Clay County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Missouri
The population of Clay County, Missouri is 255,566 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $86,150, the median home value is $256,400, and the median age is 37.6.
The population of Clay County has grown 18.3% since 2010 (222,649 → 263,370), a +1.21% annualized rate.
255,566
Population
+1.21%
Annual growth
643
People / sq mi
$86,150
Median Income
$256,400
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 398 sq mi of land at 642.7 people per square mile.
About Clay County, MO
What distinguishes Clay County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 643 people per square mile. Clay County is a county in Missouri with a population of 255,566. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Missouri in the country, at #6 by population.
The typical household earns $86,150 a year, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.8%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $256,400, with typical rent around $1,220.
About 36.0% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 14.0%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Clay County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 222,649 in 2010 and 263,370 in 2024, a 18.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 263,370 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.21%.
263,370
Population (2024)
222,649
Population (2010)
263,370
Peak (2024)
1.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 222,649 |
| 2011 | 225,271 |
| 2012 | 227,636 |
| 2013 | 230,401 |
| 2014 | 233,142 |
| 2015 | 235,344 |
| 2016 | 238,837 |
| 2017 | 242,780 |
| 2018 | 246,798 |
| 2019 | 250,522 |
| 2020 | 254,145 |
| 2021 | 255,908 |
| 2022 | 257,037 |
| 2023 | 260,150 |
| 2024 | 263,370 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.1% |
| Black or African American | 6.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.6
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
14.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 14.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,150+$17,230 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,515 |
| Per-capita income | $42,336 |
| Poverty rate | 5.8%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
76.3%
Public transit
14.0%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$256,400+$40,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,220
Median rent
68.9%
Homeownership rate
106,689
Total housing units
94.7%
Occupied
5.3%
Vacant
31.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.7%
With health insurance
96.1%
With broadband internet
35.7%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
92.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
36.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Missouri has a population of 255,566 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 643 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has grown 18.3% since 2010 (222,649 → 263,370), a +1.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Missouri is $86,150, with mean (average) household income of $105,515 and per-capita income of $42,336. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.1%), Black or African American (6.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Missouri is 37.6 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $256,400 and median monthly rent is $1,220. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 106,689 total housing units, 5.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Clay County, MO Climate
Clay County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 976 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
976
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 30 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 32 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 65 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 88 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 127 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 120 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 104 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 96 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 124 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 86 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 61 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 43 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May 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.