Clay County's composite score of 69.6 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 points, landing in the 72nd percentile nationally. It's a notably livable county by broad U.S. standards, reflecting quality-of-life strengths across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
In line with Nebraska's typical strength
Clay County scores 69.6, just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it solidly in the middle tier of the state's 93 counties. It's a dependable, well-rounded performer.
3 / 5
Low taxes and genuine affordability
Clay County boasts a tax score of 66.0 backed by a lean effective tax rate of 1.289%, among Nebraska's lowest. Its cost score of 84.3 is exceptional, with median rent of just $701 per month and home values around $146,300—highly accessible for first-time buyers.
4 / 5
Risk exposure and income growth areas
The risk score of 44.0 is notably lower than some peers, suggesting exposure to property loss, crime, or economic volatility worth investigating. Income levels (33.0 score, $75,938 median) lag behind the county's affordability—meaning jobs may not fully capitalize on low living costs.
5 / 5
Ideal for value-seeking rural families
Clay County is a smart pick for families and retirees seeking small-town living with rock-bottom housing costs and moderate taxes. Young professionals and growing families willing to sacrifice higher wages for genuine affordability will thrive here.
Clay County's composite score of 69.6 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 points, landing in the 72nd percentile nationally. It's a notably livable county by broad U.S. standards, reflecting quality-of-life strengths across multiple dimensions.
In line with Nebraska's typical strength
Clay County scores 69.6, just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it solidly in the middle tier of the state's 93 counties. It's a dependable, well-rounded performer.
Low taxes and genuine affordability
Clay County boasts a tax score of 66.0 backed by a lean effective tax rate of 1.289%, among Nebraska's lowest. Its cost score of 84.3 is exceptional, with median rent of just $701 per month and home values around $146,300—highly accessible for first-time buyers.
Risk exposure and income growth areas
The risk score of 44.0 is notably lower than some peers, suggesting exposure to property loss, crime, or economic volatility worth investigating. Income levels (33.0 score, $75,938 median) lag behind the county's affordability—meaning jobs may not fully capitalize on low living costs.
Ideal for value-seeking rural families
Clay County is a smart pick for families and retirees seeking small-town living with rock-bottom housing costs and moderate taxes. Young professionals and growing families willing to sacrifice higher wages for genuine affordability will thrive here.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.