Median Income
$75,833
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$148,300
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
179/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$620
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Clay Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population750
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,027/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,833
Per Capita$37,232
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$469M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,300
Rent$620
Ownership82.1%
Zillow$176,287
Housing Units352
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent179/100K
Property852/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking17.2%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain29.8 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,781 ft (543 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Is Clay Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clay Center receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Clay Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clay Center is $75,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clay Center is $148,300, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $620 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Clay Center is below the national average at 179 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 852 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Clay Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches, including 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Clay Center has a population of 750 with a density of 1,027 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clay Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clay Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clay Center is $75,833, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,232. The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clay Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,833 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,232 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,128 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $469M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Clay Center is $148,300, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,287, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $620 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 352 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,300 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,287 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $620 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.9% |
| Housing Units | 352 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Clay Center, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039. 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clay Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,039 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,142/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Clay Center has a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 852 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clay Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clay Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 179.4/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 852.0/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clay Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,781 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,781 ft (543 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,027/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5255°N, 98.0550°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.8"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
89 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 22, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
60 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
87 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
87 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
849 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 527 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
27 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Clay Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Clay Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay Center
What is the population of Clay Center?
Clay Center has a population of 750 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,027 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Clay Center expensive to live in?
Clay Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $75,833, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,300 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $620 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clay Center safe?
Clay Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 852 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clay Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clay Center?
Clay Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.8 inches, with 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Clay Center?
The job market in Clay Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clay Center?
The median home value in Clay Center is $148,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,287. For renters, the median monthly rent is $620. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Clay Center?
Schools in Clay Center score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Clay Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clay Center?
The obesity rate in Clay Center is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 39.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,039.
What is transportation like in Clay Center?
The average commute in Clay Center is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clay Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay Center is 88.8% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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