Clay County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Clay County, Minnesota is 65,628 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $77,664, the median home value is $256,000, and the median age is 33.5.
The population of Clay County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (59,144 → 66,848), a +0.88% annualized rate.
65,628
Population
+0.88%
Annual growth
63
People / sq mi
$77,664
Median Income
$256,000
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 1,045 sq mi of land at 62.8 people per square mile.
About Clay County, MN
Clay County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 54.2% of the population. With 65,628 residents, Clay County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #16 among counties in Minnesota by population.
The typical household earns $77,664 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 7.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $256,000, with typical rent around $1,000.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 39.0% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 11.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Clay County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 59,144 in 2010 and 66,848 in 2024, a 13.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 66,848 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.88%.
66,848
Population (2024)
59,144
Population (2010)
66,848
Peak (2024)
0.88%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 59,144 |
| 2011 | 59,937 |
| 2012 | 60,229 |
| 2013 | 60,567 |
| 2014 | 61,297 |
| 2015 | 62,235 |
| 2016 | 63,090 |
| 2017 | 63,844 |
| 2018 | 64,079 |
| 2019 | 64,441 |
| 2020 | 65,359 |
| 2021 | 65,674 |
| 2022 | 65,989 |
| 2023 | 66,425 |
| 2024 | 66,848 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.8% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
33.5
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
13.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.8% · Seniors (65+): 13.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,664$-9,892 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,841 |
| Per-capita income | $38,791 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
75.2%
Public transit
11.0%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$256,000$-49,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,000
Median rent
66.6%
Homeownership rate
27,241
Total housing units
95.2%
Occupied
4.8%
Vacant
33.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.4%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
54.2%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.2%
With a disability
92.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.0%
High School+
39.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Minnesota has a population of 65,628 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 63 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has grown 13.0% since 2010 (59,144 → 66,848), a +0.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Minnesota is $77,664, with mean (average) household income of $96,841 and per-capita income of $38,791. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.3%), Black or African American (4.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Minnesota is 33.5 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $256,000 and median monthly rent is $1,000. 66.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,241 total housing units, 4.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.