Clay County, Tennessee

Income Data

-24% vs. Tennessee average
$44,712
Median Household Income
$23,401
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,712
-24% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,401
-41% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#89 / 95
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$44,712
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,712
Median Household Income
$23,401
Per Capita Income
$136,900
Median Home Value
32.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clay County, Tennessee

Clay County faces severe income gap

Clay County's median household income of $44,712 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $30,000, or 40%. The county ranks among America's most economically challenged communities, with wages reflecting limited job opportunities and industrial decline.

Tennessee's lowest-earning county

At $44,712, Clay County's median household income ranks lowest among all Tennessee counties, trailing the state average of $58,994 by $14,282. The county's per capita income of $23,401 also ranks among the state's weakest.

Deepest poverty in the region

Clay County's $44,712 median income ranks it below every measured peer, including Claiborne County ($46,587) and Cocke County ($48,416). Isolation and limited economic diversification compound the county's challenges compared to slightly larger regional neighbors.

Housing affordable but overall strain severe

Though Clay County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is relatively low, the county's rock-bottom median income creates serious affordability challenges across all living expenses. Residents allocate disproportionately high shares of their limited earnings to food, utilities, and healthcare.

Focus on financial stability first

Clay County households should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring free financial literacy resources through local libraries and nonprofits. Investigate gig economy opportunities and skill-building programs that might supplement primary incomes and create pathways to higher earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clay County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Clay County, Tennessee is $44,712, 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 $23,401, 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 $44,712.
How does Clay County compare to the Tennessee average?
Clay County's median household income of $44,712 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $23,401, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Clay County, Tennessee is $23,401, 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 Tennessee?
Clay County's median household income of $44,712 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $23,401 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. 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 Tennessee?
Clay County ranks #89 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,712 and per capita income of $23,401, 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: $44,712 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-24%

vs. National Median

-40%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average24% below
vs. National Median40% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.8x

Your monthly income ($3,726) vs. median rent ($546/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.