Clay, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,273
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,920/yr
-4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,335
-1.2% year-over-year change

Clay population

How many people live in Clay

Clay is home to 10,273 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Clay locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
10,273
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
4,822
Female
53.1%
5,451
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,822 46.9% 1.0%
Female 5,451 53.1% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Clay is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,050 20% 5.7%
15 to 24 1,477 14.4% 20.0%
25 to 44 2,404 23.4% -7.4%
45 to 64 2,398 23.3% 2.5%
Over 65 1,944 18.9% -10.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Clay, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.9% of locals are Caucasian, 43% are African American and 2.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,023 97.6% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 119 1.2% -19.1%
Non-citizens 131 1.3% -15.5%
Racial breakdown
White
47.9%
Black or African American
43%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.6%
Asian
2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 4,921 47.9%
Black or African American 4,416 43%
American Indian and Alaska Native 267 2.6%
Asian 254 2.5%
Two or more races 328 3.2%
Other 87 0.8%

Households in Clay

A peek inside Clay households

Clay has 3,740 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 80.3% are families, while the remaining 19.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,740
-2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
736
Family households
3,004
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 736 19.7% 18.5%
Family households 3,004 80.3% -6.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Clay

The housing landscape of Clay

Clay's housing consists of 4,335 units, with 86.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,335
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,756 86.6%
1 unit, attached 284 6.6%
5 to 9 units 84 1.9%
50 or more units 211 4.9%
Homes built since 2020
78
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clay

In Clay, the median construction year is 1994. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 140 3.2% 19.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 59 1.4% 37.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 154 3.6% 29.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 81 1.9% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 495 11.4% -39.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 569 13.1% 14.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,569 36.2% 8.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 948 21.9% -15.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 242 5.6% 66.9%
Built in 2020 or later 78 1.8% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Clay occupancy rates

Out of the 3,740 occupied housing units in Clay, 90.5% are owner-occupied, while 9.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,740
-2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
355
Owner occupied
3,385
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 355 9.5% 49.2%
Owner occupied 3,385 90.5% -5.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Clay housing costs

Housing costs in Clay come to a median of $1,234 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,240.

Median housing costs per month
$1,234/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Clay
$2,240/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Clay

Clay education at a glance

About 38.5% of the population in Clay went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 16% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 119 1.6% 41.7%
High school diploma 2,842 38.5% -10.3%
College diploma 1,911 25.9% 5.3%
Associate degree 869 11.8% -5.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,179 16% -7.2%
Graduate degree 459 6.2% -5.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Clay

How much people earn in Clay

The average annual household income in Clay was $85,549 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,920, reflecting a -4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clay
$85,549/year
-5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clay
$81,920/year
-4.9% year-over-year change

Clay income by age

In Clay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,920. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,980 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,080, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,096 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,080 23.1%
25 - 44 $94,920 3.5%
45 - 64 $97,980 1.9%
Over 65 $39,096 -29.3%
Above poverty level
8,316
Below poverty level
1,672
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,316 83.3% -7.9%
Below poverty level 1,672 16.7% 67.4%

Average renter income in Clay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clay, their median household income was $29,432 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 91.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,432
Rent-to-income ratio
91.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Clay

Workforce and job types in Clay

The job market in Clay is powered by 4,800 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 66.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,800
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
3,876
Blue collar
924
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,876 80.8% 5.5%
Blue collar 924 19.2% -29.9%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
66.5%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 210 4.4% -22.8%
Private companies 3,194 66.5% 1.0%
Governmental workers 957 19.9% -17.2%
Not for profit companies 439 9.2% 8.9%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
31.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clay stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Clay

How people get around in Clay

Commuting methods vary: 93.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,431 93.1% -0.7%
Walk 15 0.3% 7.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Clay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35126 22,599 7,805 $83,732 $89,620
35173 31,603 11,364 $117,105 $137,441

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FAQs about Clay demographics 

What is the total population of Clay?

Clay has a total population of 10,273 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clay?

The gender ratio in Clay is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (4,822 residents)
  • 53.1% females (5,451 residents)

What is the median age in Clay?

The median age in Clay is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clay?

The age distribution in Clay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (2,050 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (1,477 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (2,404 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (2,398 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (1,944 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay is as follows:
  • White: 47.9% (4,921 residents)
  • Black or African American: 43% (4,416 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.6% (267 residents)
  • Asian: 2.5% (254 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (328 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (87 residents)

What percentage of the population in Clay are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Clay.

How many housing units are there in Clay?

There are 4,335 housing units in Clay, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Clay and what is the average household size?

Clay has a total of 3,740 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clay?

Clay has a median household income of $81,920, representing a -4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Clay?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Clay, with a workforce of 4,800 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (3,876 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (924 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (210 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.5% (3,194 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (957 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (439 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025