countyscore
66.1
County Score
Safety 89.1Schools 85.7Income & Jobs 78.5

County Report Card

About Clay County, Nebraska

Exceeding National Livability Standards

With a composite score of 66.1, Clay County performs significantly better than the national median of 50.0. It ranks high on the national scale for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in Nebraska

Clay County outshines the state average score of 59.3 by nearly seven points. This performance cements its reputation as one of the most livable counties in Nebraska.

High Marks for Safety and Education

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 89.1 and a school score of 85.7. It also maintains strong economic standing with an income score of 78.5 and a median household income of $75,938.

Water Quality Remains a Concern

Despite high marks elsewhere, the water score of 4.2 represents a major area for improvement. The risk score of 44.0 also indicates some vulnerability to environmental stressors compared to neighbors.

The Ideal Choice for Family Growth

Clay County is a premier destination for families who prioritize top-tier schools and a safe community. The combination of high incomes and affordable $701 median rent offers a high standard of living.

Score breakdown

Tax21.2Cost72.5Safety89.1Health70.6Schools85.7Income78.5Risk44Water4.2Weather45.6
🏛21.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.5
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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Counties with similar scores

Grant County
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Knox County
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Cavalier County
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Platte County
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Mitchell County
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Monroe County
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Reynolds County
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Nearby counties

Fillmore County
Nebraska
69.4
Adams County
Nebraska
39.8
Hamilton County
Nebraska
62.4
Nuckolls County
Nebraska
75.9
York County
Nebraska
55
Hall County
Nebraska
35.5
Webster County
Nebraska
65
Thayer County
Nebraska
61.7

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 slightly above national average

At 1.289%, Clay County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it around the 65th percentile nationally. While higher than most U.S. counties, Clay remains moderate compared to high-tax states like New Jersey and Illinois.

Right at Nebraska's average

Clay County's 1.289% effective rate nearly mirrors Nebraska's statewide average of 1.281%, ranking it squarely in the middle of the state's 93 counties. This makes Clay a representative example of typical Nebraska property tax burden.

Clay sits between regional highs and lows

Clay's 1.289% rate falls between higher-taxed Dakota County (1.594%) and lower-taxed Cuming County (1.038%) in the regional peer group. It's closer to the regional median, making it a moderate-tax area for the Eight-County region.

Annual tax bill averages $1,886

On Clay County's median home value of $146,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,886 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the typical liability climbs to $2,090; without one, it drops to $1,763.

Assessment review could lower your bill

Even in moderate-tax counties like Clay, some homeowners are overassessed relative to market conditions. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal is a low-cost step that has helped many Nebraska residents reduce overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County offers genuine housing relief

Clay County residents spend just 11.1% of income on rent, one of the most favorable ratios in Nebraska and well below both the state average of 14.2% and national norms. With median household income of $75,938—slightly above the national median of $74,755—and rent of just $701 monthly, this county delivers real affordability.

Nebraska's most affordable rental market

Clay County ranks among Nebraska's best housing buys, with its 11.1% rent-to-income ratio placing it near the top of the state's affordability rankings. The combination of low rents and solid incomes makes this an exceptionally accessible housing market.

Lowest rents in the region

Clay County's median rent of $701 is the lowest among comparable nearby counties—significantly cheaper than Cheyenne ($912), Colfax ($902), and Cuming ($800). This price advantage compounds when viewed against Clay's strong median income of $75,938.

Rent and ownership both manageable

Monthly rent of $701 consumes just 11.1% of the median income, while homeownership costs $766—both modest burdens on the $75,938 median household income. At a median home value of $146,300, Clay County offers accessible paths to both renting and buying.

An affordable Nebraska destination

If housing affordability matters to your relocation decision, Clay County delivers. The combination of low rents, fair homeownership costs, and solid local incomes makes this one of Nebraska's most accessible places to live.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay exceeds national income benchmark

Clay County's median household income of $75,938 edges past the national median of $74,755 by $1,183. This positions Clay in the middle-to-upper range of U.S. counties, demonstrating solid economic standing relative to the broader nation.

Top tier Nebraska earner

Clay County ranks among Nebraska's highest-income counties at $75,938, exceeding the state median by $9,058. Only a select group of Nebraska counties earn more, placing Clay in the state's economic upper echelon.

Outearning most of central Nebraska

Clay County's $75,938 income surpasses nearby Cuming ($70,708), Custer ($66,310), and Dawson ($65,383) counties. Its strength reflects a more robust local economy and higher-wage opportunities than surrounding rural peers.

Strong housing affordability cushion

At 11.1%, Clay's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Nebraska's best, well below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves households substantial room to cover other costs and build savings—a key advantage for wealth creation.

Leverage your income advantage

Clay County's above-average income and low housing costs create an ideal environment for wealth-building strategies like homeownership, retirement contributions, and investment portfolios. The combination of stable earnings and affordability gives households a meaningful head start in long-term financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Clay County is One of the Nation's Safest

Clay County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of just 230.0 per 100,000 residents. This is roughly one-tenth of the national average, resulting in a near-perfect safety score of 99.6.

Outperforming the Nebraska Safety Average

The county outshines the state average safety score of 99.0 with its own 99.6 rating. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the Nebraska average of 626.7.

A Benchmark for Regional Safety

Clay County's crime rate is significantly lower than nearby Custer and Colfax counties. It serves as a regional leader in public safety, reporting zero violent crimes in 2022.

Property Crime Dominates Minimal Incidents

Property crime accounts for the entire local crime rate at 230.0 per 100,000 residents. With no reported violent crimes, the risk to personal safety remains remarkably low for all residents.

Maintaining a Secure Community Environment

Even in one of Nebraska's safest areas, simple home security habits prevent opportunistic property crimes. Lighting and locked doors ensure that Clay County remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County's life expectancy above U.S. average

Clay County residents live 78.1 years on average, just 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 79.7 years. Despite a 15.9% poor/fair health rate slightly above the national median, the county maintains solid longevity outcomes.

Clay County leads Nebraska in life span

At 78.1 years, Clay County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. Its 8.7% uninsured rate is marginally higher than the state average of 8.1%.

Primary care is the challenge here

Clay County has just 33 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest among its neighbors, including Cheyenne (53) and Custer (57). Mental health access is limited at 16 providers per 100,000, suggesting residents may need to travel for specialized behavioral health care.

A two-tier access reality

While 91.3% of Clay County residents carry health insurance, finding a nearby primary care provider can be difficult due to lower provider density. Residents may face appointment delays or need to travel to neighboring counties for routine care.

Secure coverage for your family

The 8.7% of uninsured Clay County residents have options through Healthcare.gov and local enrollment partners. With limited primary care providers locally, insurance is your first step to coordinated care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning Across Clay County

Clay County operates 9 public schools across three districts, serving a total student population of 1,105. The landscape includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and one specialized facility. This rural-focused system provides a high level of individual attention for every enrolled student.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and High Scores

Clay County excels academically with a graduation rate of 93.7%, significantly higher than the national average of 87%. The county’s school score of 64.0 also beats the state average of 59.1, reflecting strong returns on the $10,952 spent per pupil. While spending remains below the $13,000 national average, the results place these schools among the state's top performers.

Unified Districts and Local Champions

South Central Nebraska Unified 5 is the largest district, managing eight schools and 714 students across the region. Sutton Public Schools follows with 420 students, while Harvard Public Schools serves a smaller group of 207 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all 1,105 students benefit from traditional public school resources.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

Every single school in Clay County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment for students. Sutton Elementary is the largest school with 240 students, followed by Sandy Creek Elementary with 209. With an average school size of only 123 students, teachers can provide highly personalized instruction.

Invest in a Community That Values Education

Clay County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing high academic outcomes and small rural campuses. The impressive 93.7% graduation rate makes this area a standout choice for long-term residential investment. Consider a home near Sutton or Harvard to take advantage of these top-tier public school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County's Above-Average Risk

Clay County has a composite risk score of 56.04 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it notably above the national average for natural disaster risk. The county faces significant wildfire (59.54) and tornado (54.33) threats that drive this elevated score.

Higher Risk Than Most Nebraska Counties

At 56.04, Clay County's composite risk score more than doubles the state average of 25.80, making it one of Nebraska's higher-risk counties. Wildfire and tornado risks are particularly acute compared to statewide averages, reflecting the county's position in a more hazard-prone zone.

Stands Out in South-Central Nebraska

Clay County's risk score of 56.04 significantly exceeds nearby Colfax County (28.63) and Cuming County (57.28), indicating elevated exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's wildfire risk (59.54) is substantially higher than its immediate neighbors.

Wildfire and Tornado Dominance

Wildfire risk (59.54) and tornado risk (54.33) are Clay County's primary natural disaster threats, each substantially above state averages. While flood risk remains modest at 15.20, the combination of wind-driven severe weather and wildfire exposure requires serious preparation.

Comprehensive Coverage Recommended

Clay County residents should ensure robust windstorm and comprehensive fire insurance coverage. Creating defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead trees—is essential given the elevated wildfire risk, and a safe room or shelter plan for tornadoes is highly advisable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in the Heartland

Clay County reports an annual average temperature of 51.6°F, placing it near the national median for temperate zones. Its 28.6 inches of annual precipitation provides a more humid environment than the western high plains.

One of Nebraska’s Warmer Counties

At 51.6°F, Clay County is warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It also receives 28.6 inches of rain, exceeding the state average of 25.9 inches.

Moderate Snow and Ample Rain

The county sees 20.9 inches of snow annually, which is lower than many of its northern and western neighbors. It remains a primary agricultural hub due to its steady 28.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Humid Summers and Cold Winters

July brings an average of 76.4°F with 34 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. Winter remains cold but manageable, with a December-to-February average of 28.2°F.

Focus on Summer Cooling

Efficient air conditioning is a priority here given the 34 days of extreme heat each year. Residents can expect a lighter snow load than northern counties, making standard winter tires sufficient for most travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silt-Rich Profiles

Clay County features a unique soil profile with an average pH of 6.04, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 6.79. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the chemical profile suggests a need for lime treatments in some agricultural settings.

Silt-Dominant Mix for Nutrient Retention

With a high silt content of 56.1% and 22.4% clay, these soils are exceptionally good at holding onto nutrients. The low sand content of 18.6% means the soil feels smooth and can be prone to compaction if worked when wet.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This county boasts a high organic matter content of 4.61%, far exceeding the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Combined with a high available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, this soil provides a powerhouse environment for plant growth.

Managing Dense Hydrology

The high silt and clay percentages suggest these soils move water slowly through the profile. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high water capacity indicates the land retains moisture well through dry spells.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Zone 6a offers a slightly longer growing season, making it ideal for melons and tomatoes that love the county's nutrient-dense soil. With an impressive soil score of 76.9, this is some of the most productive land in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Better Growing Conditions in Clay County

With a lawn difficulty score of 62.5, Clay County is a friendlier place for turf than the average Nebraska county. This score comfortably beats the national median of 50.0, indicating that local climate conditions are favorable for healthy hardiness zone 6a lawns.

Reliable Rainfall and Moderate Growing Seasons

The county receives 28.6 inches of rain annually, which is very close to the 30-inch ideal threshold for healthy turf. While there are 34 extreme heat days per year, the 3,485 growing degree days provide ample warmth for robust grass development.

Ideal Soil Acidity for Nutrient Uptake

The local soil pH of 6.04 falls perfectly within the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most grass types. The soil composition includes 22.4% clay, which helps retain moisture even when natural rainfall fluctuates.

Resilient Landscapes Amid Abnormally Dry Weather

Clay County experienced 22 weeks of drought over the last year, though currently, the entire county is only categorized as abnormally dry. Focus on maintaining a taller grass height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during dry spells.

Take Advantage of the April Start

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this zone 6a environment. With the last spring frost typically occurring around April 19th, homeowners can get an early start on seeding to establish deep roots before the July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 66.1 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 Nebraska?
Clay County ranks #27 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $1,886, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Nebraska is $75,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 78.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Clay County scores 66.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Nebraska. 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.