Renter Resources
How to Negotiate Rent: 7 Proven Strategies That Get Results
Negotiating rent can save you hundreds or thousands annually, but most renters never try.
•11 min read
What to Know About
Life in Clay County & Beyond
Clay County shares many of the great qualities that make Missouri a desirable place to live.
Missouri, nicknamed the "Show-Me State," is where rich history meets modern-day adventure. From the rolling hills, fertile farmland, and scenic rivers to bustling cities, Missouri offers diverse cultural experiences and breathtaking elegance. See the state's storied past by visiting iconic landmarks like the Missouri History Museum and Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. This place is a haven for students, with highly esteemed universities like the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. Missouri's economy is strong, built on a foundation of industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
The state offers a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, from breathtaking hikes in the Ozark Mountains to leisurely floats down the Missouri River. The state has a strong sports culture with popular teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), St. Louis Blues (NHL), and St. Louis Cardinals (MLB). Take advantage of famous attractions like the Gateway Arch, the Kansas City Zoo, the Katy Trail State Park, and the historic town of Hermann.
Missouri is a great place to live, boasting a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, plenty of job opportunities, and exciting attractions.
Rental Market Trends
Clay County, MO
As of May 2025, Clay County's rental market is highly competitive, where rentals lease within days, often attracting multiple applications and above-asking offers. Clay County's average rent is 10.4% ($125) higher than the Missouri average of $1,206 and 25.8% ($462) lower than the U.S. average of $1,793.
Average Rent
$1,331
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
5.3% ($74)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
18.8% ($308)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
24
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $1,039 | 1.9% ($19) | 39.7% ($295) |
| 2 Beds | $1,308 | 2.4% ($32) | 25.5% ($266) |
| 3 Beds | $1,859 | 1.7% ($31) | 5.6% ($99) |
| Cities within Clay County | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. ClayAverage Rent vs. Clay County | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $1,321 | 0.8% ($10) | 35 days |
| Liberty | $1,247 | 6.3% ($84) | 28 days |
| Excelsior Springs | $1,090 | 18.1% ($241) | 27 days |
| Kearney | $1,471 | 10.5% ($140) | 24 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Clay County, MO.
The average rent in Clay County, MO is $1,331 per month.
Houses in Clay County typically rent for between $727 and $2,417 per month, with an average of $1,331 per month.
In Clay County, the average rent for a 1-bedroom house is $1,039 per month, for a 2-bedroom house, $1,308 per month, and a 3-bedroom house is $1,859 per month.
The average rent in Clay County is 25.8% ($462) lower than the national average of $1,793 per month.
The average rent in Clay County has decreased by 5.3% ($74) in the last month and decreased by 18.8% ($308) over the past year.
The rental market in Clay County, MO, is currently highly competitive, where rentals lease within days, often attracting multiple applications and above-asking offers.
In Clay County, MO, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 24 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 173 rental properties available in Clay County, MO.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $52,320 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in Clay County.
