Clay County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Kansas
The population of Clay County, Kansas is 8,071 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $63,136, the median home value is $149,600, and the median age is 43.1.
The population of Clay County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (8,544 → 7,969), a -0.50% annualized rate.
8,071
Population
-0.50%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$63,136
Median Income
$149,600
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 645 sq mi of land at 12.5 people per square mile.
About Clay County, KS
Clay County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 13 people per square mile. With 8,071 residents, Clay County is a county in Kansas. It ranks #47 among counties in Kansas by population.
The typical household here earns about $63,136, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $149,600, with typical rent around $911.
Roughly 23.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.6% 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 8,544 in 2010 and 7,969 in 2024, a -6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,544 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.49%.
7,969
Population (2024)
8,544
Population (2010)
8,544
Peak (2010)
-0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,544 |
| 2011 | 8,526 |
| 2012 | 8,499 |
| 2013 | 8,384 |
| 2014 | 8,298 |
| 2015 | 8,291 |
| 2016 | 8,106 |
| 2017 | 8,003 |
| 2018 | 8,008 |
| 2019 | 8,009 |
| 2020 | 8,127 |
| 2021 | 8,099 |
| 2022 | 8,048 |
| 2023 | 7,996 |
| 2024 | 7,969 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.1
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
24.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,136$-9,503 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,647 |
| Per-capita income | $35,913 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
78.1%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$149,600$-53,800 vs state
Median home value
$911
Median rent
73.2%
Homeownership rate
3,940
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
26.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
88.2%
With broadband internet
25.1%
Foreign-born
16.6%
Veterans (18+)
18.3%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
23.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kansas
Other counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Kansas has a population of 8,071 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (8,544 → 7,969), a -0.50% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Kansas is $63,136, with mean (average) household income of $78,647 and per-capita income of $35,913. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.3%), Black or African American (2.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Kansas is 43.1 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $149,600 and median monthly rent is $911. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,940 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
Clay County, KS Climate
Clay County, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 775 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
775
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 16 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 20 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 56 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 64 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 109 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 117 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 95 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 88 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 88 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 63 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 35 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 24 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, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, KS are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June 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.