Clay County, North Carolina

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. State of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population is 8,775. 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 Hayesville⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 km² (221 mi²). 556 km² (215 mi²) of it is land and 15 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.67% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 8,775 people, 3,847 households, and 2,727 families residing in the county. The population density is 16/km² (41/mi²). There are 5,425 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (25/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.01% White, 0.80% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,847 households out of which 23.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.80% are married couples living together, 7.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% are non-families. 26.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.25 and the average family size is 2.68.

In the county the population is spread out with 18.60% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 22.80% from 25 to 44, 29.80% from 45 to 64, and 22.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 94.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $31,397, and the median income for a family is $38,264. Males have a median income of $29,677 versus $19,529 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,221. 11.40% of the population and 7.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 14.60% are under the age of 18 and 13.00% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Hayesville