Cost of Living in Clay County, Texas
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 #2,595 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Texas
Clay County offers exceptional housing relief
Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% ranks among the lowest in our analysis, sitting 2.2 percentage points below the national average and 5.3 points below Texas's 18.1% state benchmark. Residents here enjoy some of the nation's healthiest housing cost burdens despite managing median rents of $825 monthly.
A Texas affordability leader
Clay County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties with a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio—a full 5.3 percentage points below state average. This exceptional positioning makes the county one of the best places in Texas for housing affordability across all income levels.
Comparison: Clay County's advantage
Clay County's $825 median rent runs $138 below the state average, while its $77,355 median household income outpaces most rural Panhandle neighbors like Childress ($60,333) and Cochran ($42,137). This combination of strong local incomes and moderate rents creates exceptional affordability.
Robust finances, lean housing costs
Renters in Clay County dedicate just $825 monthly from a $77,355 household income, investing only 12.8% in rent—among the lowest ratios in the region. Homeowners pay $872 toward a median home value of $161,300, creating manageable total housing burdens across both renter and owner households.
Clay County: Texas affordability gem
For families prioritizing housing affordability without sacrificing reasonable local wages, Clay County delivers exceptional value in the Texas Panhandle region. The county's 12.8% housing burden and strong household incomes leave substantial room for savings and life quality beyond housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Clay County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $825/month representing approximately 12.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clay County is $825/month, while owner costs run $872/month. Renting saves approximately $47/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,371/year. With a median household income of $77,355, 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
Clay County sits 7% more expensive than Camp County ($774/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
12.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,805
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $161,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,288 vs. your max of $1,805.
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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