countyscore
59.9
County Score
Safety 86.3Water Quality 86Health 81.5

County Report Card

About Clayton County, Iowa

Solid Performance Above Median

Clayton County’s score of 59.9 puts it ahead of the national median of 50.0. Its reputation as a safe and healthy place to live drives this positive ranking.

Exceeding Iowa's State Average

Clayton County outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6 with its 59.9 composite score. High marks in safety and resource quality make it a standout choice in Northeast Iowa.

Top-Tier Safety and Health

The county boasts an elite safety score of 86.3 and a health score of 81.5. Combined with an 86.0 water score, residents enjoy one of the most secure and clean environments in the state.

Investment in Schools and Wages

The school score of 44.0 and income score of 46.0 indicate areas where the county can grow. Strengthening educational outcomes and attracting higher-paying jobs would round out its strong profile.

A Haven for Peace and Wellness

This county is perfect for those who prioritize personal safety and a healthy lifestyle above all else. It is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers looking for a quiet, clean, and affordable community.

Score breakdown

Tax17.9Cost62Safety86.3Health81.5Schools44Income46Risk57.8Water86Weather50.8
🏛17.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.3
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

Grant County
Wisconsin
49.2
Crawford County
Wisconsin
46.1
Delaware County
Iowa
60.2
Dubuque County
Iowa
45.4
Allamakee County
Iowa
60.2
Fayette County
Iowa
57
Buchanan County
Iowa
62.4
Jones County
Iowa
60.7

Deep Dives

Clayton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clayton County

via TaxByCounty

Clayton County runs above-average taxes

At 1.380%, Clayton County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.347% by roughly 3%, placing it around the 55th percentile nationally. The county's $2,149 median property tax is 20% below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Iowa's state average

Clayton County's effective rate of 1.380% runs just above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it a modest above-average tax county. The median property tax of $2,149 sits just below the state median of $2,160.

Middle tier in northeast Iowa

Clayton County's 1.380% rate places it squarely between low-tax Cherokee (1.076%) and high-tax Clinton (1.549%) in northeastern Iowa. The county offers reasonable taxes compared to upstate neighbors but slightly more than the statewide average.

Near-state-average tax bill

On Clayton County's median home value of $155,700, the 1.380% effective rate works out to $2,149 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $2,205; without, approximately $2,087.

Appeals work for every tax level

Homeowners in moderate-tax counties like Clayton shouldn't skip the appeal process—even a 5% reduction in assessed value saves $75–$110 yearly. Iowa's informal review gives all residents a free opportunity to verify their assessment's fairness.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clayton County

via CostByCounty

Clayton County housing strains lower-income earners

Clayton County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and median household income of $62,326 ranks lowest in this eight-county group. Housing consumes a disproportionately large share of already-tight household budgets here.

Below-average affordability, below-average wages

Clayton's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and its median household income of $62,326 is among the state's lowest. This combination creates particular affordability pressure for renters and those seeking homeownership.

Moderate rents, lowest wages in region

Clayton's $764 rent is mid-range regionally, but its median household income of $62,326 is the lowest among these eight counties. This wage disadvantage makes any given rent level feel more burdensome, even when absolute prices are reasonable.

Housing absorbs nearly 15% of income

Clayton renters pay $764 monthly while homeowners spend $826, consuming 14.7% and 15.9% of median income respectively. With median home values of $155,700 and the region's lowest wages, ownership is particularly challenging for typical households.

Clayton County: affordable if you earn well

Relocating to Clayton County makes sense primarily if you're securing employment with above-county-median wages—housing costs are manageable only when income significantly exceeds the local $62,326 average. Compare against Cherokee or Crawford if staying within the region and prioritizing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clayton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clayton trails national household income

Clayton County's median household income of $62,326 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 16.6%, placing it among the lower-income counties nationwide. This significant gap underscores the economic challenges rural northeastern Iowa faces relative to national wage trends.

Lowest income in this eight-county group

Clayton's $62,326 median income ranks lowest among these eight counties and trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by $7,504. Its per capita income of $35,661 falls below the state average of $37,136, signaling income concentration and limited earning capacity for many residents.

Struggles against regional income trends

At $62,326, Clayton sits at the bottom of this cluster—$10,000+ below Chickasaw's $73,421 and $4,000 below several peers. The county faces structural economic headwinds that require targeted workforce development or industry diversification to improve household earnings.

Housing affordability provides relief

Clayton's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio offers meaningful affordability relief, keeping housing costs manageable despite lower overall income. A median home value of $155,700 remains within reach for median-earning families, providing a stable foundation for building wealth.

Clayton households: start small, build consistent

Earning $62,326, Clayton households must prioritize high-impact, low-cost wealth strategies: maximize employer 401(k) matches first, then establish an automated monthly transfer of $100–$200 to a diversified index fund. Over 30 years, consistent $150 monthly contributions compound into $100,000+, offsetting modest current income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clayton County

via CrimeByCounty

Clayton County Is One of the Nation's Safest

Clayton County reports a remarkably low total crime rate of 309.6 per 100K, earning it a safety score of 99.5. This rate is nearly eight times lower than the national average.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Iowa

With a safety score of 99.5, Clayton County outperforms the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is less than one-third of the Iowa average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

A Model of Security for Its Neighbors

Clayton County is dramatically safer than Clinton County to its south, where crime rates are ten times higher. It mirrors the high safety levels found in nearby Chickasaw County.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is low at 81.8 per 100K, while property crime is also minimal at 227.8. Both statistics are vastly superior to the national averages for these categories.

Maintaining a Peaceful Environment

In such a safe county, simple awareness is often the best defense. Standard home security measures ensure that Clayton County remains an exceptionally secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clayton County

via HealthByCounty

Highest life expectancy in the region

Clayton County residents live an average of 79.1 years, about 0.8 years above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 15.5% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average of 15%, demonstrating strong population health.

Iowa's healthiest county in this group

At 79.1 years, Clayton County's life expectancy leads the entire group and significantly exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year state average. This outstanding performance reflects decades of strong community health practices and effective healthcare delivery.

Sparse mental health provider access

Despite strong life expectancy, Clayton County has only 24 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—a critical gap for a county of its health standing. Residents needing psychiatric or counseling services frequently travel to neighboring counties with better-equipped mental health infrastructure.

Good insurance coverage, provider concerns

Clayton's 6.6% uninsured rate is slightly above Iowa's 5.7% average, and while most residents have coverage, mental health provider shortages limit its effectiveness. At 41 primary care providers per 100K, the county has adequate routine care access but struggles to support mental health needs.

Insurance enables care coordination

Clayton residents without coverage should enroll through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid to secure comprehensive access. With insurance in place, you can work with primary care providers to coordinate mental health referrals to better-equipped neighboring facilities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clayton County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Broad Reach of Clayton Schools

Clayton County manages 11 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,059 students. The school level mix includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, four high schools, and one specialized academy. This diverse portfolio provides specialized pathways for students of all ages.

Academic Performance and Investment

The county maintains an 88.5% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87.0%. Education is funded at $7,275 per pupil, reflecting a leaner budget compared to the state average of $7,591. The composite school score of 53.3 shows that the county is working to improve outcomes against state benchmarks.

Unique District Options

The Clayton Ridge Community School District is the largest, enrolling 1,485 students and hosting the unique Iowa Virtual Academy. MFL MarMac and Central Community School Districts also provide essential services to nearly 1,400 combined students. Traditional districts remain the norm here, as no charter schools are currently in operation.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Landscape

Nine of the county’s 11 schools are located in rural areas, offering students a quiet and focused atmosphere. The Iowa Virtual Academy is the largest institution with 862 students, while traditional schools like Central Elementary are smaller at 263 students. This blend of virtual and rural schooling offers a unique flexibility not found in many other counties.

Home Ownership and Education

Clayton County offers a variety of educational settings, from traditional rural schools to innovative virtual options. For families moving to the area, the graduation rates above the national average provide peace of mind. Explore homes near these unique schools to find a learning environment that fits your child’s needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clayton County

via RiskByCounty

Clayton County ranks very low nationally

Clayton's composite risk score of 42.21 hovers slightly above Iowa's state average (39.68), positioning it in the low-risk tier nationally. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure relative to most American regions.

Slightly above state average

Clayton ranks in the middle range of Iowa's 99 counties with its 42.21 score, sitting just above the state average. This reflects below-average exposure to most hazards compared to Iowa's riskier counties.

Higher risk than neighboring counties

Clayton's 42.21 score exceeds nearby Chickasaw (31.74) and Cherokee (34.13), though it remains well below Clinton (64.82). Its location in northeast Iowa's more active flood zone explains this comparative positioning.

Flood and tornado dominate exposure

Flood risk reaches 58.02 in Clayton—well above state average—while tornado risk of 53.98 creates a dual-hazard situation typical of the county's geography. Wildfire (12.34) and earthquake (14.47) risks remain minimal.

Prioritize flood and windstorm insurance

Clayton residents in flood-prone areas must obtain separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude water damage entirely. Adding windstorm coverage protects against the tornado risk that regularly threatens this northeast Iowa county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clayton County

via WeatherByCounty

Clayton County mirrors the Midwest median

The county's average annual temperature of 47.2°F is standard for the humid continental climate of the northern United States. This temperature is lower than the national average but typical for its latitude.

A wet and temperate Iowa county

Clayton County is slightly cooler than the 48.0°F state average, but it is much wetter than many peers. It receives 38.6 inches of annual precipitation, surpassing the state average of 36.1 inches.

Moderate heat compared to southern Iowa

Clayton County sees only 11 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the 25 days recorded in southern counties like Clarke. Its snowfall of 36.8 inches is fairly typical for northeastern Iowa.

Pleasant summers and standard snowy winters

Summer temperatures average a comfortable 70.6°F, with July peaking at 72.5°F. Winter brings a significant cool down, with a January average of 17.7°F and over 36 inches of snow.

Plan for moisture and moderate winters

With 38.6 inches of precipitation, residents should ensure their homes have proper gutter systems and basement waterproofing. The 36.8 inches of annual snowfall requires standard winter equipment and insulated clothing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clayton County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Prairie Mollisols

Clayton County features Mollisols, the gold standard of prairie soils, with an average pH of 6.41. This level is nearly identical to the state average, offering a neutral and highly productive environment for agriculture.

The Classic Loam Profile

The dominant texture is loam, created by a mix of 52.8% silt and 26.6% sand. This loamy profile is widely considered the best for farming due to its ideal balance of aeration and moisture retention.

Superior Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 3.16%, which is healthy but slightly lower than the 3.81% Iowa average. However, the available water capacity of 0.199 in/in is superior to the state benchmark, keeping plants hydrated through dry spells.

Slow Moving Water

This soil is categorized as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. This means the ground stays wet longer than average, which benefits water-tolerant crops but may require drainage solutions for construction.

Endless Growing Potential

In zone 5a, the loamy soil supports everything from corn to leafy greens. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, these Mollisols offer a high-quality foundation for any agricultural project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clayton County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growth in Clayton County

Clayton County offers a steady lawn environment with a difficulty score of 76.3, very close to the Iowa state average of 77.2. It provides a much more manageable experience than the national median of 50.0. The 5a Hardiness Zone is typical for northern Iowa, supporting standard cool-season grass varieties.

Generous Rains and Gentle Summers

The county enjoys 38.6 inches of rain annually, which is more than enough to satisfy a thirsty lawn. Extreme heat is relatively rare, with only 11 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. These 2829 growing degree days provide enough energy for a thick turf without the maintenance headache of excessive southern heat.

Loam Base with Drainage Hurdles

The soil is a fertile loam with a 6.41 pH, but it is often poorly drained, which can lead to soggy patches. While the 19.5% clay and 26.6% sand mix is generally high quality, the drainage class suggests you may need to install French drains or rain gardens in low spots. Proper aeration is key to keeping the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Managing the Current Dry Trend

Despite having 23 weeks in drought over the past year, the area currently sits at 85.5% abnormally dry. This indicates a continuing need for careful water management even with the county's high average rainfall. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to prevent further stressing the grass while moisture levels are low.

Planting for Clayton's Long Season

A blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass will flourish in Clayton’s loamy soil and 5a zone. Your growing window starts after the May 8 last frost and extends until the first frost on October 18. This relatively late first frost date provides an excellent opportunity for fall lawn repairs and overseeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clayton County's county score?
Clayton County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.9 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 Clayton County rank among counties in Iowa?
Clayton County ranks #37 among all counties in Iowa 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 Clayton County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Clayton County is $2,149, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Clayton County a tax score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clayton County?
The median household income in Clayton County, Iowa is $62,326 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clayton County earns an income score of 46/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clayton County, Iowa a good place to live?
Clayton County scores 59.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Clayton 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 Clayton 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.