Clay County, North Carolina

Income Data

-12% vs. North Carolina average
$53,645
Median Household Income
$35,326
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,645
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,326
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
20.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#69 / 100
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$53,645
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,645
Median Household Income
$35,326
Per Capita Income
$263,300
Median Home Value
20.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clay County, North Carolina

Clay income significantly trails national norms

Clay County's median household income of $53,645 falls $21,110 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 28% deficit. The small, remote mountain county faces substantial economic disadvantages relative to national averages.

Well below North Carolina average

At $53,645, Clay's median household income lags the state average of $61,072 by $7,427. The county ranks in the lower third statewide, typical of western Appalachian mountain communities with limited economic opportunities.

Lower earnings despite high property values

Clay's $53,645 income ranks above Cherokee ($51,496) and Columbus ($48,184) but trails Caswell ($59,407) and Catawba ($64,544). The county's median home value of $263,300 is surprisingly high relative to local earning power, suggesting limited local employment and seasonal housing demand.

Housing represents major affordability challenge

Clay's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% reflects tight housing affordability, with costs consuming nearly one-fifth of median income. The median home value of $263,300 appears inflated relative to local wages, likely driven by second-home purchases and seasonal demand.

Explore location-independent income sources

Clay County residents with $53,645 incomes may benefit from pursuing remote work opportunities or side income streams to supplement local employment earnings. Strategic upskilling in high-demand fields and exploring regional job markets can help households build financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clay County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Clay County, North Carolina is $53,645, 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 $35,326, 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 $53,645.
How does Clay County compare to the North Carolina average?
Clay County's median household income of $53,645 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $35,326, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Clay County, North Carolina is $35,326, 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 North Carolina?
Clay County's median household income of $53,645 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $35,326 is also comparable to the state average of $33,920. 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 North Carolina?
Clay County ranks #69 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,645 and per capita income of $35,326, 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: $53,645 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average12% below
vs. National Median28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.7x

Your monthly income ($4,470) vs. median rent ($791/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.