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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Clay County: 80.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Clay County is a county in Nebraska with a population of 6,084. It ranks #47 among counties in Nebraska by population.
Median household income is $75,938, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.8% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $146,300, with typical rent around $701.
22.9% 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 8.1%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Clay County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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.
Clay County, NE Climate
Clay County, NE has an average annual temperature of 10.4°C (51°F) and receives about 690 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.4°C
Avg Temp
690
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 12 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 17 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 52 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 67 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 108 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 98 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 85 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 77 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 80 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 47 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 29 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 18 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, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, NE are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°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.