countyscore
69.9
County Score
Cost of Living 97.7Property Tax 96.5Schools 78

County Report Card

About Clay County, West Virginia

Exceptional Quality of Life Ranking

Clay County boasts a composite score of 69.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of safety and extreme fiscal friendliness for its inhabitants. It is a top-tier performer on the national stage for rural livability.

A Top Performer in the Mountain State

With a score of 69.9, Clay County is one of the highest-rated counties in West Virginia, well above the state average of 62.0. Its effective tax rate of 0.344% is among the lowest in the region. This creates a compelling case for anyone looking to stay in the state while maximizing their income.

Leading the Way in Tax and Cost

Clay County excels with a tax score of 96.5 and a cost score of 97.7. The typical home value of $107,100 makes homeownership an attainable dream for most residents. Strong scores in safety (69.8) and schools (78.0) further bolster its profile as a high-quality community.

Health and Economic Earning Pressures

The county faces a low health score of 27.1, indicating a need for better wellness infrastructure and access. Income levels also remain low with a score of 5.1 and a median household income of $42,790. Additionally, the water quality score of 28.0 suggests room for improvement in local utilities.

Best for Families Seeking Stability

Clay County is a perfect match for families who value high-quality schools and safety but need to keep housing costs under $600 a month. It is an excellent choice for those who are established in their careers or work remotely. Residents will enjoy some of the lowest tax burdens in the entire country.

Score breakdown

Tax96.5Cost97.7Safety69.8Health27.1Schools78Income5.1Risk77.7Water28Weather66.5
🏛96.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.4
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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Nearby counties

Nicholas County
West Virginia
63.8
Braxton County
West Virginia
68.6
Roane County
West Virginia
67.5
Calhoun County
West Virginia
67.9
Kanawha County
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Gilmer County
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Fayette County
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Webster County
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Deep Dives

Clay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clay County

via TaxByCounty

Clay has America's most generous rates

Clay County's 0.344% effective tax rate is exceptionally low even by national standards, placing it in the very bottom tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $369 is just one-seventh the national median of $2,690.

Clay ranks as West Virginia's most affordable

At 0.344%, Clay County has the lowest effective tax rate of any West Virginia county in this analysis, 31% below the state average of 0.497%. The median tax of $369 is the lowest statewide.

Clay vs. peer counties in the region

Clay's 0.344% rate is the lowest among all regional comparables, beating even Calhoun (0.397%) and all other neighbors. For homeowners seeking minimal property tax burden, Clay County stands alone.

Your annual property tax in Clay

On the median home value of $107,100, you'll pay approximately $369 per year—just $31 monthly. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $433 due to escrow requirements.

Could you be overassessed?

Even in the lowest-tax county in West Virginia, properties can be overvalued on the assessment roll. Reviewing your assessment ensures you benefit fully from Clay's naturally low tax environment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clay County

via CostByCounty

Clay approaches—then exceeds—affordability line

Clay County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national affordability threshold of 15%, signaling tight housing costs for residents earning a median $42,790. At $589 monthly rent, Clay offers modest affordability but requires careful budgeting.

Clay tracks near West Virginia average

At 16.5%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly even with West Virginia's statewide average of 16.9%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $589 reflects Clay's rural character and modest housing demand.

Clay falls between rural and moderate counties

Clay's $589 median rent ranks between ultra-affordable Calhoun ($483) and more expensive Boone ($823). At 16.5%, Clay's rent burden is lower than neighboring Barbour (19.9%) and Cabell (19.9%) but higher than Braxton (15.6%) and Brooke (13.9%).

Clay's modest affordability across tenures

Clay households earning $42,790 annually pay $589 on rent (16.5% of income) or $437 on mortgages (12.3%). Homeownership offers meaningful savings over renting, with median home values of $107,100 providing an accessible path to ownership for lower-income households.

Clay County: Rural West Virginia's middle option

Clay County offers balanced—if not exceptional—affordability, with $589 median rent and $107,100 median home values. Consider Clay if you seek rural living with moderate housing costs, though Calhoun and Braxton offer better rental deals for pure affordability seekers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clay County

via IncomeByCounty

Clay's income deeply below national median

Clay County's median household income of $42,790 falls 43% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among America's poorest counties. This substantial gap reflects structural economic challenges facing rural, coal-dependent Appalachia over the past two decades.

Among the poorest in West Virginia

Clay County's $42,790 median household income ranks in West Virginia's bottom tier, falling 22% below the state average of $54,746. Per capita income of $23,748 trails the state average of $30,335 by a significant margin, indicating limited earning opportunities throughout the community.

Second-poorest in this county cluster

Clay's $42,790 median household income ranks second-lowest in this profile, trailing only Calhoun ($41,421) and near Braxton ($44,449). All three counties represent the most economically distressed tier in this West Virginia sample.

Low rents ease housing burden

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits within healthy ranges, and its median home value of $107,100 remains highly accessible. For households earning near the median, low housing costs are essential—they provide critical breathing room in household budgets.

Build resilience through incremental gains

Clay residents in low-income situations should focus on skill development and credential earning that expand job options beyond local markets—online education and trade certifications offer pathways to higher income. Start with micro-savings goals, seek employer benefits wherever available, and consider geographic mobility for better-paying opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clay County

via CrimeByCounty

Excellent National Safety Rating

Clay County is highly rated for safety with a score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 708.2 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national average.

Lower Than Average Crime

The county significantly outperforms the state average, reporting 240 fewer crimes per 100,000 people than the West Virginia norm. Four local agencies provide these safety statistics for the region.

Regional Lows for Violent Crime

Clay is safer than neighboring Calhoun and Barbour in terms of total crime. It also reports one of the lowest violent crime rates in the entire state at just 87.0.

Violent Crime Is Rare

Property crime is the primary issue at 621.2 per 100,000 people, though it still sits far below national levels. Violent crime occurs at a rate nearly four times lower than the national average.

Watching Over Your Neighborhood

Investing in a smart doorbell and ensuring all entry points are secure helps keep these low numbers stable. Neighbors looking out for neighbors is the strongest defense in Clay County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clay County

via HealthByCounty

Critically low life expectancy and poor health rates

Clay County residents live to just 69.3 years on average, nearly 9 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years and 2.9 years below West Virginia's state average. With 27.7% reporting poor or fair health, Clay faces severe chronic disease and health equity challenges.

Among West Virginia's lowest life expectancy counties

Clay County's 69.3-year life expectancy ranks in the bottom tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. The 7.2% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 7.6%, but underlying health disparities far exceed insurance coverage gaps.

Second-lowest life expectancy in comparison group

Clay's 69.3-year life expectancy ranks only above Boone County (68.9) among these eight counties, and its 27.7% poor/fair health rate trails only Calhoun's 28.7%. The county faces health outcomes comparable to Appalachia's most distressed communities.

Data gaps obscure primary care shortage

Clay County's primary care provider count is unavailable, but 103 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggests modest behavioral health capacity. The 7.2% uninsured rate indicates most residents are covered, yet health outcomes remain among the state's worst.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Despite Clay's relatively low uninsured rate, those without coverage should act immediately given the county's significant health challenges. Visit healthcare.gov or West Virginia Medicaid to ensure you have access to the primary, preventive, and mental health services your family needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Clay County's Rural Learning Framework

Clay County manages 6 public schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. This focused network provides education for 1,632 students within a single school district.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Scores

The county holds an elite 97.0% graduation rate, far outstripping the 87.0% national benchmark. Clay County also maintains a school score of 58.9, exceeding the state average of 56.7 while spending $7,801 per student.

The Heart of Clay County Schools

Clay County Schools is the sole administrator for the county's 1,632 students across 6 campuses. The district operates entirely through traditional public schools, with no charter schools present in the county.

A Purely Rural School Experience

The county's schools are 100% rural, fostering a small-town atmosphere with an average size of 272 students. Clay County High School is the largest at 533 students, while Lizemore Elementary offers a very small, personal learning environment.

Rural Roots and Academic Achievement

Home buyers in Clay County can enjoy a tight-knit community that delivers some of the best graduation rates in West Virginia. Secure a home in this high-performing rural district where education is a clear community priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clay County

via RiskByCounty

Clay offers excellent natural disaster safety

Clay County's composite risk score of 22.30 earns a Very Low rating, placing it far below the national average. The county's location provides strong protection from major natural hazard exposure.

Among state's safest counties

Clay's score of 22.30 sits well below West Virginia's 49.21 average, ranking the county among the safest in the state. Only a few West Virginia counties offer comparable safety.

Protected position in central WV

Clay is substantially safer than neighboring Boone County (69.37) and Braxton County (36.16), offering residents superior protection from natural hazards. Its low-risk status provides a geographic advantage.

Flood is modest primary concern

Clay's flood risk of 53.47 represents its highest vulnerability, though still moderate by state standards. Wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks are all quite low, ranging from 5.82 to 28.54.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Clay residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage consideration in low-lying areas. The county's favorable risk environment means standard protections generally provide adequate security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Clay County

via SoilByCounty

The Young Entisols of Clay

Clay County's landscape is dominated by Entisols, which are young soils without well-developed layers. The average pH is 5.57, sitting slightly above the state average of 5.25 but below the national 6.5 median. These soils are often found on steep slopes where erosion prevents older soil formation.

A Silty, Low-Clay Foundation

The soil composition includes 26.6% silt and 18.5% sand, providing a relatively fine texture. With only 10.2% clay, the soil is less prone to becoming a heavy, sticky mess during the rainy season. This low clay content makes the soil easier to dig but may require more frequent fertilization.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

Clay County features a staggering 38.08% organic matter, nearly twenty times the national average of 2.0%. Paradoxically, the available water capacity is low at 0.099 in/in, well below the state average of 0.142. This means the soil is incredibly rich in nutrients but may dry out faster than expected.

Drainage in Steep Terrain

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for the county. Given the low water capacity and high organic content, water may move through the surface layer quickly. Careful monitoring of soil moisture is vital for success in this unique soil environment.

Lush Gardening in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, Clay County is well-suited for woodland crops like ramps and ginseng. The extreme organic richness is a dream for raised bed gardening where you can control moisture levels. Start your garden today and harness the power of this nutrient-dense mountain soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clay County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a More Challenging Terrain

Clay County has a lawn difficulty score of 59.4, which is lower than the state average but still above the national median. While the score suggests more effort is required than in neighboring counties, the 6b hardiness zone is standard for the region. Success here depends heavily on managing the specific soil conditions.

Relying on Seasonal Patterns

While some specific climate averages are currently unavailable for Clay County, neighboring data suggests a wet and temperate environment. The county did face 12 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating that summer moisture can be inconsistent. Local gardeners should prepare for standard Appalachian weather shifts by choosing hardy grass seeds.

Low Clay Content and Acidic pH

Clay County ironically features a low clay content of only 10.2%, with 18.5% sand making up the texture. The soil pH is 5.57, so you will likely need lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that grass prefers. The low clay percentage suggests that your soil may drain quickly, requiring more attention during dry weeks.

Moderate Drought Resilience

With 12 weeks spent in drought last year, Clay County lawns are occasionally tested by dry air. Currently, 0% of the area is abnormally dry, providing a clean slate for the current growing season. Focused watering during the peak of summer will help protect your turf's root system in the faster-draining soil.

Success in the 6b Hardiness Zone

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the top recommendations for Clay County's 6b climate. Because specific frost dates are not recorded, local wisdom suggests planting in the late summer or very early spring. This timing allows roots to take hold when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay County's county score?
Clay County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 69.9 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 West Virginia?
Clay County ranks #9 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Clay County is $369, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Clay County a tax score of 96.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County, West Virginia is $42,790 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clay County earns an income score of 5.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clay County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Clay County scores 69.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in West Virginia. 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.