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
Clay County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,446. It ranks #46 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $64,082, below the US median of $74,580. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $171,500, with monthly rent averaging $798. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 26.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.1 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.