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

Total population
6,095
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,986/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,817
0.0% year-over-year change

Clay County population

How many people live in Clay County

Clay County is home to 6,095 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Clay County locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
6,095
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
3,091
Female
49.3%
3,004
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,091 50.7% -0.6%
Female 3,004 49.3% 0.9%
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 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,248 20.5% 0.2%
15 to 24 673 11% 3.1%
25 to 44 1,368 22.4% -0.4%
45 to 64 1,570 25.8% 0.6%
Over 65 1,236 20.3% -1.3%
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, 96.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,907 96.9% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 125 2% 38.9%
Non-citizens 63 1% -14.9%
Racial breakdown
White
88.3%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 5,383 88.3%
Black or African American 44 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 0.9%
Asian 2 0%
Two or more races 313 5.1%
Other 298 4.9%

Households in Clay County

A peek inside Clay County households

Clay County has 2,490 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71% are families, while the remaining 29% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,490
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
722
Family households
1,768
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 722 29% 1.3%
Family households 1,768 71% 0.3%
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 County

The housing landscape of Clay County

Clay County's housing consists of 2,817 units, with 87.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,817
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,470 87.7%
1 unit, attached 48 1.7%
2 units 55 2%
3 or 4 units 127 4.5%
5 to 9 units 33 1.2%
10 to 19 units 16 0.6%
20 to 49 units 10 0.4%
50 or more units 5 0.2%
Mobile home 53 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
35
218.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Clay County

In Clay County, the median construction year is 1954. About 40.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,143 40.6% 6.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 200 7.1% -8.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 165 5.9% -6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 276 9.8% 15.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 425 15.1% -13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 138 4.9% -8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 164 5.8% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 190 6.7% -19.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 81 2.9% 50.0%
Built in 2020 or later 35 1.2% 218.2%
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 2,490 occupied housing units in Clay County, 81.9% are owner-occupied, while 18.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,490
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
450
Owner occupied
2,040
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 450 18.1% -6.0%
Owner occupied 2,040 81.9% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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 $731 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $645.

Median housing costs per month
$731/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
$645/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 40.8% of the population in Clay County went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 14.3% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 1.4% 1.6%
High school diploma 1,875 40.8% -2.1%
College diploma 1,053 22.9% 8.6%
Associate degree 658 14.3% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 640 13.9% -5.0%
Graduate degree 308 6.7% 0.0%
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 $96,609 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,986, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Clay County
$96,609/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Clay County
$78,986/year
4.0% 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 $91,208. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,958 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,688, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,417 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,688 129.8%
25 - 44 $91,208 10.6%
45 - 64 $93,958 2.2%
Over 65 $54,417 -8.3%
Above poverty level
5,473
Below poverty level
410
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,473 93% 1.3%
Below poverty level 410 7% -15.5%

Employment in Clay County

Workforce and job types in Clay County

The job market in Clay County is powered by 3,135 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.8% run their own businesses, 53.4% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,135
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,195
Blue collar
940
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,195 70% -1.0%
Blue collar 940 30% -0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
19.8%
Private companies
53.4%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 621 19.8% -0.6%
Private companies 1,674 53.4% -3.4%
Governmental workers 593 18.9% 10.4%
Not for profit companies 247 7.9% -7.1%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
29.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Clay County stands at 1.9%, 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% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 2,785 90% 1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.1% -33.3%
Motorcycle 5 0.2% 150.0%
Bicycle 5 0.2% -28.6%
Walk 71 2.3% -11.2%
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
68452 67 36 $63,000 $65,481
68933 851 337 $89,583 $105,825
68934 84 46 $0 $64,459
68935 726 290 $61,667 $73,817
68938 532 249 $68,250 $85,876
68941 683 301 $72,460 $95,017
68944 1,252 521 $69,432 $87,355
68954 43 19 $45,893 $48,042
68975 88 30 $92,500 $85,387
68979 1,572 696 $85,862 $112,297

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FAQs about Clay County demographics 

What is the total population of Clay County?

Clay County has a total population of 6,095 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Clay County?

The gender ratio in Clay County is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (3,091 residents)
  • 49.3% females (3,004 residents)

What is the median age in Clay County?

The median age in Clay County is 39.1.

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

The age distribution in Clay County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (1,248 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (673 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (1,368 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (1,570 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.3% (1,236 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Clay County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clay County is as follows:
  • White: 88.3% (5,383 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (44 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (313 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (298 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.9% of the population in Clay County.

How many housing units are there in Clay County?

There are 2,817 housing units in Clay County, reflecting a +0.0% 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 2,490 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 $78,986, representing a +4.0% 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 98.1% in Clay County, with a workforce of 3,135 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70% (2,195 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30% (940 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.8% (621 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.4% (1,674 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (593 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (247 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