Clay County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Clay County, West Virginia is 7,946 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $42,790, the median home value is $107,100, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Clay County has declined 18.0% since 2010 (9,382 → 7,689), a -1.41% annualized rate.
7,946
Population
-1.41%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$42,790
Median Income
$107,100
Median Home Value
Clay County covers 342 sq mi of land at 23.2 people per square mile.
About Clay County, WV
Educational attainment is the headline number in Clay County: 11.8% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 7,946 residents, Clay County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #47 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $42,790, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.1%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $107,100, with typical rent around $589.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 11.8%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 39 minutes each way.
Clay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clay County had a population of 9,382 in 2010 and 7,689 in 2024, a -18.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,382 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.40%.
7,689
Population (2024)
9,382
Population (2010)
9,382
Peak (2010)
-1.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,382 |
| 2011 | 9,344 |
| 2012 | 9,217 |
| 2013 | 9,150 |
| 2014 | 8,892 |
| 2015 | 8,886 |
| 2016 | 8,842 |
| 2017 | 8,704 |
| 2018 | 8,604 |
| 2019 | 8,506 |
| 2020 | 8,013 |
| 2021 | 7,914 |
| 2022 | 7,819 |
| 2023 | 7,740 |
| 2024 | 7,689 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $42,790$-15,127 vs state |
| Mean household income | $57,968 |
| Per-capita income | $23,748 |
| Poverty rate | 18.1%+6.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 36.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clay County is professional & business services, accounting for 34.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
75.5%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
38.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$107,100$-48,500 vs state
Median home value
$589
Median rent
79.0%
Homeownership rate
3,945
Total housing units
75.0%
Occupied
25.0%
Vacant
21.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
86.4%
With broadband internet
20.6%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
23.0%
With a disability
99.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.1%
High School+
11.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay County, West Virginia has a population of 7,946 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Clay County has declined 18.0% since 2010 (9,382 → 7,689), a -1.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clay County, West Virginia is $42,790, with mean (average) household income of $57,968 and per-capita income of $23,748. 18.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clay County, West Virginia is 45.3 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Clay County is $107,100 and median monthly rent is $589. 79.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,945 total housing units, 25.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clay County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 34.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Clay County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
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Statewide data for West Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across West Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.