Clay, AL
Population 10,288 · Alabama
About Clay, AL
Clay is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 10,288 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,163 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clay features a median home value of $198,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clay in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,373, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,387 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (3,588 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (238 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clay shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clay have an average one-way commute time of 34.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.3% of Clay residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Clay experiences an annual average temperature of 63.7°F with 55.78" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 90°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Clay, AL
Compared to national averages, Clay has a median household income of $86,163 (15% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,400, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,373 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Clay's income is 49% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 24% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Clay, AL?
Clay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,163, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $198,400, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Clay has a population of 10,288 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Clay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Clay
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridianville | 10,268 | $93,030 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Rainbow City | 10,213 | $59,659 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Spanish Fort | 10,377 | $101,574 | $314,000 | Compare |
| Valley | 10,406 | $55,422 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Pike Road | 10,103 | $121,687 | $375,000 | Compare |
| Saks | 10,727 | $50,529 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 9,846 | $48,492 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Russellville | 10,783 | $52,529 | $117,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Clay
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 64 | 66 | 71 | 79 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 73 | 64 | 57 |
| Low °F | 42 | 47 | 46 | 52 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.7 | 5.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 5.9 | 3.3 | 5.4 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Clay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clay
What is the population of Clay, AL?
The population of Clay, AL is 10,288 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Clay?
The median household income in Clay, AL is $86,163 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clay?
The median home value in Clay, AL is $198,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clay?
The median monthly rent in Clay, AL is $1,373, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay?
The unemployment rate in Clay, AL is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clay, AL a good place to live?
Clay offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,288 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clay, AL?
23.3% of residents in Clay aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Clay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clay, AL: median home value is $198,400 (19% below national), median rent is $1,373/month, and median household income is $86,163. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clay?
The poverty rate in Clay, AL is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clay, AL?
Clay's population is 2.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 39.4% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.