Clay County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Arkansas
The population of Clay County, Arkansas is 14,399 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $48,500, the median home value is $88,100, and the median age is 42.6.
The population of Clay County has declined 12.1% since 2010 (16,050 → 14,112), a -0.91% annualized rate.
14,399
Population
-0.91%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$48,500
Median Income
$88,100
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 639 sq mi of land at 22.5 people per square mile.
About Clay County, AR
Housing cost is the defining feature of Clay County: the median home is valued at $88,100. Clay County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 14,399.
The typical household earns $48,500, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $88,100, with typical rent around $696.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 16,050 in 2010 and 14,112 in 2024, a -12.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,050 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.91%.
14,112
Population (2024)
16,050
Population (2010)
16,050
Peak (2010)
-0.91%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,050 |
| 2011 | 15,876 |
| 2012 | 15,710 |
| 2013 | 15,482 |
| 2014 | 15,298 |
| 2015 | 15,206 |
| 2016 | 15,059 |
| 2017 | 14,859 |
| 2018 | 14,763 |
| 2019 | 14,494 |
| 2020 | 14,534 |
| 2021 | 14,334 |
| 2022 | 14,229 |
| 2023 | 14,191 |
| 2024 | 14,112 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,500$-10,273 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,441 |
| Per-capita income | $27,614 |
| Poverty rate | 13.7%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
80.0%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
23.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$88,100$-87,200 vs state
Median home value
$696
Median rent
71.5%
Homeownership rate
7,499
Total housing units
81.6%
Occupied
18.4%
Vacant
28.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
87.5%
With broadband internet
44.4%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
22.0%
With a disability
99.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.6%
High School+
15.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Arkansas has a population of 14,399 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 12.1% since 2010 (16,050 → 14,112), a -0.91% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Arkansas is $48,500, with mean (average) household income of $63,441 and per-capita income of $27,614. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), Asian (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Arkansas is 42.6 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $88,100 and median monthly rent is $696. 71.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,499 total housing units, 18.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Clay County, AR Climate
Clay County, AR has an average annual temperature of 14.7°C (58°F) and receives about 1223 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.7°C
Avg Temp
1223
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 35° | 84 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 92 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 129 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 119 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 127 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 89 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 86 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 81 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 84 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 123 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 113 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Clay County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, AR are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clay County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.