation results in a rate of 38.9 per 100k, exceeding the state average of 31.7.

Watershed Health Status Remains Unassessed

Local water bodies in Clay County are not currently included in federal §303(d) watershed health assessments. This lack of federal data means the impairment status of local streams is presently unknown.

Biological and Nutrient Tracking at 12 Sites

Water quality experts monitor 12 sites in the county, recording 1,491 measurements over the last five years. These efforts focus on physical characteristics, biological health, and nutrient levels across the county.

Primary Streamflow Gauges Not Active

There is no primary USGS streamgage currently providing live flow data for Clay County. Water management depends on drinking water monitoring and trends from periodic sampling at local sites.

In-Home Testing Vital for Failing Grade

The failing grade for drinking water compliance highlights a need for residents to utilize certified home testing kits and filtration. Since watershed impairment is unassessed, protecting local streams from runoff is also essential for long-term safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Mountain Soils in Clay

Clay County has a pH of 4.93, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.14. This mountain soil is significantly lower than the national median pH of 6.5.

Silty and Smooth Soil Texture

The soil is composed of 44.8% sand, 27.1% silt, and 13.8% clay. This balanced mix avoids the heavy feel of high-clay soils while providing more structure than pure sand.

Rich Organic Matter and Solid Capacity

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 12.16%, more than doubling the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.133 in/in sits right at the North Carolina average.

Healthy Soil Structure for Mountains

Official drainage class data for the county is currently limited. The high organic content generally indicates a soil that allows for good water infiltration and protects against erosion on sloped terrain.

Lush Gardens in Zone 7b

Zone 7b combined with rich organic matter makes this a gardener's paradise for native shrubs and vegetables. You can rely on the natural fertility here to support a wide variety of plants with minimal effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Western Climate

Clay County's lawn difficulty score of 35.9 indicates a challenging environment that falls below the state average of 40.8. Residents in this Zone 7b area must work harder than the average North Carolinian to maintain healthy turf.

High Elevation Variability

While specific temperature and precipitation data are limited, the region's high altitude generally creates shorter growing windows. Local gardeners should prepare for variability and monitor local weather stations closely for frost updates.

Building Soil Structure

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.93, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a composition of 44.8% sand and 13.8% clay, adding organic compost can help improve both nutrient retention and the soil structure.

Battling Severe Drought

The county is currently in 100% severe drought, following 17 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Implementing xeriscaping techniques or selecting deep-rooted fescue varieties can help your landscape survive these harsh periods.

Seeding for the Transition Zone

Transition-zone grasses like tall fescue are generally recommended for Zone 7b. Start your lawn projects as soon as the soil warms in spring to take advantage of available moisture before the summer peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56.1 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 North Carolina?
Clay County ranks #14 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $1,188, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 90.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, North Carolina is $53,645 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 22/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Clay County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in North Carolina. 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.