Clay County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 92nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Clay County, North Carolina is 11,391 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 92nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $53,645, the median home value is $263,300, and the median age is 54.5.
The population of Clay County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (10,609 → 12,042), a +0.91% annualized rate.
11,391
Population
+0.91%
Annual growth
53
People / sq mi
$53,645
Median Income
$263,300
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 215 sq mi of land at 53.0 people per square mile.
About Clay County, NC
Clay County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 63.3% of the population. With 11,391 residents, Clay County is a county in North Carolina.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,645, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $263,300, with typical rent around $791.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.5%, and the average commute runs about 24 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 10,609 in 2010 and 12,042 in 2024, a 13.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,042 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.91%.
12,042
Population (2024)
10,609
Population (2010)
12,042
Peak (2024)
0.91%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,609 |
| 2011 | 10,684 |
| 2012 | 10,660 |
| 2013 | 10,606 |
| 2014 | 10,578 |
| 2015 | 10,644 |
| 2016 | 10,785 |
| 2017 | 11,033 |
| 2018 | 11,149 |
| 2019 | 11,277 |
| 2020 | 11,145 |
| 2021 | 11,380 |
| 2022 | 11,610 |
| 2023 | 11,873 |
| 2024 | 12,042 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.5
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
32.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.1% · Seniors (65+): 32.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,645$-16,259 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,507 |
| Per-capita income | $35,326 |
| Poverty rate | 6.6%-2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.0%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$263,300+$3,900 vs state
Median home value
$791
Median rent
79.8%
Homeownership rate
7,410
Total housing units
68.0%
Occupied
32.0%
Vacant
20.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.7%
With health insurance
86.0%
With broadband internet
63.3%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
31.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, North Carolina has a population of 11,391 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 92nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 53 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (10,609 → 12,042), a +0.91% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, North Carolina is $53,645, with mean (average) household income of $77,507 and per-capita income of $35,326. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, North Carolina is 54.5 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $263,300 and median monthly rent is $791. 79.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,410 total housing units, 32.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.