Clay
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Clay County in numbers, start here: violent crime is in the top 2% of American counties (5.3 per 1,000), the property tax rate is in the bottom 3% of American counties (0.34%), and unemployment is in the top 4% of American counties (6.0%). Within West Virginia it ranks 7th of 55 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Clay County, West Virginia. 8,049 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1).

West Virginia has some of the lowest home prices in the country, a graduated income tax with rates cut sharply since 2023, and it fully exempts Social Security from tax starting with the 2026 tax year. Property taxes are low. The state has lost population in most years since 2012, and its economy still leans on coal, natural gas and, increasingly, outdoor recreation and remote-worker incentive programs.

Money

The typical household here brings in $41,530 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,390. Unemployment runs 6.0%, higher than 96% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 2.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,171 a year.

Home

The median home costs $124K, cheaper than 92% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $556 a month. Property tax is 0.34% of home value, roughly $344 a year on that median home, lower than 97% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.7 years, shorter than 95% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 3.7 per 10,000 people. 7.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.97 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 77% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 59 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 50% of eligible voters turned out. Under West Virginia 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 55°F, highs near 66 and lows near 43, colder than 54% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 10 out of 100, safer than 90% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 114 Mbps down, slower than 83% of American counties.