Clay County, Tennessee

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. State of Tennessee. As of 2000, the population is 7,976. 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 Celina⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 671 km² (259 mi²). 612 km² (236 mi²) of it is land and 60 km² (23 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 8.93% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 7,976 people, 3,379 households, and 2,331 families residing in the county. The population density is 13/km² (34/mi²). There are 3,959 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (17/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.75% White, 1.44% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. 1.35% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,379 households out of which 27.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.70% are married couples living together, 9.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.00% are non-families. 27.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.80.

In the county, the population is spread out with 21.50% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 27.60% from 45 to 64, and 15.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $23,958, and the median income for a family is $29,784. Males have a median income of $23,513 versus $16,219 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,320. 19.10% of the population and 14.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 23.40% are under the age of 18 and 27.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Celina