Clay County, Illinois
Income Data
At a Glance
How Clay County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Clay County, Illinois
Clay County well below national income standard
Clay County's median household income of $57,266 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $17,489. This significant gap reflects the county's rural character and limited job market diversity.
Among Illinois's lowest-income counties
At $57,266, Clay County earns $11,314 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county ranks in the bottom 10% of Illinois counties, consistent with southern Illinois's rural economic challenges.
Struggles financially vs. surrounding counties
Clay County ($57,266) underperforms nearly all nearby counties, trailing Christian ($59,253) and significantly lagging Clark ($70,625). Only Coles County ($56,040) approaches Clay County's income level.
Low income and moderate housing burden
Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% indicates reasonable housing affordability, but the median income of $57,266 limits overall financial flexibility. Residents spend a manageable housing share on constrained household budgets.
Focus on emergency savings first
Clay County residents should prioritize building a three-month emergency fund before investing aggressively. Free or low-cost financial literacy resources and employer retirement matches provide essential foundations for building stability in economically challenging regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Clay County median
County median: $57,266 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-16%
vs. National Median
-23%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,772) vs. median rent ($709/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.