Median Income
$43,884
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,600
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Clay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,112
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density1,293/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,884
Per Capita$25,288
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$539M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,600
Rent$769
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$131,189
Housing Units495
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property86/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation381 ft (116 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute35 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Clay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clay receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Clay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clay is $43,884, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clay is $75,600, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clay is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 86 per 100,000, 96% below the national average.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Clay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Clay has a population of 1,112 with a density of 1,293 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 27.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Clay is $43,884, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,288 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,010, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 294 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,884 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,288 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,010 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,826 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $539M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,544 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Clay is $75,600, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,189, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $759 for a one-bedroom to $866 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 495 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $2,544 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,600 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,189 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $662 |
| 1 Bedroom | $759 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $866 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,176 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,308 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 495 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,544 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.37% |
In Clay, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,406. The dentist ratio is 1:6,363. 25.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:6,406 |
| Dentists | 1:6,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,121 |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 15,679/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Clay has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 86 per 100,000, 96% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 86, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clay receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Clay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 85.8/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 85.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Clay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 48.5 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 381 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.5°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 381 ft (116 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,293/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4759°N, 87.8203°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.4 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
100 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 |
109 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
109 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
59 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
121 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
519 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 46 fatalities, 727 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
77 km |
8 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
63 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
40 km |
24 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
56 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
56 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
55 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
63 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Clay has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Clay. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| 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) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| 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) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
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 |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay
What is the population of Clay?
Clay has a population of 1,112 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,293 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Clay expensive to live in?
Clay is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,884, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,600 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clay safe?
Clay is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 86 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clay receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clay?
Clay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Clay?
The unemployment rate in Clay is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,010. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clay?
The median home value in Clay is $75,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $759 for a 1-bedroom and $866 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,544.
How are the schools in Clay?
Schools in Clay score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Clay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clay?
The obesity rate in Clay is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,406.
What is transportation like in Clay?
The average commute in Clay is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay is 95.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.6% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
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