Clay, WV
Population 485 · West Virginia
About Clay, WV
Clay is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 485 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29 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 $58,800, which is 76% 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 $668, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 272 total housing units, 26% are owner-occupied (41 units) and 74% are renter-occupied (119 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clay shows an unemployment rate of 20.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 75.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clay have an average one-way commute time of 14.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.0% 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, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clay Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Clay, WV
Compared to national averages, Clay has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $58,800, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $668 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Clay's income is 100% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 54% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Clay, WV?
Clay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $58,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $668/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) 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 485 with a median age of 29 years. Compare Clay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Clay
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 485 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Boomer | 488 | $27,875 | $92,800 | Compare |
| Masontown | 490 | $50,938 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Lester | 492 | $30,000 | $81,500 | Compare |
| Burnsville | 493 | $83,095 | $109,900 | Compare |
| Big Chimney | 497 | $72,740 | $216,500 | Compare |
| Bancroft | 472 | $75,938 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Cedar Grove | 468 | $57,750 | $72,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
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, WV?
The population of Clay, WV is 485 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Clay?
The median household income in Clay, WV is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clay?
The median home value in Clay, WV is $58,800, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clay?
The median monthly rent in Clay, WV is $668, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clay?
The unemployment rate in Clay, WV is 20.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clay, WV a good place to live?
Clay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 485 and a median age of 29, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clay, WV?
8.0% 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, WV: median home value is $58,800 (76% below national), median rent is $668/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Clay?
The poverty rate in Clay, WV is 75.7%, 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, WV?
Clay's population is 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.