IncomeBy County

Clay County, Alabama

Income Data

-4% vs. Alabama average
$51,852
Median Household Income
$29,268
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,852
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,268
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Alabama
#33 / 67
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$51,852
Alabama Average$54,196
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,852
Median Household Income
$29,268
Per Capita Income
$144,700
Median Home Value
35.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clay County, Alabama

Clay County earns 31% below national median

Clay County's median household income of $51,852 falls $22,903 short of the $74,755 national median, placing it in the lower-income tier across the nation. Per capita income of $29,268 closely mirrors Alabama's state average of $29,701, indicating balanced income distribution.

Slightly above Alabama's state average income

At $51,852, Clay County exceeds Alabama's median household income of $54,196 by 4%, ranking it in the middle of the state's 67 counties. The per capita income of $29,268 sits right at the state average, suggesting typical wealth concentration for rural Alabama.

Middle income among region's rural counties

Clay County's $51,852 sits between Cherokee County ($50,769) and Cleburne County ($53,319), clustering within a tight $3,000 range. These northeast Alabama counties share similar small-town economies and manufacturing-dependent employment.

Clay has the region's best rent affordability

At just 14.4%, Clay County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among its neighbors and well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving room in household budgets. Median home values of $144,700 are within reach for families at the county median income.

Your affordability advantage enables savings

Clay County's exceptional housing affordability of 14.4% creates breathing room to save 10–15% of income toward retirement and investments. Establish automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account, then funnel surplus into low-cost index funds through an IRA or 401(k).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clay County, Alabama?
The median household income in Clay County, Alabama is $51,852, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Clay County?
The per capita income in Clay County is $29,268, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,852.
How does Clay County compare to the Alabama average?
Clay County's median household income of $51,852 is lower than the Alabama state average of $54,196. The per capita income is $29,268, compared to the state average of $29,701.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, Alabama?
The per capita income in Clay County, Alabama is $29,268, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Clay County a low-income area in Alabama?
Clay County's median household income of $51,852 is below the Alabama average of $54,196. The per capita income of $29,268 is also lower than the state average of $29,701. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Clay County rank for income in Alabama?
Clay County ranks #33 out of 67 counties in Alabama by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,852 and per capita income of $29,268, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Clay County

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Your income is above the Clay County median

County median: $51,852 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. Alabama Average▼ 4% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.9x

Your monthly income ($4,321) vs. median rent ($624/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Calloway County
Kentucky
$51,854
+0%
Upshur County
West Virginia
$51,859
+0%
Ontonagon County
Michigan
$51,844
+0%
Marshall County
Mississippi
$51,875
+0%
Duplin County
North Carolina
$51,880
+0%
Washington County
Missouri
$51,886
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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