Cost of living in Clay County, NE
Population 6,084 · 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 Nebraska.
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 $729
- Energy $185
- Water $50
- Groceries $320
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $529
- State tax $151
- Rent $907
- Energy $222
- Water $60
- Groceries $530
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $913
- State tax $314
- Rent $1,093
- Energy $278
- Water $70
- Groceries $805
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $913
- State tax $314
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, NE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $729 per month, a two-bedroom averages $907 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,093 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Clay County?
In Clay County, NE, the average household income is $75,938 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $42,431 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, NE is approximately $2,764 per month for a single person, $4,230 for a couple, $6,543 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, NE is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.
Is Clay County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Clay County, NE would need approximately $2,764 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $75,938 per year ($6,328 per month). Clay County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Clay County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Clay County, NE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.9% 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, NE is $146,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,886, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Clay County compare to other areas?
You can compare Clay County, NE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Clay County is in the Hastings, NE metro area.
Other counties in Nebraska
Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, 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