Cost of Living in Clay County, Georgia
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 #962 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Georgia
Clay County's housing is a national bargain
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.2%, Clay County residents spend barely one-seventh of earnings on rent—well below the U.S. average of roughly 21%. At $578 monthly rent, this is one of Georgia's most affordable rental markets.
Georgia's most renter-friendly county
Clay County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is Georgia's best, nearly 4.4 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. Median rent of just $578 undercuts the state average by $349, making this rural southwest Georgia county unmatched for affordability.
Clay: the regional affordability champion
At $578 monthly, Clay rents run the lowest in this eight-county comparison—well below Clinch ($505) but with stronger income at $48,715. The $92,500 median home value ranks among the region's most accessible, pairing low rents with low home prices.
Modest means, minimal housing burden
Renters allocate just 14.2% of income to rent, leaving nearly 86% for all other expenses and savings. Homeowners dedicate 16.1% to ownership costs, so both renters and buyers enjoy genuine affordability relief here.
Clay County: affordability reimagined
If stretching housing dollars matters most, Clay County delivers unmatched value in Georgia—the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this region. Trade-offs include rural isolation and limited job diversity, but housing security here is Georgia's best-kept secret.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Clay County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $578/month representing approximately 14.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $578/month rent versus $653/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $75/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,986/year. With a median household income of $48,715, 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
Within Georgia, Clay County is less affordable than Screven County by roughly 8% ($578/mo vs $629/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,137
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $92,500. Estimated monthly cost: $738 vs. your max of $1,137.
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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