IncomeBy County

Clay County, Georgia

Income Data

-19% vs. Georgia average
$48,715
Median Household Income
$29,009
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,715
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,009
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
52.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Georgia
#124 / 159
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$48,715
Georgia Average$60,488
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,715
Median Household Income
$29,009
Per Capita Income
$92,500
Median Home Value
52.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clay County, Georgia

Clay County earns 35% below national average

Clay County's median household income of $48,715 falls $26,040 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 35% gap underscores the economic struggles of rural southwest Georgia, where job opportunities and wages significantly lag the national economy.

Among Georgia's most economically challenged

At $48,715, Clay County's median income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $11,773, positioning it near the lowest-earning counties in Georgia. Per capita income of $29,009 also falls below the state average of $31,115.

Second-lowest earner in the region

Clay edges Chattooga ($47,785) but significantly trails all other nearby counties, including Clinch ($55,549), Clayton ($58,507), and Clarke ($52,267). The disparity reflects Clay's isolation and limited economic base in rural Georgia.

Lowest rent burden, but affordability illusion

Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% is the lowest among these counties, appearing to offer exceptional housing affordability. However, with incomes of just $48,715, the real challenge is saving enough for down payment or managing other essentials beyond rent.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

Clay County's exceptional rent affordability—costing just 14.2% of income—creates a rare opportunity: households can redirect savings toward emergency funds and down payments at rates other counties cannot match. Prioritize building a 3-6 month emergency fund, then target homeownership as a reliable wealth-building mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clay County, Georgia?
The median household income in Clay County, Georgia is $48,715, 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 $29,009, 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 $48,715.
How does Clay County compare to the Georgia average?
Clay County's median household income of $48,715 is lower than the Georgia state average of $60,488. The per capita income is $29,009, compared to the state average of $31,115.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, Georgia?
The per capita income in Clay County, Georgia is $29,009, 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 Georgia?
Clay County's median household income of $48,715 is below the Georgia average of $60,488. The per capita income of $29,009 is also lower than the state average of $31,115. 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 Georgia?
Clay County ranks #124 out of 159 counties in Georgia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,715 and per capita income of $29,009, it falls in the bottom 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: $48,715 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

-35%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. Georgia Average▼ 19% below
vs. National Median▼ 35% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,060) vs. median rent ($578/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Hopewell city
Virginia
$48,681
+0%
Jefferson County
Oklahoma
$48,750
+0%
Greenbrier County
West Virginia
$48,662
+0%
Ottawa County
Oklahoma
$48,656
+0%
Colleton County
South Carolina
$48,779
+0%
Lincoln County
West Virginia
$48,593
+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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