Clay County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Iowa
The population of Clay County, Iowa is 16,446 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $64,082, the median home value is $171,500, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Clay County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (16,633 → 16,474), a -0.07% annualized rate.
16,446
Population
-0.07%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$64,082
Median Income
$171,500
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 567 sq mi of land at 29.0 people per square mile.
About Clay County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Clay County from the typical county: 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 16,446 residents, Clay County is a county in Iowa. It ranks #46 among counties in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,082, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $171,500, with typical rent around $798.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 26.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 16,633 in 2010 and 16,474 in 2024, a -1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,633 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.07%.
16,474
Population (2024)
16,633
Population (2010)
16,633
Peak (2010)
-0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,633 |
| 2011 | 16,598 |
| 2012 | 16,540 |
| 2013 | 16,440 |
| 2014 | 16,483 |
| 2015 | 16,498 |
| 2016 | 16,301 |
| 2017 | 16,151 |
| 2018 | 16,167 |
| 2019 | 16,094 |
| 2020 | 16,337 |
| 2021 | 16,459 |
| 2022 | 16,506 |
| 2023 | 16,530 |
| 2024 | 16,474 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,082$-9,065 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,566 |
| Per-capita income | $37,963 |
| Poverty rate | 6.6%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
78.9%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$171,500$-24,400 vs state
Median home value
$798
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
8,141
Total housing units
89.0%
Occupied
11.0%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
23.7%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
26.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Iowa has a population of 16,446 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 1.0% since 2010 (16,633 → 16,474), a -0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Iowa is $64,082, with mean (average) household income of $83,566 and per-capita income of $37,963. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Iowa is 41.8 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $171,500 and median monthly rent is $798. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,141 total housing units, 11.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.