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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 11,391. It ranks #92 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 54.5, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $53,645, below the US median of $74,580. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $263,300, with monthly rent averaging $791. The homeownership rate of 79.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 31.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.6 minutes each way.
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.