Clay County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Clay County, Kentucky is 20,105 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $39,607, the median home value is $87,300, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Clay County has declined 9.6% since 2010 (21,668 → 19,592), a -0.72% annualized rate.
20,105
Population
-0.72%
Annual growth
43
People / sq mi
$39,607
Median Income
$87,300
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 469 sq mi of land at 42.8 people per square mile.
About Clay County, KY
Clay County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 20,105. It ranks #57 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $39,607, below the US median of $74,580. 27.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $87,300, with monthly rent averaging $698. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 16.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.6 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 21,668 in 2010 and 19,592 in 2024, a -9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,668 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.71%.
19,592
Population (2024)
21,668
Population (2010)
21,668
Peak (2010)
-0.71%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,668 |
| 2011 | 21,602 |
| 2012 | 21,530 |
| 2013 | 21,199 |
| 2014 | 21,093 |
| 2015 | 20,986 |
| 2016 | 20,627 |
| 2017 | 20,264 |
| 2018 | 20,116 |
| 2019 | 19,912 |
| 2020 | 20,309 |
| 2021 | 20,162 |
| 2022 | 19,884 |
| 2023 | 19,658 |
| 2024 | 19,592 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.2% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
47.6%
Female
52.4%
Male
15.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 15.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $39,607$-22,810 vs state |
| Mean household income | $56,278 |
| Per-capita income | $21,888 |
| Poverty rate | 27.3%+15.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
27.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$87,300$-105,000 vs state
Median home value
$698
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
8,642
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
85.6%
With broadband internet
16.7%
Foreign-born
4.2%
Veterans (18+)
28.1%
With a disability
99.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
74.1%
High School+
16.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Kentucky has a population of 20,105 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 43 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 9.6% since 2010 (21,668 → 19,592), a -0.72% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Kentucky is $39,607, with mean (average) household income of $56,278 and per-capita income of $21,888. 27.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.2%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Kentucky is 40.6 years. Residents are 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $87,300 and median monthly rent is $698. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,642 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Statewide data for Kentucky
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.