countyscore
39.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 85.7Income & Jobs 80.5Schools 70

County Report Card

About Clay County, Texas

Economic Strength vs. Public Safety

Clay County's composite score of 39.4 sits below the national median of 50.0. While the economy is strong, low scores in public safety drag down the overall ranking.

Just Below the State Average

Clay County scores 39.4, trailing the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a high-earning rural lifestyle that is somewhat hampered by infrastructure and safety metrics.

Top-Tier Incomes and Safety from Risk

The county shines with a Risk Score of 85.7 and an Income Score of 80.5. With a median household income of $77,355, residents enjoy significant purchasing power.

Critical Safety and Infrastructure Needs

A Safety Score of 0.1 is a major outlier that requires attention. Furthermore, the Water Score of 13.3 and Tax Score of 18.6 represent significant local challenges.

The High-Income Agricultural Hub

Clay County is a strong match for wealthy ranchers or commuters who prioritize high earnings and low environmental risk. It appeals to those who can invest in their own security and water solutions.

Score breakdown

Tax18.6Cost50.4Safety0.1Health45.5Schools70Income80.5Risk85.7Water13.3Weather43.5
🏛18.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.7
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Clay County?

Many homeowners in Clay County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Clay County with Wicomico County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Wicomico County
Maryland
Median income: $72,861
39.4
Bay County
Michigan
Median income: $60,523
39.4
Chemung County
New York
Median income: $63,469
39.4
Craig County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,182
39.4
Luzerne County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $62,321
39.4
Horry County
South Carolina
Median income: $64,623
39.4
Freestone County
Texas
Median income: $58,460
39.4
Guadalupe County
Texas
Median income: $93,776
39.4

Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Oklahoma
49.2
Cotton County
Oklahoma
42
Montague County
Texas
40.8
Wichita County
Texas
44.3
Archer County
Texas
61.1
Stephens County
Oklahoma
39.1
Comanche County
Oklahoma
26.7
Tillman County
Oklahoma
43.6

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 taxes above national median

Clay County's 1.360% effective rate produces median taxes of $2,194 on a $161,300 home—roughly 18% above the national median tax burden. This places Clay in the upper half of U.S. counties for property tax load.

Higher than Texas average

Clay's 1.360% effective rate exceeds Texas's 1.276% state average by about 6%, and its $2,194 median tax bill runs roughly $1 below the state median. The county ranks in the top quarter of Texas counties by effective rate.

High taxes, mid-range homes

Clay's effective rate ranks second-highest among panhandle neighbors, behind only Childress (1.472%) and matching Carson County (1.362%). Despite similar rates to Carson, Clay's slightly higher home values push the annual bill to $2,194.

Clay County's annual bill

A Clay County home valued at the median of $161,300 generates approximately $2,194 in annual property taxes at the 1.360% rate. With mortgage additions, annual obligations reach roughly $2,707.

Contest high valuations

Clay County homeowners paying above-average tax rates should ensure their assessments match recent comparable sales in their area. Filing an appeal with the appraisal district could substantially reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay County offers exceptional housing relief

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% ranks among the lowest in our analysis, sitting 2.2 percentage points below the national average and 5.3 points below Texas's 18.1% state benchmark. Residents here enjoy some of the nation's healthiest housing cost burdens despite managing median rents of $825 monthly.

A Texas affordability leader

Clay County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties with a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio—a full 5.3 percentage points below state average. This exceptional positioning makes the county one of the best places in Texas for housing affordability across all income levels.

Comparison: Clay County's advantage

Clay County's $825 median rent runs $138 below the state average, while its $77,355 median household income outpaces most rural Panhandle neighbors like Childress ($60,333) and Cochran ($42,137). This combination of strong local incomes and moderate rents creates exceptional affordability.

Robust finances, lean housing costs

Renters in Clay County dedicate just $825 monthly from a $77,355 household income, investing only 12.8% in rent—among the lowest ratios in the region. Homeowners pay $872 toward a median home value of $161,300, creating manageable total housing burdens across both renter and owner households.

Clay County: Texas affordability gem

For families prioritizing housing affordability without sacrificing reasonable local wages, Clay County delivers exceptional value in the Texas Panhandle region. The county's 12.8% housing burden and strong household incomes leave substantial room for savings and life quality beyond housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay County's income approaches national average

Clay County's median household income of $77,355 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $2,600, placing it slightly above the U.S. benchmark. The county represents solid middle-class earning power regionally.

Above Texas average, strong regional position

At $77,355, Clay County's median household income surpasses the Texas state average of $64,737 by $12,618, or 19.5%. The county ranks among higher-income communities statewide, though below top earners like Chambers County.

Outearns most regional peer counties

Clay County's $77,355 ranks second only to Carson County ($84,583) and substantially exceeds Cherokee County ($59,830), Childress County ($60,333), and Cass County ($54,328). The county enjoys a strong income position regionally.

Excellent housing affordability for region

At 12.8%, Clay County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $161,300 is reasonable for households with this income level, leaving margin for other expenses.

Build wealth with Clay County's advantage

With above-average income and excellent housing affordability, Clay County residents can confidently invest surplus earnings. Maximize retirement savings, consider rental property investments, and explore diversified portfolio strategies to accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Significant Safety Challenges in Clay County

Clay County faces an extremely high total crime rate of 33,994.2 per 100,000 residents, over 14 times the national average. This high volume of reported incidents results in a safety score of 46.3 out of 100. These figures indicate a very high frequency of police activity relative to the population.

Far Below Texas Safety Averages

Clay County's safety score of 46.3 is significantly lower than the Texas state average of 96.8. While the state average crime rate is 2,052.5, Clay County's rate is over 33,000 per 100,000 people. This suggests a uniquely high concentration of reported crime compared to the rest of the state.

A Sharp Contrast to Neighbors

Clay County's crime rate of 33,994.2 stands in stark contrast to nearby Childress County, which reports only 1,106.1. Even compared to high-activity areas like Chambers County, Clay's numbers remain exceptionally high. This local data indicates a much more intense public safety environment than neighboring regions.

High Rates of Property Crime

Property crime drives the local statistics, reaching a massive 29,047.6 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is also very high at 4,946.6. Both figures dwarf the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively. This data points to a persistent and high risk of both theft and physical confrontations.

Invest in Maximum Security Measures

In high-crime environments, comprehensive home security is not just a luxury but a necessity. High-definition cameras, reinforced doors, and monitored alarm systems are essential tools for residents. Collaborative community policing and reporting are critical for addressing these extreme rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Clay County leads on longevity and health

At 75.7 years, Clay County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and just 16.6% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 18%. The county consistently ranks among the healthiest in this region.

Above-average on multiple health fronts

Clay County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas average of 74.3 by over a year, and its 16.1% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8%. Both metrics position Clay County among the state's better-performing counties.

Second-best health outcomes regionally

Clay County's 75.7-year life expectancy ranks second only to Chambers County (76.2) in the region, and its 16.1% uninsured rate is the second-lowest. With 39 primary care providers and 28 mental health providers per 100K, access is reasonable.

Strong coverage, moderate provider access

Clay County's 16.1% uninsured rate means most residents have insurance, and the county's relatively low 16.6% poor or fair health rate reflects overall wellness. Primary care at 39 per 100K and mental health services at 28 per 100K provide decent access without being exceptional.

Maintain excellent health coverage

Clay County residents who lack insurance should enroll through Healthcare.gov to join the county's strong insurance base. With health outcomes already strong, universal coverage will help keep Clay County on top.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schools with Diverse Programming

Clay County hosts 7 public schools across 4 districts, serving a total student population of 1,765. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary and 2 high schools, along with 2 campuses classified as 'other' for flexible learning. This layout supports a widely dispersed rural population with localized school options.

High Performance with Above-Average Funding

Clay County outpaces the state with a graduation rate of 92.5% and a school score of 57.5, which is higher than the state median. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $8,230—well above the Texas average of $7,498. This higher level of funding correlates with the county's superior academic performance scores.

Henrietta ISD Leads District Enrollment

Henrietta ISD is the largest district in the county, managing 3 schools and 994 students. Petrolia CISD serves 473 students across 2 campuses, while Bellevue ISD provides a small-school environment for 167 students. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on these long-standing community districts.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

The county is almost entirely rural, with 6 out of 7 schools located in countryside settings. Henrietta Elementary is the largest school with 481 students, but the average campus size is just 252 students. This scale allows for a highly personalized education where teachers can focus on individual student needs.

Rural Living with Educational Excellence

Clay County is perfect for families who want a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality. The high per-pupil spending and excellent graduation rates make homes in Henrietta and Petrolia very attractive. Explore local real estate to find a home in these well-funded, high-achieving districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay County ranks nationally safest

Clay County's composite risk score of 14.28 is among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low risk rating. The county's inland north Texas location provides exceptional protection from hurricanes and major flood events affecting other regions.

Safest county in Texas dataset

At 14.28, Clay County's composite risk score runs 71% below Texas's average of 49.00, making it one of the state's most resilient counties. The county ranks at the very bottom of natural disaster exposure statewide.

Clear safety advantage in region

Clay County significantly outperforms all comparison counties, scoring nearly half that of Childress County (19.56) and a quarter of Carson County (25.22). Its north-central Texas position offers superior protection compared to all peer regions.

Wildfire only significant exposure

Wildfire risk (87.88) is Clay County's lone meaningful hazard, though tornado risk (52.26) remains manageable at 52.26. Flood exposure is minimal (14.15), and hurricane and earthquake risks are negligible.

Wildfire coverage is the main priority

Homeowners should secure standard insurance with optional wildfire coverage, particularly if properties abut grasslands or forested areas. The county's exceptional overall safety profile means most residents need only basic hazard protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clay County

via WeatherByCounty

North Texas Continental Climate

Clay County's 63.0°F average is warmer than the national median, reflecting a typical North Texas climate. The weather here is influenced by both dry western winds and humid air from the south.

A Benchmark for Texas Weather

The county is slightly cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 31.5 inches of annual rainfall is almost identical to the Texas state average of 31.9 inches, making it a statistical middle-ground.

Drier than the East

Clay is much drier than East Texas counties like Cass, receiving nearly 20 inches less rain annually. It shares a similar heat profile with Childress County to its northwest.

Intense July Heat Spikes

Summers are hot, featuring 96 days over 90°F and a July average of 83.9°F. Winter brings a cool 43.5°F average and very little snow, typically under one inch per year.

Service Your AC Early

With nearly 100 days of extreme heat, ensuring your cooling system is ready by May is essential. Residents should also be prepared for the dry spells typical of this 31.5-inch rainfall zone.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

Nearly Neutral Soil Profile

Clay County features an average pH of 7.04, which is almost perfectly neutral and sits right near the state average of 7.09. This is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 but provides an excellent baseline for most plants. Such a balanced pH makes it one of the more flexible counties for diverse gardening.

Sand-Heavy Loam Textures

The soil mix contains 49.8% sand, 31.0% silt, and 19.2% clay. This nearly 50% sand content ensures the soil doesn't become overly compacted or impossible to work during dry spells. It provides a balanced environment for root systems to thrive and expand.

Healthy Water Storage Capacity

With an available water capacity of 0.147 in/in, Clay County's soil holds moisture better than the state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter is 1.34%, which is slightly below the state's 1.66% average. Adding compost can help bridge that gap and further improve the soil's natural productivity.

Managing Slow Water Infiltration

The county's soils primarily fall into hydrologic group D, indicating slow water movement and high runoff potential. This means that while the soil holds water well, it doesn't take it in very quickly during intense rain. Proper surface management is necessary to prevent erosion on agricultural land.

Diverse Planting in Zone 8a

Clay County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, offering a long and productive growing season. The neutral pH and good water capacity are perfect for growing everything from pecans to tomatoes. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard vegetable garden or a small orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Texas lawn care challenges

Clay County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.7, which is slightly better than the Texas state average of 31.7. While it is easier than many other parts of the state, it still requires more effort than the national average score of 50.0. In hardiness zone 8a, your lawn faces a long, hot summer that demands consistent attention.

Ideal rainfall meets high heat stress

Annual precipitation of 31.5 inches falls right within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. However, the 96 extreme heat days per year will quickly evaporate that moisture, necessitating supplemental irrigation. The 5,657 growing degree days indicate a robust season that will keep you busy with the mower from spring through fall.

Working with neutral, sandy soil

The soil pH in Clay County is a nearly perfect 7.04, which is at the very top of the ideal range for most grass species. The ground is composed of 49.8% sand and 19.2% clay, offering excellent drainage and a light texture for root penetration. This balanced soil chemistry gives you a significant head start on maintaining a healthy, green lawn.

Managing frequent dry spells effectively

The county experienced 23 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions are only classified as abnormally dry. Because the soil is sandy, it will dry out faster than clay-heavy regions during these periods. Focus on watering deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling to encourage deep, drought-resistant roots.

Seizing the long 8a growing season

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are top performers in zone 8a, providing the heat tolerance required for North Texas summers. You should start your planting after the April 1 spring frost to ensure the soil has warmed sufficiently for root growth. This gives you a long window to establish your lawn before the first fall frost typically arrives on November 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Texas?
Clay County ranks #146 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $2,194, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, Texas is $77,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, Texas a good place to live?
Clay County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #146 in Texas. 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.