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
Clay County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 7,946. It ranks #47 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 45.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Clay County is $42,790, below the US median of $74,580. 18.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $107,100, with monthly rent averaging $589. The homeownership rate of 79.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clay County reflects 11.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 38.8 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
Metro areas in West Virginia
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.