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
The poverty rate is what most separates Clay County from the typical county: 27.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 20,105 residents, Clay County is a county in Kentucky.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $39,607, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 27.3%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $87,300, with typical rent around $698.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Clay County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.