Clay County, Kentucky

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. State of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population is 24,556. Its name is in honor of Green Clay (1757-1826). Clay was a member of the Virginia and Kentucky State legislatures, first cousin once removed 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 Manchester, Kentucky⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,220 km² (471 mi²). 1,220 km² (471 mi²) of it is land and 0 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.01% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 24,556 people, 8,556 households, and 6,442 families residing in the county. The population density is 20/km² (52/mi²). There are 9,439 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (20/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 93.92% White, 4.80% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.36% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,556 households out of which 36.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% are married couples living together, 12.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.70% are non-families. 22.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.62 and the average family size is 3.06.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 32.60% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 10.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 111.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 112.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $16,271, and the median income for a family is $18,925. Males have a median income of $24,164 versus $17,816 for females. The per capita income for the county is $9,716. 39.70% of the population and 35.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 47.60% are under the age of 18 and 31.30% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Manchester