Clay County, Illinois

Income Data

-16% vs. Illinois average
$57,266
Median Household Income
$33,212
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,266
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,212
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
60.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#84 / 102
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$57,266
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,266
Median Household Income
$33,212
Per Capita Income
$94,300
Median Home Value
60.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Clay County, Illinois?
The median household income in Clay County, Illinois is $57,266, 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 $33,212, 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 $57,266.
How does Clay County compare to the Illinois average?
Clay County's median household income of $57,266 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $33,212, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Clay County, Illinois is $33,212, 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 Illinois?
Clay County's median household income of $57,266 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $33,212 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. 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 Illinois?
Clay County ranks #84 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,266 and per capita income of $33,212, 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: $57,266 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-23%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average16% below
vs. National Median23% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.7x

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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.