Clay County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Clay County, Mississippi is 18,462 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $39,904, the median home value is $115,600, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Clay County has declined 11.5% since 2010 (20,569 → 18,213), a -0.87% annualized rate.
18,462
Population
-0.87%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$39,904
Median Income
$115,600
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 410 sq mi of land at 45.0 people per square mile.
About Clay County, MS
Among US counties, Clay County stands out first on household income: a median of $39,904, below the US median of $78,538. Clay County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 18,462. It ranks #49 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $39,904, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 20.6%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $115,600, with typical rent around $718.
18.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.2%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 20,569 in 2010 and 18,213 in 2024, a -11.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,569 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.86%.
18,213
Population (2024)
20,569
Population (2010)
20,569
Peak (2010)
-0.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,569 |
| 2011 | 20,504 |
| 2012 | 20,406 |
| 2013 | 20,365 |
| 2014 | 20,156 |
| 2015 | 20,019 |
| 2016 | 19,853 |
| 2017 | 19,633 |
| 2018 | 19,387 |
| 2019 | 19,349 |
| 2020 | 18,621 |
| 2021 | 18,482 |
| 2022 | 18,334 |
| 2023 | 18,265 |
| 2024 | 18,213 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.9% |
| Black or African American | 60.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
53.2%
Female
46.8%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $39,904$-15,011 vs state |
| Mean household income | $57,551 |
| Per-capita income | $24,734 |
| Poverty rate | 20.6%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.2%
Carpool
86.1%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$115,600$-45,800 vs state
Median home value
$718
Median rent
70.7%
Homeownership rate
9,035
Total housing units
85.5%
Occupied
14.5%
Vacant
29.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.5%
With health insurance
87.6%
With broadband internet
13.7%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.8%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Mississippi has a population of 18,462 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 11.5% since 2010 (20,569 → 18,213), a -0.87% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Mississippi is $39,904, with mean (average) household income of $57,551 and per-capita income of $24,734. 20.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (60.1%), White (37.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Mississippi is 40.1 years. Residents are 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $115,600 and median monthly rent is $718. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,035 total housing units, 14.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Clay County, MS Climate
Clay County, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1405 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1405
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 42° | 134 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 122 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 156 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 141 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 123 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 99 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 110 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 82 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 92 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 88 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 118 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 140 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, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, MS are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clay County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.