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 a county in Tennessee with a population of 7,621. It ranks #90 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 48.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $44,712, below the US median of $74,580. 14.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $136,900, with monthly rent averaging $546. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 12.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.3 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.
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Full rankings of Tennessee counties
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.