Clay County, Missouri

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. State of Missouri. As of 2000, the population is 184,006. Its name is in honor 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 Liberty⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,059 km² (409 mi²). 1,027 km² (396 mi²) of it is land and 32 km² (13 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.06% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 184,006 people, 72,558 households, and 50,137 families residing in the county. The population density is 179/km² (464/mi²). There are 76,230 housing units at an average density of 74/km² (192/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.46% White, 2.66% African American, 0.48% Native American, 1.35% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.18% from other races, and 1.78% from two or more races. 3.58% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 72,558 households out of which 33.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.40% are married couples living together, 10.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% are non-families. 25.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.50 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 32.30% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $48,347, and the median income for a family is $56,772. Males have a median income of $40,148 versus $27,681 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,144. 5.50% of the population and 3.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 6.40% are under the age of 18 and 5.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Avondale
• Birmingham
• Claycomo
• Excelsior Estates
• Excelsior Springs
• Gladstone
• Glenaire
• Holt
• Independence
• Kearney
• Lawson
• Liberty
• Missouri City
• Mosby
• North Kansas City
• Oaks
• Oakview
• Oakwood
• Oakwood Park
• Pleasant Valley
• Prathersville
• Randolph
• Smithville
• Sugar Creek