Clay County, Iowa

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. State of Iowa. As of 2000, the population is 17,372. Its name is in honor of Henry Clay, Jr. Clay was a general who died in action in the Mexican War, son of Henry Clay, famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century. Its county seat is Spencer, Iowa⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,483 km² (573 mi²). 1,473 km² (569 mi²) of it is land and 9 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.63% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 17,372 people, 7,259 households, and 4,776 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (30/mi²). There are 7,828 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (14/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.08% White, 0.17% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. 1.13% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,259 households out of which 30.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% are married couples living together, 6.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.20% are non-families. 29.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.35 and the average family size is 2.92.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 18.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $35,799, and the median income for a family is $42,769. Males have a median income of $30,163 versus $21,068 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,451. 8.20% of the population and 6.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 11.10% are under the age of 18 and 8.10% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Dickens
• Everly
• Fostoria
• Gillett Grove
• Greenville
• Peterson
• Rossie
• Royal
• Spencer
• Webb