Clay County, MO Property Tax: $2,817/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Clay County is 1.10% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $256,400, that works out to about $2,820 per year, or $235 per month. Clay County is located in western Missouri, and is home to approximately 255,566 residents.
About Clay County
Clay County covers approximately 397.7 square miles in Missouri. The county is home to about 255,566 residents living in roughly 106,689 housing units, of which 65.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $86,150, and the median home was built in 1987.
Clay County borders Wyandotte County, Clinton County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Missouri
Property taxes in Missouri are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Missouri offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Clay County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Clay County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay County, MO | 1.10% | $256,400 | $2,820 |
| Missouri state average | 0.73% | — | $1,872* |
| Wyandotte County | 1.47% | $152,700 | $2,240 |
| Clinton County | 0.86% | $204,300 | $1,758 |
| Jackson County | 1.15% | $213,300 | $2,448 |
| Platte County | 1.06% | $317,600 | $3,365 |
| Ray County | 0.82% | $187,400 | $1,533 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Clay County's median home value of $256,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Clay County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Missouri?
At 1.10%, Clay County is higher than the Missouri state average of 0.73%. On a home at the county median of $256,400, that means about $2,820 per year — versus $1,872 at the state average rate, a difference of $948 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Clay County is at average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Clay County?
For a home at the county median value of $256,400, the annual property tax in Clay County is approximately $2,820 — or about $235 per month. For a home worth $384,600, expect around $4,231 per year. For a $512,800 home, approximately $5,641 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Clay County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Clay County are handled by the Clay County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Clay County?
Missouri counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.10% shown here. Contact the Clay County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File