Median Income
$68,036
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
56/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$706
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Clay City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,186
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density2,196/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,036
Per Capita$24,396
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$1,042M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,700
Rent$706
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$169,945
Housing Units590
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent56/100K
Property3,887/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation592 ft (180 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute33 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Clay City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clay City receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clay City is $68,036, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clay City is $86,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x 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 56 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Clay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Clay City has a population of 1,186 with a density of 2,196 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clay City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clay City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clay City is $68,036, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,396 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 529 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clay City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,036 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,396 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,294 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 529 |
| County GDP | $1,042M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,477 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Clay City is $86,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,945, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $706 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $864 for a one-bedroom to $1,094 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 590 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $1,477 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,945 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $706 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $859 |
| 1 Bedroom | $864 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,094 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,312 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,535 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 590 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,477 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Clay City, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,032. The dentist ratio is 1:4,396. 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clay City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,032 |
| Dentists | 1:4,396 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,035 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,097/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Clay City has a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 56.3/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,886.6/100K |
| 98% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| 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 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°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 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 592 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 592 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2770°N, 87.1127°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 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 |
114 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
54 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
35 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
467 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 728 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
28 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
33 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
FORK RIDGE RX |
697 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
670 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Clay City has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") 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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay City
What is the population of Clay City?
Clay City has a population of 1,186 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,196 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Clay City expensive to live in?
Clay City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,036, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 56 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Clay City?
The job market in Clay City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 529 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clay City?
The median home value in Clay City is $86,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,945. For renters, the median monthly rent is $706. Fair market rent is $864 for a 1-bedroom and $1,094 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,477.
How are the schools in Clay City?
Schools in Clay City score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Clay City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clay City?
The obesity rate in Clay City is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,032.
What is transportation like in Clay City?
The average commute in Clay City is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clay City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay City is 95.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.