Clay, KY
Population 1,112 · Kentucky
About Clay, KY
Clay is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 1,112 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,884 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clay features a median home value of $75,600, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $769, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 529 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (276 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (155 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clay shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clay have an average one-way commute time of 35 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.7% 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 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clay Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Clay, KY
Compared to national averages, Clay has a median household income of $43,884 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,600, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $769 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Clay's income is 34% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 59% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Clay, KY?
Clay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $769/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,884) that falls below the national average. However, Clay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clay has a population of 1,112 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Clay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Clay
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earlington | 1,113 | $34,904 | $64,400 | Compare |
| Northfield | 1,104 | $110,714 | $485,800 | Compare |
| Silver Grove | 1,104 | $46,315 | $103,400 | Compare |
| Philpot | 1,098 | $85,833 | $242,100 | Compare |
| Irvington | 1,129 | $48,750 | $113,500 | Compare |
| Lewisburg | 1,093 | $37,684 | $101,000 | Compare |
| West Point | 1,131 | $37,260 | $68,200 | Compare |
| Clarkson | 1,133 | $28,393 | $121,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
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, KY?
The population of Clay, KY is 1,112 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Clay?
The median household income in Clay, KY is $43,884 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clay?
The median home value in Clay, KY is $75,600, which is 69% 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, KY is $769, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay?
The unemployment rate in Clay, KY is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clay, KY a good place to live?
Clay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,112 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clay, KY?
18.7% 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, KY: median home value is $75,600 (69% below national), median rent is $769/month, and median household income is $43,884. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clay?
The poverty rate in Clay, KY is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Clay, KY?
Clay's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.