Cost of Living in Clay County, Tennessee
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 #312 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Tennessee
Clay's rent is a bargain baseline
Clay County renters spend 14.7% of household income on rent, well below the national median and among the lowest ratios in our sample. At just $546 per month, the median rent is rock-bottom, though the county's median household income of $44,712 means those savings are relative to limited earnings.
Affordability advantage despite low income
Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits comfortably below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, a rare bright spot for a county with the lowest median household income in our dataset. The extremely low rent of $546 gives Clay a genuine affordability edge, even if absolute income levels remain challenged.
Unmatched rental bargains here
Clay's $546 median rent is the lowest among all eight counties and trails even rural peers like Chester ($714) and Claiborne ($736). At the same time, ownership costs of $466/month are similarly rock-bottom, making Clay the de facto bargain-basement option for those prioritizing lowest absolute housing dollars.
Lowest cost, lowest income equation
The typical Clay household earns just $44,712 annually and pays $546 in monthly rent or $466 for ownership, spending 14.7% and 12.5% of gross income respectively. These are the lowest absolute housing costs in our sample, though they reflect a county where both wages and living standards remain constrained.
Maximum savings, minimum wages
Clay County offers unbeatable rental and purchase prices, but the trade-off is the lowest median household income in this group at $44,712. Only relocate here if you have remote income, a flexible career, or strong local job prospects that offset the regional income disadvantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clay County is affordable. The median rent is $546/month against a median household income of $44,712, putting rent at 14.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $546/month rent versus $466/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $80/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,971/year. With a median household income of $44,712, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Fentress County where rent averages $614/month, Clay County is approximately 11% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,043
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
The median home in Clay County may be a stretch
Median home value is $136,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,093 vs. your max of $1,043.
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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