Clay County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Clay County, Nebraska is 6,084 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $75,938, the median home value is $146,300, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Clay County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (6,537 → 6,103), a -0.49% annualized rate.
6,084
Population
-0.49%
Annual growth
11
People / sq mi
$75,938
Median Income
$146,300
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 572 sq mi of land at 10.6 people per square mile.
About Clay County, NE
Clay County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,084. It ranks #47 among counties in Nebraska by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $75,938, near the US median of $74,580. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $146,300, with monthly rent averaging $701. The homeownership rate of 80.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 22.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.2 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 6,537 in 2010 and 6,103 in 2024, a -6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,537 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.48%.
6,103
Population (2024)
6,537
Population (2010)
6,537
Peak (2010)
-0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,537 |
| 2011 | 6,455 |
| 2012 | 6,385 |
| 2013 | 6,360 |
| 2014 | 6,316 |
| 2015 | 6,289 |
| 2016 | 6,134 |
| 2017 | 6,190 |
| 2018 | 6,208 |
| 2019 | 6,219 |
| 2020 | 6,110 |
| 2021 | 6,046 |
| 2022 | 6,070 |
| 2023 | 6,144 |
| 2024 | 6,103 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
20.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,938+$953 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,153 |
| Per-capita income | $38,344 |
| Poverty rate | 5.8%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
82.0%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
22.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,300$-77,500 vs state
Median home value
$701
Median rent
80.6%
Homeownership rate
2,816
Total housing units
87.9%
Occupied
12.1%
Vacant
19.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
19.5%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.1%
High School+
22.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Nebraska has a population of 6,084 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 11 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (6,537 → 6,103), a -0.49% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Nebraska is $75,938, with mean (average) household income of $94,153 and per-capita income of $38,344. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Nebraska is 40.1 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $146,300 and median monthly rent is $701. 80.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,816 total housing units, 12.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
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Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.