Clay County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 90th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Clay County, Tennessee is 7,621 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 90th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $44,712, the median home value is $136,900, and the median age is 48.8.
The population of Clay County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (7,847 → 7,857), a +0.01% annualized rate.
7,621
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$44,712
Median Income
$136,900
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 237 sq mi of land at 32.2 people per square mile.
About Clay County, TN
Clay County is defined demographically by education — 12.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 7,621 residents, Clay County is a county in Tennessee.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $44,712, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.4%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $136,900, with typical rent around $546.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.0%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 7,847 in 2010 and 7,857 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,857 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
7,857
Population (2024)
7,847
Population (2010)
7,857
Peak (2024)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,847 |
| 2011 | 7,744 |
| 2012 | 7,706 |
| 2013 | 7,693 |
| 2014 | 7,626 |
| 2015 | 7,668 |
| 2016 | 7,660 |
| 2017 | 7,661 |
| 2018 | 7,654 |
| 2019 | 7,597 |
| 2020 | 7,594 |
| 2021 | 7,591 |
| 2022 | 7,635 |
| 2023 | 7,672 |
| 2024 | 7,857 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.8
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
25.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.1% · Seniors (65+): 25.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,712$-22,385 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,826 |
| Per-capita income | $23,401 |
| Poverty rate | 14.4%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
0.1%
Carpool
85.4%
Public transit
4.2%
Work from home
28.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,900$-119,900 vs state
Median home value
$546
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
3,987
Total housing units
80.3%
Occupied
19.7%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
86.3%
With broadband internet
37.4%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
23.1%
With a disability
96.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.8%
High School+
12.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, Tennessee has a population of 7,621 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 90th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (7,847 → 7,857), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, Tennessee is $44,712, with mean (average) household income of $55,826 and per-capita income of $23,401. 14.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, Tennessee is 48.8 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $136,900 and median monthly rent is $546. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,987 total housing units, 19.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Clay County, TN Climate
Clay County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F) and receives about 1349 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14°C
Avg Temp
1349
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 105 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 108 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 134 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 109 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 124 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 110 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 128 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 100 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 116 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 130 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Clay County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clay County
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Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.