CountyScore

Clay County

South Dakota · SD

#51 in South Dakota
68.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Clay County, South Dakota

Clay County delivers solid national performance

Clay County scores 68.6, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 37%, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This score reflects reliable affordability and health outcomes that meet national standards.

Slightly below South Dakota's average

At 68.6, Clay County falls just short of South Dakota's state average of 71.3, ranking in the middle band of the state's counties. It remains competitive but trails a few top performers.

Health and risk management are solid

Clay County scores 72.5 on health and 79.6 on risk, indicating good health outcomes and environmental stability. The cost score of 76.6 keeps median rent affordable at $736/month, supporting family budgets.

Income and tax burden lag noticeably

The income score of 21.8 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income just $58,794—the second-lowest here. The tax score of 65.8 and effective rate of 1.298% are also among the county's weakest metrics.

Best for modest-income families seeking health care

Clay County suits lower-income households and families with dependents who value accessible health outcomes and manageable housing costs. It works well for those willing to accept limited earning potential in exchange for reasonable living expenses and decent community health infrastructure.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.8Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth72.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.8Risk79.6WaterComing Soon
🏛65.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.6
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

Graham County
Arizona
68.6
Median income: $67,326
Saline County
Arkansas
68.6
Median income: $76,534
Catoosa County
Georgia
68.6
Median income: $72,425
Shoshone County
Idaho
68.6
Median income: $49,975
Cumberland County
Illinois
68.6
Median income: $69,826

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 County taxes comparable to nation

Clay County's effective tax rate of 1.298% generates a median property tax of $2,879, nearly matching the national median of $2,690. This places Clay County in the higher-tax bracket nationally, though rates remain reasonable by nationwide standards.

Clay ranks highest in South Dakota

Clay County's 1.298% effective rate significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it the highest-taxed county in the state. At $2,879 median property tax, Clay exceeds the state median of $1,785 by 61%, reflecting higher home values and school funding needs.

Highest taxes among regional peers

Clay's 1.298% rate towers above Butte's 1.058%, Charles Mix's 1.077%, Clark's 0.981%, and Corson's 1.337%, making it the priciest in the immediate area. Only Campbell's 1.440% exceeds Clay in effective rate, though Clay's higher home values drive steeper actual tax bills.

Clay County taxes run $2,879 median

With a median home value of $221,800 and a 1.298% effective rate, Clay homeowners pay approximately $2,879 in annual property taxes. Costs can peak at $2,855 with mortgage assessments or drop to $2,957 for owners outright—among the state's highest bills.

Appeal now to reduce your bill

Clay County homeowners facing high tax bills should investigate whether their properties are overassessed and file appeals to recover potential thousands. The county assessor accepts reassessment requests from homeowners who can demonstrate their valuations exceed comparable market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay renters feel national affordability squeeze

Clay County renters spend 15% of household income on rent—above the national comfort zone of 12-14%—while median income of $58,794 sits $16,000 below the national median. The combination of lower income and higher-than-average rent creates meaningful affordability pressure for Clay County renters.

Tightest rents in South Dakota

Clay County's 15% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst affordability metrics, exceeding the South Dakota average of 13.8% by more than a percentage point. At $736 monthly, rents are $20 below state average but hit harder on a lower-than-average income base.

Expensive rents, costly homes

Clay County's $736 rent exceeds neighboring Campbell ($635) and Charles Mix ($727), while its $1,230 monthly homeowner cost significantly outpaces all peer counties. The median home value of $221,800 ranks among the region's highest, competing with Butte ($207,700) and Codington ($218,000) for premium pricing.

Housing crisis for modest earners

Renters dedicate $736 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,230—a dramatic gap—against a $58,794 median income, the lowest in this profile. Housing consumes 15% of renter income and over 25% for homeowners, far exceeding healthy affordability thresholds.

Clay County: affordability warning

Clay County presents real affordability challenges, especially for renters and homebuyers, with the state's tightest rent-to-income ratio and expensive homes. If relocating here, ensure your income substantially exceeds the county median of $58,794 to maintain comfortable housing margins.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County income significantly below national

Clay County's median household income of $58,794 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $15,961, a substantial 21.4% deficit that positions Clay among the nation's lower-income counties. The per capita income of $29,412 further underscores limited individual earning potential across the population. Despite these income challenges, Clay's home values suggest investors and long-term residents continue investing in the community.

Clay ranks lowest among South Dakota peers

At $58,794, Clay County's median household income falls $8,132 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it in the lowest quartile statewide. Its per capita income of $29,412 also significantly underperforms the state average of $35,667, indicating sparse high-wage employment. Clay's economic position reflects agriculture-based economy with limited diversification into higher-paying sectors.

Clay faces steepest income challenges

Clay County's $58,794 median household income ranks lowest among its surveyed neighbors, trailing even Clark ($62,885), Charles Mix ($64,850), and Campbell ($65,000). With per capita income of $29,412, Clay also underperforms all regional peers, suggesting acute workforce challenges or wage stagnation. Geographic proximity to larger economic centers may offer residents expansion opportunities beyond the county.

Housing strains limited household budgets

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits exactly at the affordability threshold, indicating housing costs consume substantial household income for median earners. With median home values of $221,800—the highest among its peers relative to income—prospective homebuyers face real affordability challenges. Renters enjoy more flexibility, though overall tight budgets leave limited margin for savings or emergencies.

Build resilience before investing

Clay County households should prioritize building emergency reserves and reducing debt before pursuing investment strategies, given tight household budgets and limited income growth. Focus on free or low-cost wealth-building tools like employer matches on 401(k)s or savings accounts that earn competitive interest. Consider consulting community development financial institutions or nonprofit advisors who understand rural income challenges and provide accessible guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County exceeds national life expectancy

At 77.2 years, Clay County residents live 0.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.8 years. The county's 15.5% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average, suggesting room for improvement despite above-average longevity.

Above-average health for the state

Clay County's 77.2-year life expectancy outpaces South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 1.8 years. Its 10.1% uninsured rate tracks nearly with the state average of 11.1%, indicating solid coverage levels.

Mid-tier health outcomes regionally

Clay County's 77.2-year life expectancy falls between Charles Mix (71.4) and Custer County (81.5), placing it solidly in the middle of this peer group. At 10.1% uninsured, it ranks among the better-covered counties, though still trailing Clark County's 9.4%.

Good provider access, reasonable coverage

Clay County offers strong primary care capacity at 46 per 100K and excellent mental health access at 117 per 100K. The 10.1% uninsured rate is reasonable, though 1% of residents still lack essential coverage.

Close the remaining coverage gap

While most Clay County residents have insurance, nearly 1 in 10 remain uninsured. If you're among them, explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center options this open enrollment season.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County faces moderate tornado exposure

Clay County scores 20.45 on the composite risk scale, landing in the Very Low category but with notable tornado exposure. This score sits below the national average, though the county's tornado risk (60.18) is elevated for its overall profile.

Below-average risk but notable tornado zone

Clay County's 20.45 composite score falls below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. However, its 60.18 tornado risk is among the state's higher readings, reflecting the county's location in a historically active corridor.

Tornado risk highest in local cluster

Clay County's tornado risk of 60.18 exceeds neighboring Charles Mix (55.31) and significantly surpasses western counties like Campbell (14.34) and Clark (22.77). The county sits at the eastern edge of South Dakota's tornado belt.

Tornadoes dominate Clay County risks

Tornado risk at 60.18 is Clay County's defining natural hazard concern, accounting for most of its composite risk score. Flood risk (28.66) and wildfire risk (41.70) are secondary but present in the county's risk profile.

Tornado safety and preparedness essential

Clay County residents should develop tornado response plans, maintain safe rooms or reinforced basements, and stay alert during severe weather season given the 60.18 tornado risk. Standard homeowners insurance covers most tornado damage, but flood insurance should be considered for properties near waterways.

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.