Clay County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Clay County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 20,105. It is the 57th most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Clay County is 40.6 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Clay County is $39,607. This is 37% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 50% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%. This is 97% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.2%. This is 111% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $87,300. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Clay County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Clay County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.4% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 4.7%.

Education

16.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 74.1%.