Clay
Kentucky

What stands out

If you had to describe Clay County in numbers, start here: violent crime is among the highest in America (5.9 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (87 per 100,000), and high-school completion is among the lowest in America (72%). Within Kentucky it ranks 10th of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Clay County, Kentucky. 20,322 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -121).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $37,888 a year, lower than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,485. Unemployment runs 5.6%, higher than 94% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,326 a year.

Home

The median home costs $120K, cheaper than 93% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $623 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $566 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 87 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 69.1 years, shorter than 98% of American counties. There are 12 active physicians in the county, about 5.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 10.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.20 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 55% of American counties. 72% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 77 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 48% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 69 and lows near 45, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 59 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 35 out of 100, safer than 65% of American counties; the county has had 48 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 260 Mbps down, faster than 79% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.