Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,500
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.6%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$585
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.3%
136% higher than US avg
How Clay City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population744
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density418/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$29,155
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty29.3%
County GDP$699M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,500
Rent$585
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$106,309
Housing Units399
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property2,351/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation435 ft (133 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.6%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Clay City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clay City receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Clay City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clay City is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 29.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clay City is $75,500, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $585 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clay City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,351 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Clay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches, including 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Clay City has a population of 744 with a density of 418 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clay City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clay City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clay City is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,155 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $977, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 314 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clay City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,155 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $977 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,796 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.3% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 314 |
| County GDP | $699M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,567 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Clay City is $75,500, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,309, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $585 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $707 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 399 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,567. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,500 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,309 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $585 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $632 |
| 1 Bedroom | $707 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,167 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,308 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 399 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,567 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.72% |
In Clay City, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,381. The dentist ratio is 1:2,175. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clay City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,381 |
| Dentists | 1:2,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:542 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,233/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Clay City has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,351 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clay City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clay City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 60.3/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,350.8/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 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 48.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 435 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 435 ft (133 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 418/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6858°N, 88.3486°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
61 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
48 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
49 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
92 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
49 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
101 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
48 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
61 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
49 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
25 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
50 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
66 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
456 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 482 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
79 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
35 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Clay City has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Clay City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay City
What is the population of Clay City?
Clay City has a population of 744 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 418 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Clay City expensive to live in?
Clay City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,500 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $585 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clay City safe?
Clay City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,351 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clay City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clay City?
Clay City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches, with 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Clay City?
The job market in Clay City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $977. There are 314 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clay City?
The median home value in Clay City is $75,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,309. For renters, the median monthly rent is $585. Fair market rent is $707 for a 1-bedroom and $916 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,567.
How are the schools in Clay City?
Schools in Clay City score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.6% of adults in Clay City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clay City?
The obesity rate in Clay City is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,381.
What is transportation like in Clay City?
The average commute in Clay City is 26 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clay City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay City is 96.2% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
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