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
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.
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
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.