Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Alabama, Clay is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,231 inhabitants. An important consideration when living in Clay is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 33 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Clay, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Clay and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Clay to Alabama and the national average.
With a livability score of 74/100, Clay is ranked #4,003 in the United States and #17 in Alabama. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Clay ranks very well for crime (B), cost of living (A-), employment (A-) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Clay does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The Clay unemployment rate of 1.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Clay excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Clay is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Clay come in at $276,935, which is 17.6% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Clay, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 25% lower than the Alabama average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Clay | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.4% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.4% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.3% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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