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Clay County

TN · Pop. 7,621 · Suburban County

100/100Homestead Score

Clay County sits in Tennessee across 237 square miles, home to 7,621 people at 32.2 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $137,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.61% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F and average winter lows of 26.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 53.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Cumberland River Hospital is 2.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes.

Property Tax: 0.61%
Growing Season: 185 days
Broadband: 99.9%
Density: 32.2/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.61% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $137,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Cumberland River Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.

Cons

  • A poverty rate of 21.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.61%
Median Household Income$44,712
Poverty Rate21.7%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$137K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season185 days
Annual Rainfall53.5 inches
Avg Summer High87.5°F
Avg Winter Low26.6°F
Top CropsHay, Corn, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado4/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalCumberland River Hospital (2.5 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage99.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.6%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Clay County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Clay County?
Clay County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F, and average winter lows of 26.6°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $137,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.61%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Cumberland River Hospital is 2.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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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.