Clay County, West Virginia

Income Data

-22% vs. West Virginia average
$42,790
Median Household Income
$23,748
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,790
-22% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,748
-40% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#49 / 55
by median household income

How Clay County Compares

Clay County$42,790
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,790
Median Household Income
$23,748
Per Capita Income
$107,100
Median Home Value
40.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clay County, West Virginia

Clay's income deeply below national median

Clay County's median household income of $42,790 falls 43% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among America's poorest counties. This substantial gap reflects structural economic challenges facing rural, coal-dependent Appalachia over the past two decades.

Among the poorest in West Virginia

Clay County's $42,790 median household income ranks in West Virginia's bottom tier, falling 22% below the state average of $54,746. Per capita income of $23,748 trails the state average of $30,335 by a significant margin, indicating limited earning opportunities throughout the community.

Second-poorest in this county cluster

Clay's $42,790 median household income ranks second-lowest in this profile, trailing only Calhoun ($41,421) and near Braxton ($44,449). All three counties represent the most economically distressed tier in this West Virginia sample.

Low rents ease housing burden

Clay County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits within healthy ranges, and its median home value of $107,100 remains highly accessible. For households earning near the median, low housing costs are essential—they provide critical breathing room in household budgets.

Build resilience through incremental gains

Clay residents in low-income situations should focus on skill development and credential earning that expand job options beyond local markets—online education and trade certifications offer pathways to higher income. Start with micro-savings goals, seek employer benefits wherever available, and consider geographic mobility for better-paying opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clay County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Clay County, West Virginia is $42,790, 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 $23,748, 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 $42,790.
How does Clay County compare to the West Virginia average?
Clay County's median household income of $42,790 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $23,748, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Clay County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Clay County, West Virginia is $23,748, 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 West Virginia?
Clay County's median household income of $42,790 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $23,748 is also lower than the state average of $30,335. 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 West Virginia?
Clay County ranks #49 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,790 and per capita income of $23,748, 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: $42,790 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-22%

vs. National Median

-43%

vs. Clay County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average22% below
vs. National Median43% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,566) vs. median rent ($589/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.