Clay County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,610
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,971/yr
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,497
1.2% year-over-year change

Clay County population

How many people live in Clay County

Clay County is home to 11,610 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Clay County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
11,610
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
5,784
Female
50.2%
5,826
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,784 49.8% 4.5%
Female 5,826 50.2% -0.5%
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 County is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.5% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
55
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
16.5%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
32.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,526 13.1% 2.3%
15 to 24 1,057 9.1% 0.1%
25 to 44 1,911 16.5% -4.0%
45 to 64 3,310 28.5% 4.3%
Over 65 3,806 32.8% 3.5%
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 County, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,149 96% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 338 2.9% -12.9%
Non-citizens 123 1.1% 1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 10,768 92.8%
Black or African American 256 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 0.4%
Asian 66 0.6%
Two or more races 292 2.5%
Other 185 1.6%

Households in Clay County

A peek inside Clay County households

Clay County has 5,081 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,081
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,107
Family households
2,974
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,107 41.5% 1.1%
Family households 2,974 58.5% 0.5%
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 County

The housing landscape of Clay County

Clay County's housing consists of 7,497 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 15.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,497
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,784 77.2%
1 unit, attached 16 0.2%
2 units 54 0.7%
3 or 4 units 103 1.4%
5 to 9 units 95 1.3%
20 to 49 units 44 0.6%
50 or more units 196 2.6%
Mobile home 1,165 15.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 40 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
83
80.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clay County

In Clay County, the median construction year is 1990. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 222 3% -22.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 310 4.1% 24.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 334 4.5% 0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 400 5.3% 2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,312 17.5% -5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,178 15.7% 3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,552 20.7% 9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,611 21.5% -6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 495 6.6% 15.1%
Built in 2020 or later 83 1.1% 80.4%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,081 occupied housing units in Clay County, 81.2% are owner-occupied, while 18.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,081
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
956
Owner occupied
4,125
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 956 18.8% -6.0%
Owner occupied 4,125 81.2% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
32.2%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Clay County come to a median of $806 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $804.

Median housing costs per month
$806/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 County
$804/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 County

Clay County education at a glance

About 30.7% of the population in Clay County went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 13.7% earned an associate degree and 20.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 284 2.9% -25.1%
High school diploma 2,988 30.7% -4.4%
College diploma 2,271 23.3% 10.0%
Associate degree 1,333 13.7% 11.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,981 20.3% 5.4%
Graduate degree 888 9.1% -1.1%
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 County

How much people earn in Clay County

The average annual household income in Clay County was $84,069 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,971, reflecting a +6.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clay County
$84,069/year
8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clay County
$56,971/year
6.2% year-over-year change

Clay County income by age

In Clay County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,821. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,286 overall. Overall, 87.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $84,821 3.8%
45 - 64 $54,286 0.6%
Over 65 $54,375 20.4%
Above poverty level
9,703
Below poverty level
1,398
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,703 87.4% 0.6%
Below poverty level 1,398 12.6% -5.5%

Employment in Clay County

Workforce and job types in Clay County

The job market in Clay County is powered by 4,446 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.8% run their own businesses, 56.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,446
7.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,469
Blue collar
977
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,469 78% 3.7%
Blue collar 977 22% 22.0%
Employer type
Self employees
17.8%
Private companies
56.9%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 792 17.8% 14.6%
Private companies 2,531 56.9% -0.6%
Governmental workers 704 15.8% 29.2%
Not for profit companies 419 9.4% 14.5%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-34.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clay County stands at 2.6%, 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 County

How people get around in Clay County

Commuting methods vary: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 3,993 90.6% 9.2%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 0.0%
Walk 8 0.2% 300.0%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28902 986 470 $88,456 $88,554
28904 10,050 4,534 $56,480 $83,976
28909 1,002 261 $80,875 $94,152

Explore more communities

FAQs about Clay County demographics 

What is the total population of Clay County?

Clay County has a total population of 11,610 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clay County?

The gender ratio in Clay County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (5,784 residents)
  • 50.2% females (5,826 residents)

What is the median age in Clay County?

The median age in Clay County is 55.

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

The age distribution in Clay County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (1,526 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (1,057 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.5% (1,911 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (3,310 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.8% (3,806 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clay County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay County is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (10,768 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (256 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (66 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.5% (292 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (185 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Clay County.

How many housing units are there in Clay County?

There are 7,497 housing units in Clay County, 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 County and what is the average household size?

Clay County has a total of 5,081 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Clay County?

Clay County has a median household income of $56,971, representing a +6.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Clay County, with a workforce of 4,446 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (3,469 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (977 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.8% (792 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.9% (2,531 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (704 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (419 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