Cost of Living in Clay County, Mississippi
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 #2,451 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Mississippi
Clay's affordability gap widens nationally
Residents spend 21.6% of income on rent, exceeding Mississippi's average by 2 percentage points and reflecting a median household income of just $39,904. This puts Clay County among the less affordable regions when compared to the national median household income of $74,755.
Below average, but not the worst
Clay County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 19.6%, placing it in the lower-affordability tier of Mississippi counties. It mirrors the pressures of Coahoma and Clarke while outperforming only Claiborne in this cohort.
Mid-range rents, premium home values
Clay's median rent of $718 falls between cheaper Covington ($639) and pricier Clarke ($803), yet its median home value of $115,600 is the second-highest in the region. This suggests stronger property assets but tighter rental-market economics.
Both renters and owners squeeze budgets
Renters pay $718/month (21.6% of income) while homeowners pay $598/month (17.9%), with both groups dedicating substantial chunks of the $39,904 median income to housing. Neither path offers comfortable breathing room.
Strong property values, weaker rental options
If relocating to Clay County, prioritize homeownership: the median home value of $115,600 reflects market strength, while rents remain tight relative to incomes. Compare ownership costs carefully against neighboring counties like Copiah and Covington before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Clay County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $718/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clay County is $718/month, while owner costs run $598/month. Owning saves approximately $120/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,629/year. With a median household income of $39,904, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clay County sits 8% more expensive than Smith County ($664/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
21.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$931
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $115,600. Estimated monthly cost: $923 vs. your max of $931.
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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