Cost of Living in Clay County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clay County ranks #2,179 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Florida
Clay offers strong affordability above national baseline
Clay County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national comfort threshold of 30%, putting residents in a healthy housing position. With a median household income of $86,094—15% above the national average of $74,755—Clay households have more flexibility to absorb housing costs while maintaining financial stability.
Clay ranks among Florida's most affordable counties
At 20.4%, Clay County beats Florida's average rent-to-income ratio of 22.5%, placing it in the upper tier for affordability statewide. The county achieves this while maintaining higher incomes than most Florida peers, creating a rare combination of strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.
Clay balances costs better than upscale Collier
Clay County's renters pay $1,464 monthly—$288 less than Collier County's $1,752 despite similar median incomes around $86,000. Homebuyers see the same pattern: Clay's median home value of $281,500 undercuts Collier's $486,800 by $205,300, making Clay the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Housing remains manageable for most households
Clay renters spend 20.4% of their $86,094 income on rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 17.5% to monthly ownership costs on a $281,500 median home. Both figures leave substantial room in household budgets for savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending.
Clay County rewards financially stable movers
If you've built solid income and seek genuine affordability, Clay County delivers—combining above-average earnings with below-average housing costs. The county offers the rare Florida advantage of breathing room in your budget without sacrificing suburban convenience.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Clay County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,464/month representing approximately 20.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,464/month rent versus $1,259/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $205/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $58,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,957/year. With a median household income of $86,094, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clay County sits 4% less expensive than Pinellas County ($1,525/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,009
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
The median home in Clay County may be a stretch
Median home value is $281,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,247 vs. your max of $2,009.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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