Special Interest
Housing in Clay County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Clay County averages $707/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Arkansas median of $947 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 26% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Clay County FMR Area are $658 for a studio, $671 for 1‑bedroom, $880 for 2‑bedroom, $1,191 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,240 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $173 increase for a 2-bedroom in Clay County shows a 24% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Clay County was 3.8% in 2024, compared to Arkansas at 3.5% and the national rate of 4.0%.
