Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clay Center, KS
Considering a move to Clay Center, KS? This friendly town of 4,199 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $104,000 and average rents at $680. Enjoy short 13-minute commutes, a property crime rate lower than many cities, and a close-knit community atmosphere. Schools offer low student-teacher ratios and the area sees plenty of sunny days, making Clay Center a comfortable and affordable place to call home.
Demographics - Clay Center, KS
Demographics - Clay Center, KS
Clay Center is a close-knit community of about 4,200 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 43. The city’s population density is moderate, and most residents are English speakers, creating a welcoming and familiar small-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,199
Density:
1,210 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clay Center, KS?
With a cost of living index of 76, Clay Center is notably affordable compared to national averages. Median home values are around $104,000, and typical rents are just $680, making the city a budget-friendly option for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$104,000
Gross Rent:
$680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.0
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
53.8
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
82.4
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Clay Center, KS a safe place to live?
Clay Center experiences low crime rates, with the chance of violent crime at just 1 in 654 and property crime at 1 in 92. Residents enjoy a sense of safety that is greater than many similarly sized communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
153
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,082
Crime Index:
1,235
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 654
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Clay Center, KS year-round?
Residents of Clay Center enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 91°F and chilly winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 65% of the year, offering plenty of pleasant days for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Clay Center have a median income of $48,600, and the area enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a short 13 minutes, contributing to a relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$62,100
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
9.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$680
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Clay Center, KS?
Clay Center offers quality public schools with low student-teacher ratios, and higher education is within reach at nearby Kansas State University and Cloud County Community College. The community is committed to education, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Clay Center Community High School
Street:
1630 9th St
Phone:
785-632-2131
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Garfield Elementary School
Street:
815 4th St
Phone:
785-632-2144
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Colleges
Name:
Cloud County Community College
City:
Concordia
State:
KS
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Kansas State University
City:
Manhattan
State:
KS
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Clay Center is served by the Clay County Medical Center, offering general and emergency care, with 91.8% of residents having health insurance. The city provides good access to healthcare professionals, with 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Clay County Medical Center
Address:
617 Liberty St, Clay Center, KS 67432
Phone:
(785) 632-2144
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clay Center, KS?
The housing market in Clay Center is accessible, with a median home price of $104,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $680, and the community sees steady but modest home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$104,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$680
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Kansas residents in Clay Center can access vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, with locations and information easily available online or in nearby Topeka.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.