Clay County, Arkansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Clay County is located in Arkansas with a total population of 14,399. It is the 51st most populous county out of 75 in Arkansas. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Clay County is 42.6 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Clay County is $48,500. This is 17% lower than the state median of $58,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%. This is 7% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $88,100. Housing costs are 50% lower than the state median of $175,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Clay County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 71.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 66.1%.

Race & Ethnicity

Clay County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.8%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 14.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 8.8%. The Asian population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

15.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 25.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.7%.