Cost of living in Clay County, NC
Population 11,391 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Clay County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Clay County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Clay County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Clay County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Clay County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Clay County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Clay County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Clay County
What it costs to live in Clay County each month.
- Rent $921
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $476
- State tax $147
- Rent $1,020
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $548
- State tax $201
- Rent $1,357
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $548
- State tax $201
Frequently asked questions about Clay County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Clay County?
In Clay County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $921 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,020 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,357 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Clay County?
In Clay County, NC, the average household income is $53,645 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,183 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Clay County?
The estimated cost of living in Clay County, NC is approximately $2,913 per month for a single person, $3,884 for a couple, $6,353 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Clay County?
The combined sales tax rate in Clay County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Clay County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Clay County, NC would need approximately $2,913 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $53,645 per year ($4,470 per month). Clay County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Clay County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Clay County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 15.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Clay County?
The average home value in Clay County, NC is $263,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,188, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Clay County compare to other areas?
You can compare Clay County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Clay County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP