Clay County, Tennessee Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Clay County is located in Tennessee with a total population of 7,621. It is the 90th most populous county out of 95 in Tennessee.

Age Demographics

The median age in Clay County is 48.8 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 10.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Clay County is $44,712. This is 33% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.7%. This is 58% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. 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 5.2%. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $136,900. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Clay County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.0%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 15.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 7.1%.

Education

12.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 30.4%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.8%.