Clay, WV

West Virginia · Metropolitan Area

Clay is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 485.

1.6 /5.0
D Poor
485 Population 866/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $7,319 per capita
$58,800 Home Value $110,503 Zillow
$668 Median Rent 51.0% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature
D
Overall
1.6 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
8.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $58,800
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent $668
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 73.3%
491% higher than US avg

How Clay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population485
Median Age29.0 yrs
Density866/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 98%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$7,319
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty73.3%
County GDP$213M
Commute15 min

Housing

Home Value$58,800
Rent$668
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$110,503
Rent Burden51.0%

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity41.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression33.9%
Heart Disease7.9%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain52.5 in/yr
Elevation755 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+82.1%
School Score5.19

Community

2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute15 min
Libraries1

Is Clay a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Clay receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Clay faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 73.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Clay is $58,800, 79% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $668 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.

Climate & Weather

Clay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.5 inches, including 17.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

Clay has a population of 485 with a density of 866 people per square mile. The median age is 29.0 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (98.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic.

Population

485
Total Population
866
People / sq mi
29.0yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
0.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 66.6%
Female 33.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Clay vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.4%
97% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Clay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Clay is N/A. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 73.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes.

Income: Clay vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$7,319
Avg Weekly Wage$1,027
IRS Avg AGI$49,521

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.6%
0% below US avg
Poverty Rate73.3%
491% above US avg
Establishments (County)200
County GDP$213M

Business (County)

Restaurants3
Healthcare15
Retail16
Manufacturing3

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time14.7 min
Work from Home5.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Clay is $58,800, 79% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $668 (43% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,503.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$58,800
79% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$110,503

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$668
43% below US avg
Rent Burden51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$714
1 Bedroom$829
2 Bedrooms$1,036
3 Bedrooms$1,325
4 Bedrooms$1,372

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied25.6%

Property Tax

In Clay, 41.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 33.9% report depression. 37.5% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Clay vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.8%
30% above US avg
Diabetes14.7%
Heart Disease7.9%
High Blood Pressure40.9%
Asthma13.0%
COPD11.6%
Stroke4.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking15.0%
Physical Inactivity37.5%
Depression33.9%
Mental Distress25.2%
Physical Distress19.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate99.4%
Checkup Rate77.5%
Premature Death16,180/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.3/10
Healthcare Facilities15

Crime Rates: Clay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)3

Safety Score

Clay has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 52.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average54.9°F
2% above US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall52.5 inches
38% above US avg
Snowfall17.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median39.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation755 ft (230 m)
Area0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²)
Population Density866/sq mi
Coordinates38.4615°N, 81.0849°W
County FIPS54015
It is classified as Metro — under 250K. 8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (76% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 62.3-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 80.2%
D 17.9%

Winner: Republican by 62.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.0%
76% below US avg
High School+82.1%
School Test Score5.19
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 3Metro — under 250K
Population Density866/sq mi
Total Area0.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities15
Restaurants3
Retail Stores16

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)3

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute14.7 min
Work from Home5.6%

Nearby Cities

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