Clay County
MS · Pop. 18,462 · Suburban County
Clay County sits in Mississippi across 410 square miles, home to 18,462 people at 45 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, cotton, soybeans. The median home price is $116,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.69%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 226-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F and average winter lows of 32.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. North Ms Medical Center - West Point is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.4% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 226-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.69% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $116,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.4% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- North Ms Medical Center - West Point, with an emergency room, is just 7.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 24.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Clay County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 92/100
- Median home price
- $116k
- Property tax
- 0.69%
- Growing season
- 226 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.2"
- Broadband
- 99.4%
- Nearest hospital
- North Ms Medical Center - West Point, 7.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Clay County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Clay County?
- Clay County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 226-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F, and average winter lows of 32.8°F. The established crops are hay, cotton, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $116,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.69%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.4% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- North Ms Medical Center - West Point is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Clay County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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