Cost of Living in Clay County, Indiana
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 #774 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Indiana
Clay County beats national affordability
Clay County residents spend just 14.8% of their $67,676 income on rent, outperforming both the national and state averages and placing the county in the more affordable category. At $837 monthly, median rent is below Indiana's state average, making Clay County an above-average value proposition nationally.
Among Indiana's most affordable
Clay County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio places it below the state average of 15.6%, ranking it among the more affordable Indiana counties. This favorable position reflects the county's balanced combination of moderate rents and reasonable incomes.
Clay's sweet spot for value
Clay County's $837 rent ties with Daviess County and significantly undercuts Clark County ($1,058) and Clinton County ($915) in the region. Compared to Cass County ($778), Clay offers just $59 more monthly rent but with $10,151 higher median household income, making it a stronger overall affordability position.
Clay's balanced housing costs
With a $67,676 median household income, Clay County residents dedicate $837 to rent or $886 to mortgage payments—representing 14.8% and 15.8% of income respectively. Home values average $128,900, keeping ownership accessible while rental costs remain moderate.
Clay County: Goldilocks housing choice
If you're relocating to Indiana and balancing rent affordability with income stability, Clay County offers one of the region's best overall values. Compare it with Daviess County—which shares identical rent costs but slightly higher incomes—to optimize your relocation decision.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Clay County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $837/month — about 14.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clay County is $837/month, while owner costs run $886/month. Renting saves approximately $49/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,971/year. With a median household income of $67,676, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Clay County is more affordable than Vermillion County by roughly 7% ($837/mo vs $785/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,579
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $128,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,029 vs. your max of $1,579.
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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