Clay Center, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,132
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,695/yr
11.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,964
-2.6% year-over-year change

Clay Center population

How many people live in Clay Center

Clay Center is home to 4,132 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Clay Center locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
4,132
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
2,178
Female
47.3%
1,954
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,178 52.7% 2.2%
Female 1,954 47.3% -3.2%
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 Center is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 21.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
21.3%
Over 65
23.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 848 20.5% -3.0%
15 to 24 486 11.8% 5.4%
25 to 44 929 22.5% 0.9%
45 to 64 880 21.3% 18.8%
Over 65 989 23.9% -14.1%
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 Center, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.2% of locals are Caucasian, 4.1% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,064 98.4% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 0.5% 61.5%
Non-citizens 47 1.1% 27.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,770 91.2%
Black or African American 171 4.1%
Asian 29 0.7%
Two or more races 162 3.9%

Households in Clay Center

A peek inside Clay Center households

Clay Center has 1,809 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68% are families, while the remaining 32% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,809
-4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
579
Family households
1,230
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 579 32% -12.1%
Family households 1,230 68% -0.9%
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 Center

The housing landscape of Clay Center

Clay Center's housing consists of 1,964 units, with 84% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,964
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,650 84%
1 unit, attached 55 2.8%
2 units 69 3.5%
3 or 4 units 16 0.8%
5 to 9 units 27 1.4%
10 to 19 units 46 2.3%
20 to 49 units 1 0%
50 or more units 75 3.8%
Mobile home 25 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clay Center

In Clay Center, the median construction year is 1959. About 26.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 521 26.5% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 180 9.2% -28.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 297 15.1% 11.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 223 11.4% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 346 17.6% -9.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 44 2.2% 57.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 212 10.8% -2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 70 3.6% 27.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 3.6% 4.4%
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 Center occupancy rates

Out of the 1,809 occupied housing units in Clay Center, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,809
-4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
609
Owner occupied
1,200
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 609 33.7% -19.9%
Owner occupied 1,200 66.3% 5.3%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
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 Center housing costs

Housing costs in Clay Center come to a median of $948 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $983.

Median housing costs per month
$948/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 Center
$983/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 Center

Clay Center education at a glance

About 37.7% of the population in Clay Center went to high school, while 29.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 51 1.6% -13.6%
High school diploma 1,181 37.7% -15.3%
College diploma 920 29.3% 3.7%
Associate degree 307 9.8% 9.2%
Bachelor's degree 419 13.4% 26.6%
Graduate degree 258 8.2% 40.2%
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 Center

How much people earn in Clay Center

The average annual household income in Clay Center was $68,269 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,695, reflecting a +11.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clay Center
$68,269/year
12.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clay Center
$62,695/year
11.1% year-over-year change

Clay Center income by age

In Clay Center, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,307. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,266 overall. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $74,307 5.1%
45 - 64 $113,266 38.9%
Over 65 $35,481 -22.4%
Above poverty level
3,446
Below poverty level
492
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,446 87.5% -2.7%
Below poverty level 492 12.5% 11.6%

Average renter income in Clay Center

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Clay Center, their median household income was $23,641 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 49.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,641
Rent-to-income ratio
49.9%
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 Center

Workforce and job types in Clay Center

The job market in Clay Center is powered by 1,680 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.2% run their own businesses, 43.3% are employed by private companies, and 29.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,680
7.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,100
Blue collar
580
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,100 65.5% 20.9%
Blue collar 580 34.5% -11.7%
Employer type
Self employees
19.2%
Private companies
43.3%
Governmental workers
29.3%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 322 19.2% -5.6%
Private companies 728 43.3% 3.3%
Governmental workers 492 29.3% 33.3%
Not for profit companies 138 8.2% -9.2%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
-26.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clay Center stands at 1.1%, 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 Center

How people get around in Clay Center

Commuting methods vary: 90.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 1,504 90.1% 4.6%
Walk 16 1% 6.7%
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 Center by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67432 5,607 2,440 $70,275 $85,364

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FAQs about Clay Center demographics 

What is the total population of Clay Center?

Clay Center has a total population of 4,132 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clay Center?

The gender ratio in Clay Center is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (2,178 residents)
  • 47.3% females (1,954 residents)

What is the median age in Clay Center?

The median age in Clay Center is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Clay Center?

The age distribution in Clay Center is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (848 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (486 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (929 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.3% (880 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.9% (989 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clay Center?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay Center is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (3,770 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (171 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (162 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Clay Center.

How many housing units are there in Clay Center?

There are 1,964 housing units in Clay Center, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Clay Center has a total of 1,809 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clay Center?

Clay Center has a median household income of $62,695, representing a +11.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.9% in Clay Center, with a workforce of 1,680 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.5% (1,100 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.5% (580 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.2% (322 residents)
  • Private companies: 43.3% (728 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.3% (492 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (138 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